File Content Extraction 26.1
Filter SDK C++ Programming Guide

# Before You Begin

The C++ API is designed to make extraction of content from documents as straightforward as possible. The primary advantage over the C API is the use of C++ features to provide a simpler interface that is easy to use.

The C++ API consists of:

- Header files that define all of the classes and methods required to provide access to document content. These can be included in your own code to provide easy access to the API. You can find details of all the classes and methods in the C++ API Reference.
- Source files that should be compiled into a static library that you can then link to from your code. These implement the functionality that you can access through the headers.

The C++ Filter SDK also comes with a number of Sample Programs.

## Build the C++ API

This section describes the build process for Windows and Linux.

To build the C++ API on Windows

NOTE: To build on Windows, you need at least Microsoft Visual Studio 2015.

1. Switch to the `cppapi/bin` directory.

2. At the Visual Studio command prompt, run `nmake -f Makefile`.

   This command creates a file called `filtersdk.lib`. You can statically link this into your own binaries in order to use the Filter SDK.

To build the C++ API on Linux

1. Switch to the `cppapi/bin` directory.

2. Run the appropriate command:

   GCC 5

   `export CXXFLAGS="-std=c++11"
   make`

   GCC 6

   `make`

   This command creates a file called `filtersdk.a`. You can link this into your own binaries in order to use the Filter SDK.

To build the C++ API on macOS

1. Switch to the `cppapi/bin` directory.

2. Run the following command:

       export CXXFLAGS="-stdlib=libc++ -std=c++11"

3. Run the following command:

       make -f GNUmakefile

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Version 26.1 | Last updated January 2026

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Product: File Content Extraction 26.1

Topic Title: Before You Begin