Best PHP PDF Libraries for Your Project in 2023

Creating dynamic PDFs is essential for many web projects, from generating reports to creating invoices. With so many PHP libraries available, selecting the right one can be a daunting task. In this article, we will explore the top PHP PDF libraries that can help you create dynamic PDFs with ease. We'll cover TCPDF, mPDF, and other popular options to give you a comprehensive guide on choosing the best library for your project.

TCPDF

TCPDF is a powerful PHP library for generating PDF documents on-the-fly with minimal code. Developed by Nicola Asuni, it supports advanced features and is actively maintained. TCPDF allows you to create professional PDFs with ease and is ideal for projects that require customization and key features.

Main Features of TCPDF

No external libraries required for basic functions All standard page formats, custom page formats, and units of measure UTF-8 Unicode and Right-To-Left languages support Font subsetting, JPEG and PNG ICC profiles, Grayscale, RGB, CMYK, Spot Colors, and Transparencies Automatic page header and footer management Multiple columns mode

mPDF

mPDF is another excellent library for generating PDFs in PHP. Although the official website may be inactive, you can still download the latest version and find sample files online. This library excels in generating well-designed PDFs and provides extensive CSS support. Here's why:

It supports PHP-based CSS 2.1-compliant HTML layout and rendering engine Dompdf is an option, but it lacks the advanced features and speed of mPDF WKHTMLTOPDF, while faster, may require more setup and isn't as PHP-centric

Top 5 Free PHP PDF Generation Libraries

Creating dynamic PDFs is a core requirement for many web projects, from reporting to invoicing. Here are five of the best free PHP PDF generation libraries to help you meet these needs:

1. FPDF

FPDF is a lightweight PHP class that allows you to generate PDF files using only PHP, without the need for external libraries. It’s great for simple projects and creating basic document templates.

2. Dompdf

Dompdf is a PHP-based HTML to PDF converter that supports CSS 2.1. It's easy to use and generates clean, well-formatted PDFs. However, it may lack some advanced features compared to TCPDF or mPDF.

3. TCPDF

TCPDF is a versatile and powerful library that allows you to generate PDF documents easily. It supports a wide range of features, including custom page formats, UTF-8 Unicode, and advanced font and image handling.

4. WKHTMLTOPDF

WKHTMLTOPDF is a highly efficient tool for generating PDFs from HTML. It uses the Qt WebKit rendering engine and is much faster than other libraries. However, it is a command-line tool and requires more setup compared to PHP libraries.

5. mPDF

mPDF is an advanced PDF generation library that supports extensive CSS styles and layout features. It generates well-designed PDFs and is highly compatible with modern web standards.

Conclusion

When deciding on the best PHP PDF library for your project, consider the specific requirements of your application. TCPDF and mPDF are top choices for powerful, customizable PDF generation, while FPDF and Dompdf are suitable for simpler projects. WKHTMLTOPDF, while fast, may require more technical setup.