Understanding the 429 Error: Too Many Requests
This error indicates that you've exceeded the number of API requests allowed by your current subscription plan within a specific time frame.
Additionally, if your subscription becomes inactive or canceled, it will default to the Free plan's rate limit of 5 requests per second, which may trigger this error if your workflows require more intensive usage.
Why This Happens
PDF.co enforces rate limits based on your plan:
Enterprise Plan: 20 requests per second
Business Plan: 15 requests per second
Basic/Personal Plans: 10 requests per second
Free Plan: 5 requests per second
If you exceed these limits, you'll receive a 429 error.
If your subscription reverts to the Free plan due to inactivity or cancellation, its rate limit of 5 requests per second could also cause this error.
What You Can Do
3. Upgrade to a Higher Subscription Plan
If your workflows frequently exceed the current rate limits, consider upgrading to a more suitable plan (e.g., Business or Enterprise) to minimize disruptions.
1. Implement Delays Between Requests
Introduce short pauses (e.g., 1–2 seconds) between API calls to ensure you stay within your allowed rate limit.
2. Utilize Asynchronous Processing
For large files or multiple operations, use asynchronous mode to process tasks in the background. This reduces the likelihood of hitting rate limits.
Learn more about async mode:
- https://developer.pdf.co/api/async-and-sync-mode