@TheQuinbox__dup_29935@dragonscave.space

Post #619975

2026-03-03 19:39 UTC

PDF is such a cursed goddamn format. I&#39;ve just recently learned of a particular type of PDF file that doesn&#39;t actually include spaces in the text stream, but instead uses a bunch of fancy tricks to move the cursor to the right visually! This totally breaks Paperback, which is great. Might end up switching back to the tried and true pdfium.

Replies (6)

@davetaylor2112@someplace.social 2026-03-03 19:41

@TheQuinbox@dragonscave.space Paperback saves my life so often!

Open ##2555651
@jscholes@dragonscave.space 2026-03-03 19:47

@TheQuinbox@dragonscave.space I applaud you for even trying. I don't mind admitting that were I to be working on an ebook reading application, PDF support might not even be on the roadmap.

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@alexchapman@tweesecake.social 2026-03-03 19:56

@TheQuinbox@dragonscave.space That's why I only like PDFs that are just normal text PDFs and not crazy shit.

Open ##2555656
@ppatel@mstdn.social 2026-03-03 22:26

@TheQuinbox@dragonscave.space I hate. Hate. Hate PDF files. Several years ago, I started developing a server/client workflow that would allow disabled people to generate and edit PDF files. I got so frustrated that I ended up somewhat abandoning the project. I might pick it up again. Perhaps I could use my existing code and use it as a launch point with LLMs.

Open ##2555657
@ysotomayor@mastodon.social 2026-03-04 00:16

@TheQuinbox@dragonscave.space If I could murder PDF, I would. It’s the worst type of format. And trying to make an accessible document in PDF should be classified as torture.

Open ##2555658
@sapphireangel@mastodon.online 2026-03-04 04:04

@TheQuinbox@dragonscave.space Is it the one I sent you? If so I'm sorry!

Open ##2555659