Side by side
Ghostscript vs MinerU
Both stand on pdf converter software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APILinuxMac+2
Ghostscript combines document rendering and conversion with PDF processing features and application integration options. Review licensing and metadata-preservation limits against the intended deployment.
Visit Ghostscript Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+3
MinerU supports document parsing and conversion across a wide range of formats, with both local and integration-oriented tools. Review the memory guidance and license conditions when planning a deployment.
Visit MinerUThe facts
| Ghostscript | MinerU | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Yes |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Pro · Annual: $59.90 a year |
| Plans published | 3 | 5 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | ghostscript.com | opendatalab.github.io |
| On pdf converter software | #4 of 47 | #1 of 47 |
Ghostscript: what it does well
- Converts among PDF, PostScript, PCL, and XPS.
- Supports PDF/A output and adjustable compression.
- OCR can create searchable PDF text.
- Offers command-line and SDK integration.
What to know first
- Closed-source distribution or SaaS may require a commercial license.
- AGPL release has no warranty or guaranteed support.
- Conversion may not preserve embedded files or outlines.
MinerU: what it does well
- Accepts a broad range of document formats
- Exports to multiple document and structured formats
- Offers SDK, HTTP API, CLI, and WebUI
- Remote parsing requires explicit configuration
What to know first
- Higher-throughput local deployments recommend at least 16 GB system memory
- Apple Silicon deployments recommend at least 16 GB unified memory
- Commercial-use thresholds apply under the project license
Alternatives to Ghostscript Alternatives to MinerU The whole list

