#  inputs

Specifying input files and passwords

## Details
The general syntax for providing input to an operation is:

```
<inputs> [ input_pw <password>... ]
```

`<inputs>` is a space-separated list of one or more input PDF
sources. Each source can be:

  - A file path: `my_doc.pdf`

  - A handle assignment (for referring to files in
    operations): `A=my_doc.pdf`

  - A single dash `-` to read from standard input (stdin).

  - The keyword `PROMPT` to be interactively asked for a
    file path.

`[ input_pw <password>... ]` is an optional block to provide
owner passwords for encrypted files. The passwords in the
`<password>...` list can be assigned in two ways:

  - By position: Passwords are applied sequentially to the
    encrypted input files in the order they appear, as in:

    `enc1.pdf plain.pdf enc2.pdf input_pw pass1 pass2`

  - By handle: If an input file has a handle (e.g.,
    `A=file.pdf`), its password can be assigned using the same
    handle. This is the most reliable method when using
    multiple encrypted files. As in:

    `A=enc1.pdf B=enc2.pdf input_pw B=pass2 A=pass1`

The keyword `PROMPT` can be used in the list to be securely
prompted for a password. This is recommended.

*Source: pdftl.cli.pipeline*

*Read online: [https://pdftl.readthedocs.io/en/stable/general/input.html](https://pdftl.readthedocs.io/en/stable/general/input.html)*

*Type: HelpTopic*