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Overview

PDF AI offers a Pro subscription tier powered by Stripe, providing users with enhanced capabilities and unlimited document processing. The subscription system is fully integrated with Clerk authentication and uses webhooks for automatic subscription management.

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Pricing Tiers

Free Tier

  • Limited PDF uploads
  • Basic chat functionality
  • Standard support
  • Community access

Pro Tier

  • ₹1,600/month (INR)
  • Unlimited PDF uploads
  • Priority processing
  • Advanced features
  • Premium support
The Pro subscription is priced at ₹1,600 per month (approximately $19 USD) and provides countless hours of time saved through unlimited document processing.

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Subscription Features

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Free vs Pro

FeatureFreePro
PDF UploadsLimitedUnlimited
File Size Limit10MB10MB
Chat History✓✓
Vector Search✓✓
Processing PriorityStandardHigh Priority
SupportCommunityPremium

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Stripe Integration

The subscription system uses Stripe Checkout for new subscriptions and the Billing Portal for managing existing subscriptions:
src/app/api/stripe/route.ts
const return_url = process.env.NEXT_BASE_URL + "/";

export async function GET() {
  try {
    const { userId } = await auth();
    const user = await currentUser();

    if (!userId) {
      return new NextResponse("unauthorized", { status: 401 });
    }

    const _userSubscriptions = await db
      .select()
      .from(userSubscriptions)
      .where(eq(userSubscriptions.userId, userId));
      
    if (_userSubscriptions[0] && _userSubscriptions[0].stripeCustomerId) {
      // Existing customer - redirect to billing portal
      const stripeSession = await stripe.billingPortal.sessions.create({
        customer: _userSubscriptions[0].stripeCustomerId,
        return_url,
      });
      return NextResponse.json({ url: stripeSession.url });
    }

    // New customer - create checkout session
    const stripeSession = await stripe.checkout.sessions.create({
      success_url: return_url,
      cancel_url: return_url,
      payment_method_types: ["card"],
      mode: "subscription",
      billing_address_collection: "auto",
      customer_email: user?.emailAddresses[0].emailAddress,
      line_items: [
        {
          price_data: {
            currency: "INR",
            product_data: {
              name: "Ai-PDF Pro",
              description: 'countless hours of time saved',
            },
            unit_amount: 160000, // ₹1,600 in paise
            recurring: {
              interval: "month",
            },
          },
          quantity: 1,
        },
      ],
      metadata: {
        userId,
      },
    });
    return NextResponse.json({ url: stripeSession.url });
  } catch (error) {
    console.log(error);
    return new NextResponse("internal server error", { status: 500 });
  }
}
The Stripe integration automatically detects whether a user is subscribing for the first time or managing an existing subscription, routing them to the appropriate Stripe interface.

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Subscription Button

The subscription button dynamically changes based on the user’s subscription status:
src/components/SubscriptionButton.tsx
const SubscriptionButton = (props: Props) => {
  const [loading, setLoading] = React.useState(false);
  const router = useRouter();
  
  const handleSubscription = async () => {
    try {
      setLoading(true);
      const response = await fetch("/api/stripe");
      if (!response.ok) {
        throw new Error("Error in fetching messages");
      }
      const data = (await response.json()) as {
        url: string;
      };

      router.push(data.url);
    } catch (error) {
      console.error(error);
    } finally {
      setLoading(false);
    }
  };
  
  return (
    <Button disabled={loading} onClick={handleSubscription} variant="outline">
      {props.isPro ? "Manage Subscriptions" : "Get Pro"}
    </Button>
  );
};

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Checking Subscription Status

The application checks subscription validity server-side:
src/lib/subscription.ts
export const checkSubscription = async () => {
  const { userId } = await auth()
  if (!userId) return false

  const _userSubscriptions = await db
    .select()
    .from(userSubscriptions)
    .where(eq(userSubscriptions.userId, userId));

  if (!_userSubscriptions[0]) return false

  const userSubscription = _userSubscriptions[0]

  const isValid = 
    userSubscription.stripePriceId && 
    userSubscription.stripeCurrentPeriodEnd?.getTime()! + 1000 * 60 * 60 * 24 > Date.now()

  return !!isValid
}
Subscription validity includes a 24-hour grace period after the billing period ends to account for webhook delays and payment processing time.

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Database Schema

User subscriptions are stored with complete Stripe metadata:
src/lib/db/schema.ts
export const userSubscriptions = pgTable("user_subscriptions", {
  id: serial("id").primaryKey(),
  userId: varchar("user_id", { length: 256 }).notNull().unique(),
  stripeCustomerId: varchar("stripe_customer_id", { length: 256 })
    .notNull()
    .unique(),
  stripeSubscriptionId: varchar("stripe_subscription_id", {
    length: 256,
  }).unique(),
  stripePriceId: varchar("stripe_price_id", { length: 256 }),
  stripeCurrentPeriodEnd: timestamp("stripe_current_period_ended_at"),
});

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Webhook Handling

Stripe webhooks automatically update subscription status in the database:
1

Webhook Event

Stripe sends webhook events for subscription creation, updates, and cancellations to /api/webhook.
2

Signature Verification

The webhook handler verifies the Stripe signature to ensure the request is authentic.
3

Database Update

Subscription data is updated in the database including stripeCustomerId, stripeSubscriptionId, stripePriceId, and stripeCurrentPeriodEnd.
4

User Access Update

Pro features are automatically enabled or disabled based on subscription status.

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Managing Your Subscription

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For New Users

  1. Click the “Get Pro” button in the application
  2. You’ll be redirected to Stripe Checkout
  3. Enter your payment details securely through Stripe
  4. Complete the checkout process
  5. You’ll be redirected back to the application with Pro access enabled

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For Existing Subscribers

  1. Click the “Manage Subscriptions” button
  2. You’ll be redirected to the Stripe Billing Portal
  3. From there you can:
    • Update payment methods
    • View billing history
    • Download invoices
    • Cancel your subscription
Cancelling your subscription will maintain Pro access until the end of your current billing period. After that, your account will revert to the free tier.

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Payment Methods

Stripe Checkout supports all major payment methods:
  • Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
  • Debit cards
  • Additional local payment methods based on region

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Security

PCI Compliant

All payment processing is handled by Stripe, a PCI Level 1 certified payment processor.

Secure Webhooks

Webhook signature verification ensures only authentic Stripe events are processed.

No Stored Cards

Payment information is never stored in the application database.

Clerk Auth

Subscription access is tied to authenticated Clerk user IDs.

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Troubleshooting

If your payment fails, check that:
  • Your card has sufficient funds
  • Your card supports international transactions (if outside India)
  • Your billing address is entered correctly
Try using a different payment method or contact your bank if issues persist.
Webhook processing typically takes 1-2 seconds. If Pro features don’t activate:
  1. Wait 30 seconds and refresh the page
  2. Log out and log back in
  3. Check your email for payment confirmation from Stripe
If issues persist after 5 minutes, contact support with your Stripe receipt.
The billing portal is only available to users who have an active or past subscription. If you’re a new user, you’ll see the “Get Pro” button instead.
  1. Click “Manage Subscriptions” in the app
  2. Click “Cancel subscription” in the Stripe Billing Portal
  3. Confirm the cancellation
You’ll retain Pro access until the end of your current billing period.

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Environment Variables

.env.local
STRIPE_API_KEY=your_stripe_secret_key
STRIPE_WEBHOOK_SECRET=your_webhook_signing_secret
NEXT_BASE_URL=https://yourdomain.com
The STRIPE_WEBHOOK_SECRET is required for webhook signature verification and can be found in your Stripe Dashboard under Developers → Webhooks.

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Billing Cycle

  • Billing Period: Monthly (30 days)
  • Renewal: Automatic on the same day each month
  • Pro-rated Refunds: Not available
  • Grace Period: 24 hours after period end
  • Payment Retry: Stripe automatically retries failed payments

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Support

For subscription and billing issues:
  • Check the Stripe Billing Portal for payment history
  • Review your email for Stripe payment receipts
  • Contact support with your Stripe customer ID for assistance

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