How to convert HTML to PDF: 10 best tools compared
Table of contents
Looking to convert HTML to PDF? Choose the tool that fits your workflow:
- Nutrient Document Engine — Enterprise-grade HTML-to-PDF with modern CSS support, form conversion, and workflow automation.
- wkhtmltopdf — CLI powered by WebKit; handles complex HTML/CSS and JavaScript.
- Puppeteer — Node.js automation for Chrome/Chromium; great for JavaScript‑heavy pages.
- Playwright — Cross‑browser automation (Chromium, Firefox, WebKit).
- jsPDF — Lightweight client‑side PDF creation for simple layouts.
- html2pdf.js — Combines html2canvas + jsPDF for browser‑side export.
- WeasyPrint — Python engine that renders HTML/CSS precisely.
- pdfmake — Declarative JSON schema for PDFs in Node and browser.
- PDFKit — Programmatic Node.js PDF generation with fine layout control.
- Dompdf — PHP library for HTML/CSS to PDF.
To convert HTML to PDF, you can use open source tools like wkhtmltopdf, Puppeteer, or jsPDF for simple jobs. For enterprise workflows requiring form conversion, digital signatures, and security, Nutrient Document Engine is the best way to convert HTML to PDF at scale.
Common problems when you convert HTML to PDF include broken layouts, missing styles, and limited security features. This guide compares 10 proven tools — from browser libraries to enterprise processors — so you can pick the right one for your project.
1. Convert HTML to PDF with Nutrient Document Engine
Nutrient Document Engine is the best way to convert HTML to PDF in enterprise applications. This server-side toolkit handles PDF generation, editing, OCR, redaction, annotation, signing, and real-time collaboration. Run it headless as a backend service or pair it with Nutrient’s web, mobile, or desktop SDKs.
HTML-to-PDF conversion
At its core, Document Engine can convert HTML to PDF by accepting an HTML source (as a file or string) and processing it through its rendering engine, which supports modern HTML5 and CSS3 standards. It handles advanced layouts with flexbox, grid, media queries, custom fonts, and interactive elements. The process involves sending your HTML content — along with a JSON instructions object — to the /api/build endpoint. The engine then generates a PDF that mirrors your original HTML, including headers, footers, watermarks, and even fillable form fields.
Example with curl:
curl -X POST http://localhost:5000/api/build \ -H "Authorization: Token token=<API token>" \ -F page.html=@/path/to/page.html \ -F instructions='{ "parts": [{ "html": "page.html" }] }' \ -o result.pdfThis command uploads your HTML file and instructions to Document Engine, which returns a high-fidelity PDF. Because the rendering engine is Chromium-based, you can preview your HTML in Chrome to ensure the PDF output matches expectations.
Key features beyond HTML-to-PDF conversion
- Form conversion — HTML forms are transformed into fillable PDF forms.
- Workflow automation — Chain operations (e.g. merging files, watermarking) in a single API call.
- Flexible deployment — Self-host on your infrastructure for compliance, or use Nutrient’s managed cloud.
- Wide format support — Convert Office files, images, and more into PDFs.
- Scalable and reliable — Handles large files, high-volume jobs, and concurrent requests.
Use cases
- Automating invoice, report, or certificate generation from HTML templates.
- Creating fillable PDF forms directly from web forms.
- Integrating secure, compliant PDF generation into enterprise applications.
Nutrient has SDKs for JavaScript, Python, Ruby, PHP, Java, and .NET. See the PDF SDK page for the full list.
In practice, teams use open source tools for small internal scripts or low-risk exports, and choose Nutrient Document Engine when HTML-to-PDF conversion is part of a mission-critical workflow (invoices, statements, contracts, reports) where layout, security, and reliability can’t break.
Start a free trial or talk to Sales.
2. Convert HTML to PDF using wkhtmltopdf
wkhtmltopdf(opens in a new tab) is a command-line tool that uses WebKit to convert HTML to PDF. It handles complex webpages with advanced CSS and JavaScript.
Key features
- HTML5 and CSS3 support — Converts modern webpages with HTML5 and CSS3 features.
