System Requirements Document (SRD) for tidal-pdf

1. Introduction

The tidal-pdf project is a comprehensive PDF converter application designed to simplify document workflows for users in India and beyond. This tool aims to provide an all-in-one solution for converting, compressing, merging, and managing PDF files. Whether you're a student, professional, or business user, tidal-pdf is tailored to meet your needs with a seamless and intuitive experience.

This document outlines the system requirements for tidal-pdf, ensuring clarity in development and alignment with user expectations.

2. System Overview

tidal-pdf is a web-based and mobile-friendly application that offers a wide range of PDF-related functionalities. The system is designed to cater to diverse user groups, including students, professionals, and businesses, by providing tools for:

• Converting files to and from PDF format (e.g., Word, Excel, Images).
• Compressing PDF files to reduce file size.
• Merging multiple PDFs into a single document.
• Splitting PDFs into smaller sections.
• Editing PDFs, including text and image modifications.
• Securing PDFs with encryption and password protection.

The application will be accessible via both web browsers and mobile devices, ensuring flexibility and convenience for users. The system will prioritize user-friendly interfaces, fast processing times, and robust security measures.

3. Functional Requirements

As a User:

• I should be able to upload files for conversion to/from PDF.
• I should be able to compress PDF files to reduce their size.
• I should be able to merge multiple PDF files into one.
• I should be able to split a PDF into smaller sections.
• I should be able to edit text and images within a PDF.
• I should be able to secure a PDF with encryption and password protection.
• I should be able to preview the output before downloading.
• I should be able to access the application on both web and mobile platforms.

As an Admin:

• I should be able to monitor user activity and system performance.
• I should be able to manage user accounts and permissions.
• I should be able to generate reports on system usage and errors.
• I should be able to update system features and configurations.

4. User Personas

1. Student

• Needs: Convert lecture notes, compress large files for sharing, and merge multiple PDFs for assignments.
• Devices: Mobile and web.
• Skill Level: Basic to intermediate.

2. Professional

• Needs: Edit contracts, secure sensitive documents, and split large reports for distribution.
• Devices: Desktop and mobile.
• Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced.

3. Business User

• Needs: Batch process files, manage team accounts, and generate usage reports.
• Devices: Desktop.
• Skill Level: Advanced.

5. Visuals Colors and Theme

Unique Color Palette for tidal-pdf:

• Background: #F5F9FF (Soft Sky Blue)
• Surface: #FFFFFF (Pure White)
• Text: #2C3E50 (Deep Slate Gray)
• Accent: #0078D7 (Vivid Azure Blue)
• Muted: #B0BEC5 (Cool Gray)

This palette reflects professionalism, clarity, and trustworthiness, aligning with the application's purpose of simplifying document workflows.

6. Signature Design Concept

Interactive Origami Landing Page

The homepage of tidal-pdf will feature an interactive origami-inspired design. Users will see a dynamic 3D paper-folding animation that transforms into different icons representing the app's core features (e.g., a folded paper crane for "Convert," a layered stack for "Merge," and a lock for "Secure").

• Animation Details: As users hover over each feature, the origami folds will animate smoothly, unfolding to reveal a brief description of the feature.
• Transitions: The background will subtly shift between shades of the color palette, creating a calming gradient effect.
• Micro-interactions: Clicking on a feature will trigger a ripple effect, leading users to the respective tool page.
• Mood: The design will evoke creativity and precision, resonating with the app's focus on document management.

This unique concept will make tidal-pdf instantly memorable and engaging for users.

7. Non-Functional Requirements

• Performance: The system should process file conversions within 5 seconds for files up to 10 MB.
• Scalability: The system should support up to 10,000 concurrent users.
• Security: All file uploads and downloads must be encrypted using AES-256.
• Availability: The system should maintain 99.9% uptime.
• Localization: The system should support English and Hindi languages initially, with the ability to add more in the future.

8. Tech Stack

Frontend:

• React for Web
• React Native for Mobile App

Backend:

• Python
• FastAPI

Database:

• MySQL (with Alembic for migrations)

AI Models:

• GPT 5.4 for user-friendly responses
• Claude 4.6 Opas for academic or coding work

AI Tools:

• Litellm for LLM Routing
• Langchain

Orchestration:

• Docker for local orchestration
• Kubernetes for server-side orchestration

9. Assumptions and Constraints

Assumptions:

• Users will have stable internet connections.
• The majority of users will access the system via modern web browsers or smartphones.
• File uploads will not exceed 100 MB per file.

Constraints:

• Initial deployment will focus on the Indian market.
• The system must comply with Indian data protection regulations.
• Limited support for older browsers (e.g., Internet Explorer).

10. Glossary

• PDF: Portable Document Format, a file format developed by Adobe.
• AES-256: Advanced Encryption Standard with a 256-bit key, used for secure data encryption.
• LLM: Large Language Model, an AI model designed for natural language processing tasks.
• Docker: A platform for developing, shipping, and running applications in containers.
• Kubernetes: An open-source system for automating deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications.