Partial page import with FPDF/FPDI

Question

It was asked here if it was possible to delete text from an existing PDF using FPDI but it seems it isn't.

So, is there a way to partially import a page with FPDI. That is, only import, let's say, the last half of an existing PDF's page?

$pdf = new Fpdi;
$pageId = $pdf->ImportPage($pageNo);
$pdf->AddPage('P', "Letter");
$pdf->useImportedPage($pageId); // Import only the lower half of this page since I don't need the upper half...

Answer 1

The general answer from the developer FAQ is

"Can I edit or modify a PDF document with FPDI?

Simple and correct answer:

No FPDI extracts and imports single pages of existing documents into a structure which can be re-used by FPDF. The resulting PDF created by FPDF/FPDI is a completely new document. Please don't misunderstand: with FPDI you cannot edit a PDF document."

and related

"It is impossible to explicity exclude or include content of a layer."

So unless somebody has developed a supporting page redaction ability, all FPDI does is import (copy) a whole page of contents but without some of the associated links. Note according to comment by Jan Slabon of Setasign since version 2.4 the pages external links may be retained.

Since FPDI 2.4.0 link annotations with an URI action are imported if the $importExternalLinks parameter of the importPage() method is set to true.