- Complex layout handling — Manages multicolumn designs, embedded media, and other intricate layouts.
- Customization — Offers options for page sizes, margins, headers, footers, and more.
- JavaScript execution — Executes JavaScript before rendering, ensuring dynamic content is included.
Use cases
- Server-side PDF generation in web applications
- Automated PDF creation from dynamic content
- Print-ready documents
Check out the following blog posts to learn more about how to use wkhtmltopdf:
- Python HTML to PDF: Convert HTML to PDF using wkhtmltopdf
- How to convert HTML to PDF in C# using wkhtmltopdf
3. Convert HTML to PDF using Puppeteer
Puppeteer(opens in a new tab) is a Node.js library from Google that controls Chrome or Chromium. It renders JavaScript-heavy pages before converting them to PDF.
Key features
- Modern web standards support — Handles JavaScript, CSS, and HTML5, ensuring full rendering of complex webpages.
- Dynamic content rendering — Capable of rendering single-page applications (SPAs) and other dynamic content.
- Customizable PDF output — Offers extensive control over PDF creation, including options for headers, footers, and page layout.
- Automation integration — Easily integrates with automation workflows, making it suitable for CI/CD pipelines.
Use cases
- PDFs from JavaScript-rendered pages
- CI/CD pipeline automation
- Converting SPAs and interactive web apps to static PDFs
4. Convert HTML to PDF using Playwright
Playwright(opens in a new tab) is a Node.js library from Microsoft that automates Chromium, Firefox, and WebKit. Unlike Puppeteer, it supports multiple browsers.
Key features
- Cross-browser support — Automates Chromium, Firefox, and WebKit.
- JavaScript-heavy page handling — Capable of rendering complex, JavaScript-heavy pages.
- PDF layout control — Provides extensive control over PDF layout, including custom page sizes and margins.
- Integration with testing frameworks — Ideal for end-to-end testing and PDF generation within modern testing workflows.
Use cases
- Cross-browser PDF generation
- Converting SPAs and complex webpages
- Automated testing workflows with PDF output
Check out the following blog post to learn more about how to use Playwright:
5. Convert HTML to PDF using jsPDF
jsPDF(opens in a new tab) is a JavaScript library for client-side PDF generation. It creates PDFs directly in the browser without a server and is best for simple layouts and static content.
Key features
- Basic PDF creation — Supports text, images, and shapes.
- User interaction — Allows for annotations and other interactive features.
- Extensible — Can be extended with plugins to support HTML rendering, additional fonts, and more.
- Basic styling — Offers basic styling through built-in methods and manual HTML parsing.
- Customizable page orientation — Allows setting page orientation (portrait or landscape) and configuring layout parameters like page width and margins. This helps to approximate the intended layout of the original HTML document in the output PDF.
Use cases
- Exporting HTML forms or content as PDFs
- Simple reports generated in the browser
- Client-side PDF generation without a server
Check out the following blog posts to learn more about how to use jsPDF:
- How to convert HTML to PDF in React
- Generate PDFs in Salesforce with Lightning web components
- Generate a PDF from HTML with Vue.js
- How to use jsPDF and Angular to generate PDFs
- How to export to PDF using React
6. Convert HTML to PDF using html2pdf.js
html2pdf.js(opens in a new tab) combines jsPDF and html2canvas for browser-side HTML-to-PDF conversion. It handles basic styling and images but struggles with complex layouts.
Key features
- HTML rendering with PDF generation — Combines HTML rendering with jsPDF’s PDF generation capabilities.
- Image support — Supports image conversion and embedding.
- Basic CSS styling — Allows for basic CSS styling and layouts.
- Client-side operation — Works entirely on the client side, making it ideal for single-page applications (SPAs).
Use cases
- Downloadable PDFs from user-generated content
- Exporting webpage sections
- Lightweight browser-based PDF generation
Check out the following blog posts to learn more about how to use html2pdf.js:
- Generate a PDF from HTML with Vue.js
- How to convert HTML to PDF in React using html2pdf
- How to convert HTML to PDF using html2pdf
- How to convert HTML to PDF with JavaScript
7. Convert HTML to PDF using WeasyPrint
WeasyPrint(opens in a new tab) is a Python rendering engine that converts HTML and CSS to PDF. It supports modern web standards and handles complex layouts well.
