XFDF import API

Import annotations, form fields, and form values into your PDF documents with our XFDF API.

Import annotations and form data

Seamlessly bring in highlights, comments, form field definitions, and field values using the XFDF (XML Forms Data Format) standard.

Automate with Zapier

Automatically import XFDF annotations into PDF files using our Zapier integration. Just upload the XFDF and PDF to Google Drive. Nutrient handles the merge without manual intervention.

Streamline document automation

Perfect for workflows that involve form prefilling, automated review comments, or importing markup from external systems.

Used by Lufthansa, Disney, Autodesk, UBS, Dropbox, IBM
Lufthansa
Disney
Autodesk
UBS
Dropbox
IBM

Try it out

This example will import an XFDF file with annotations into your PDF.


Try it out in three steps

  1. Add a PDF named annotations.pdf and an XFDF file named annotations.xfdf to your project folder.
  2. Run the code from the same folder.
  3. Open result.pdf to see the output.
curl -X POST https://api.nutrient.io/build \
-H "Authorization: Bearer your_api_key_here" \
-o result.pdf \
--fail \
-F document=@annotations.pdf \
-F annotations.xfdf=@annotations.xfdf \
-F instructions='{
"parts": [
{
"file": "document"
}
],
"actions": [
{
"type": "applyXfdf",
"file": "annotations.xfdf"
}
]
}'

Start now

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Security is our top priority

No document storage

No input or resulting documents are stored on our infrastructure. All files are deleted as soon as a request finishes. Alternatively, check out our self-hosted product.

HTTPS encryption

All communication between your application and Nutrient is done via HTTPS to ensure your data is encrypted when it’s sent to us.

Safe payment processing

All payments are handled by Paddle. Nutrient DWS Processor API never has direct access to any of your payment data.


Frequently asked questions

What is an XFDF import API?

An XFDF import API merges XFDF annotation and form data into a PDF with a single API call. With Nutrient’s DWS Processor API, you can apply saved annotations and form field values to a document without building your own PDF tooling.

What is XFDF?

XFDF (XML Forms Data Format) is an XML-based standard in the PDF specification for representing annotations and form field data separately from the document, so it can be stored, transmitted, and reapplied.

How do I import XFDF into a PDF programmatically?

Send your PDF and the XFDF data to the Nutrient DWS Processor API, and it returns the PDF with the annotations and form values applied. You can call it via REST, Postman, curl, JavaScript, Python, Java, C#, or PHP.

Which programming languages does the API support?

You can call the API from any language that can make HTTP requests. We provide quick start examples for JavaScript, Python, Java, C# (.NET), and PHP, plus REST and a Postman collection.

Is there a free XFDF import API?

Yes. You can start for free — sign up to receive processing credits and try the XFDF import API before choosing a Processor API plan.

Ready to try it?

Create an account to get your DWS Processor API key and start making API calls.