How Can I Add HTML and CSS Into PDF

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pdf-conversion

css-to-pdf

html-to-pdf

byAlex Kataev·Feb 9, 2025

To convert HTML/CSS to PDF try out Puppeteer. Simply install Puppeteer (npm install puppeteer), then execute the following snippet in your Node.js environment:

const puppeteer = require('puppeteer');
(async () => {
  const browser = await puppeteer.launch();
  const page = await browser.newPage();
  // Your HTML is a canvas. Make your masterpiece!
  await page.setContent('<h1>Your HTML here</h1>');
  // Now, bring in the artist. Let's get dodgy with red headings, shall we?
  await page.addStyleTag({content: 'h1 { color: red; }'});
  // Convert your art to the Mona Lisa of PDFs.
  await page.pdf({path: 'result.pdf', printBackground: true});
  await browser.close();
})();

This is a quick and reliable method for PDF generation, doing wonders for automated tasks and on-the-fly PDF creation.

Detailed breakdown of tools and libraries

When dealing with HTML and CSS to PDF conversion, an array of tools and libraries are at your disposal. Let's delve into this toolbox and contextualize usage based on various scenarios.

wkhtmltopdf: Robust and Linux-friendly

Favored by Linux enthusiasts, wkhtmltopdf excels in straightforward cases, effectively converting HTML and CSS into PDF. For complex documents, however, its capabilities may prove inadequate.

pdfkit: The Modern Touch

If cutting-edge tech tingles your senses, pdfkit offers a browser-driven, Node.js-enhanced approach, signifying technological progression in HTML to PDF conversion.

Dealing with the old guard

If you are handling images, tables, or working with legacy codebases, older tools like HTML2PDF and HTML2PS come in handy. Do take note of your server's settings (pcre.backtrack_limit and memory_limit), to circumvent potential bottlenecks.

Avoiding htmldoc

If CSS is the lifeblood of your HTML (as it should be), give a wide berth to htmldoc that's notoriously inept at handling modern CSS standards.

Upscale Conversion with PrinceXML

If quality takes precedence, PrinceXML guarantees ACID2 compliance with high styling precision - a worthy trade-off for its cost. Also, consider online services like PDFShift, Restpack, and DocRaptor for quick conversions.

Keeping an eye on evolution

Technology enjoys keeping us on our toes, so always double-check the viability of older tools. There could be newer and more efficient alternatives out there.

Simplifying conversion with mPDF

Embrace the mPDF library if you're working with PHP on Linux servers. It supports inline CSS and simplifies PDF creation. mPDF's documentation, available at mpdf.github.io, is a resourceful guide for treading through memory issues.

Enhancements, considerations, and trade-offs

Handling advanced elements

While injecting rich media or interactive elements into your PDF, study the libraries and tools that support JavaScript or dynamic content. PDFreactor and PrinceXML offer comprehensive features in these cases.

Debugging and resource allocation

For the ardent debuggers, pairing mPDF with PHP could make error tracing a breeze. Make sure to configure your server's memory_limit to at least 1024M and increase max_execution_time to 600s for a seamless HTML2PDF experience.

Mastering CSS for Print

Enhance your PDFs by understanding the CSS Paged Media Module. Proficiency in @page allows you to style different sections immaculately, ensuring your PDF isn't just functional, but also visually appealing.

Dealing with server limits

Complex PDF creations require adequate server resources for smooth execution, so monitor your server capabilities closely, avoid overshooting pcre.backtrack_limit, and adjust your memory_limit accordingly to prevent memory issues.

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