Application for managing a pdf document library
I'm looking for an application that can help manage a library of pdf documents. I prefer open source (or just free beer), but that's not absolutely essential.
I am aware of calibre and use it often for my ebooks, including those in pdf format. However, I'd like something for more general purpose use, especially PDFs that are largely - or entirely - graphics based, or contain small amounts of text (like keyboard shortcut reference cards and the like, research papers, and the like).
Easy management of metadata, search and filter, and easy access to the files from an application interface are the other main requirements. I don't need any device-sync or transfer capabilities, all the documents in this library would reside only on my MBP.
Anything out there that would be useful in this context?
BibDesk (free)
is free, does everything you describe, and integrates well with LaTeX.
Papers2 ($79 for Mac and another 15$ for iPad extension)
Does what you want, but is not free, and does not have as good integration with LaTeX. Papers does have support for iPhone/iPad devices (at extra cost).
FingerPDF
It is particularly suited for PDF Technical Books, Magazines and Papers
Yep (39$)
It handles the job of document management pretty well.
I have a license and it’s really good at finding all the PDF mess that I have scattered. Then the reading feature and the loupe are nice. They have a trial.
DEVONthink After a hundred years of research I decided on DEVONthink Pro Office for my academic workflow.
I recommend that you don't simply compare the features of the software listed here, but google around for how other people in your field use these apps. It will give you a better idea of what you actually want without trying them all.