PDF Creation
- jspdf:
jspdfallows for basic PDF creation directly in the browser. You can add text, images, and shapes, and it supports simple HTML to PDF conversion. However, the HTML rendering is limited, and complex layouts may not be accurately reproduced. - pdf-lib:
pdf-libprovides robust PDF creation capabilities, allowing you to create documents from scratch or modify existing ones. It supports adding text, images, and shapes, as well as more advanced features like creating forms and annotations. - pdfkit:
pdfkitis a powerful library for creating PDFs programmatically in Node.js. It supports complex layouts, vector graphics, and advanced typography, making it suitable for generating high-quality PDFs with detailed customization. - pdfmake:
pdfmakeallows for PDF creation using a declarative approach. You define the document structure using a JSON object, which makes it easy to create complex layouts, tables, and styled text. - pdfjs:
pdfjsis primarily focused on rendering and interacting with existing PDF documents rather than creating them. It does not provide PDF creation features.
PDF Manipulation
- jspdf:
jspdfoffers limited PDF manipulation capabilities, such as adding content to existing PDFs and merging multiple PDFs. However, it is not designed for extensive editing or manipulation of existing PDF files. - pdf-lib:
pdf-libexcels in PDF manipulation, allowing you to modify existing PDF documents, merge multiple files, fill out forms, and add annotations. It provides a comprehensive set of features for both creation and manipulation. - pdfkit:
pdfkitdoes not provide built-in PDF manipulation features. It is primarily focused on creating PDFs from scratch rather than editing existing ones. - pdfmake:
pdfmakedoes not support PDF manipulation features such as editing existing PDFs or merging files. It is focused on creating PDFs from defined document structures. - pdfjs:
pdfjsdoes not provide PDF manipulation features. It is focused on rendering and interacting with PDF documents, making it suitable for viewing and annotating PDFs but not for editing them.
Rendering HTML to PDF
- jspdf:
jspdfsupports basic HTML to PDF conversion using thehtmlmethod, which allows you to render HTML elements as PDF content. However, the rendering quality and accuracy may vary, especially with complex layouts and CSS. - pdf-lib:
pdf-libdoes not provide built-in HTML to PDF conversion. It focuses on PDF creation and manipulation using JavaScript, allowing you to add text, images, and other elements programmatically. - pdfkit:
pdfkitdoes not support HTML to PDF conversion. It is a programmatic PDF creation library that requires you to define the content and layout using JavaScript code. - pdfmake:
pdfmakedoes not support HTML to PDF conversion. It uses a declarative approach where you define the document structure using a JSON object. - pdfjs:
pdfjsdoes not support HTML to PDF conversion. It is designed for rendering and displaying existing PDF documents in the browser.
Client-side vs Server-side
- jspdf:
jspdfis primarily a client-side library that runs in the browser, making it suitable for generating PDFs directly from web applications without server interaction. - pdf-lib:
pdf-libcan be used both client-side and server-side, making it versatile for applications that require PDF creation and manipulation in different environments. - pdfkit:
pdfkitis designed for server-side PDF creation in Node.js. It is not suitable for client-side use due to its reliance on Node.js streams. - pdfmake:
pdfmakecan be used both client-side and server-side, allowing for PDF generation in a variety of environments. - pdfjs:
pdfjsis a client-side library for rendering PDF documents in the browser. It is not designed for server-side use.
Ease of Use: Code Examples
- jspdf:
Simple PDF Creation with
jspdfimport jsPDF from 'jspdf'; const doc = new jsPDF(); doc.text('Hello, world!', 10, 10); doc.save('example.pdf'); - pdf-lib:
PDF Creation and Manipulation with
pdf-libimport { PDFDocument } from 'pdf-lib'; const pdfDoc = await PDFDocument.create(); const page = pdfDoc.addPage([600, 400]); page.drawText('Hello, PDF!', { x: 50, y: 350 }); const pdfBytes = await pdfDoc.save(); - pdfkit:
PDF Creation with
pdfkitconst PDFDocument = require('pdfkit'); const doc = new PDFDocument(); doc.pipe(fs.createWriteStream('output.pdf')); doc.text('Hello, PDFKit!'); doc.end(); - pdfmake:
PDF Creation with
pdfmakeconst docDefinition = { content: 'This is a sample PDF document.' }; pdfMake.createPdf(docDefinition).download('sample.pdf'); - pdfjs:
Rendering PDF with
pdfjsimport { pdfjsLib } from 'pdfjs-dist'; const loadingTask = pdfjsLib.getDocument('path/to/document.pdf'); loadingTask.promise.then(pdf => { console.log('PDF loaded:', pdf); });
