pdfjs is a popular JavaScript library developed by Mozilla for rendering PDF documents in web applications. It allows developers to display PDFs directly in the browser without requiring any external plugins. With its powerful rendering capabilities, pdfjs is widely used for applications that need to display PDF files, such as document viewers and online editors. While pdfjs is a robust solution for PDF rendering, there are several alternatives that cater to different needs in the realm of PDF manipulation and generation. Here are a few notable alternatives:
jspdf is a widely used library for generating PDF documents in client-side JavaScript. It allows developers to create PDFs programmatically, adding text, images, and shapes with ease. jspdf
is particularly useful for applications that need to generate downloadable PDF files from user input or dynamic content. Its straightforward API makes it accessible for developers looking to implement PDF generation without deep knowledge of PDF specifications.
pdf-lib is a versatile library for creating and modifying PDF documents in JavaScript. It supports a wide range of features, including text, images, and annotations, making it suitable for both generating new PDFs and editing existing ones. pdf-lib
is particularly powerful for applications that require detailed manipulation of PDF content, such as filling forms or merging documents. Its focus on flexibility and performance makes it a great choice for developers needing comprehensive PDF capabilities.
pdfkit is a PDF generation library for Node.js that allows developers to create complex PDF documents with a simple and expressive API. It supports features such as vector graphics, text, images, and more. pdfkit
is ideal for server-side applications that need to generate PDFs dynamically, such as invoices or reports. Its ability to handle complex layouts and graphics makes it a popular choice for developers working on server-rendered PDF generation.
pdfmake is a powerful library for generating PDF documents in web applications. It allows developers to create PDFs using a declarative syntax, making it easy to define the structure and content of documents. pdfmake
is particularly useful for applications that require complex layouts and formatting, such as reports or brochures. Its built-in support for tables, lists, and styles provides a high level of customization for PDF documents.
react-pdf is a library specifically designed for rendering PDF documents in React applications. It allows developers to display PDFs using React components, making it easy to integrate PDF viewing capabilities into React apps. react-pdf
is ideal for applications that need to display PDF content while maintaining a React-friendly approach. Its component-based architecture allows for seamless integration with existing React applications.
To compare these packages and find the best fit for your needs, check out the following link: Comparing jspdf vs pdf-lib vs pdfjs vs pdfkit vs pdfmake vs react-pdf.
A Portable Document Format (PDF) generation library targeting both the server- and client-side.
Documentation | Changelog | Playground | Examples
npm install pdfjs
On life-support. No new features planned. Only gets fixes if time allows. I recommend that you use something else.