Key features
- Modern web standards support — Supports HTML5, CSS3, and SVG.
- Complex layouts — Accurately renders complex layouts, including multipage documents, footnotes, and page numbers.
- Framework integration — Easily integrates with Django and Flask web frameworks.
- Automation — Provides a command-line interface for easy automation.
Check out the following blog post to learn more about how to use WeasyPrint:
Use cases
- Server-side PDF generation for Django and Flask apps
- Automated report generation
- Print-ready documents with complex layouts
8. Convert HTML to PDF using pdfmake
pdfmake(opens in a new tab) generates PDFs in both browser and Node.js using a declarative JSON structure. It’s good for dynamic, programmatically generated documents.
Key features
- Declarative structure — Define PDF layout using a hierarchical JSON structure.
- Rich content support — Supports text, images, tables, and vector graphics.
- Dynamic content — Includes support for loops, conditions, and external data.
- Customization — Provides full control over PDF structure and content.
Use cases
- Dynamic invoices, reports, and forms
- Custom PDFs with specific layout rules
- Works in both browser and Node.js
Check out the following blog post to learn more about how to use pdfmake:
9. Convert HTML to PDF using PDFKit
PDFKit(opens in a new tab) is a Node.js library for generating PDFs programmatically. It supports text, images, vector graphics, and encryption.
Key features
- Advanced PDF features — Supports embedded fonts, encryption, and more.
- Precise layout control — Allows for precise control over PDF layout, content, and structure.
- Efficient handling — Handles large documents efficiently, with support for streaming PDFs.
- Node.js integration — Easily integrates with other Node.js modules and libraries.
Use cases
- Server-side PDF generation
- Complex reports, invoices, and catalogs
- Large documents with streaming support
To learn more about converting HTML to PDF using Python, check out the following blog post:
10. Convert HTML to PDF using Dompdf
Dompdf(opens in a new tab) is a PHP library that converts HTML and CSS to PDF. It integrates with Laravel, Symfony, and other PHP frameworks.
Key features
- CSS2.1 and CSS3 support — Supports most CSS2.1 properties and some CSS3 properties.
- HTML5 rendering — Capable of rendering HTML5, including inline PHP and complex tables.
- Custom fonts and styles — Provides support for custom fonts and styles.
Use cases
- PHP-based PDF generation
- Converting web forms and reports to PDF
- Automated PDF creation in Laravel/Symfony apps
Comparison: Best tools to convert HTML to PDF
| Library | Language | Key features | Use cases | Digital signatures | Encryption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| wkhtmltopdf | Command line | - Supports HTML5 and CSS3. Handles complex layouts. Offers customization. | Server-side PDF generation. Automated PDF creation. | No | No |
| Puppeteer | Node.js | - Full support for modern web standards. Renders SPAs and dynamic content. Custom PDF output control. | Generating PDFs from JavaScript-rendered content. Automated PDF creation. | No | No |
| Playwright | Node.js | - Cross-browser support. Handles complex pages. Custom PDF layout control. | Cross-browser PDF generation. Automated PDF creation. | No | No |
| jsPDF | JavaScript | - Supports basic PDF creation. Can render HTML. Allows user interaction. | Exporting HTML forms. Creating simple reports. | No | No |
| html2pdf.js | JavaScript | - Combines HTML rendering with jsPDF. Supports image conversion. Basic CSS styling. | Creating downloadable PDFs from user content. Exporting webpage sections. | No | No |
| WeasyPrint | Python | - Supports HTML5, CSS3, and SVG. Handles complex layouts. Integrates with Django and Flask. | Server-side PDF generation. Automated report creation. | No | No |
| pdfmake | JavaScript | - Declarative document definition. Supports text, images, tables. Dynamic content inclusion. | Generating dynamic invoices. Custom PDFs with specific rules. | No | No |
| PDFKit | Node.js | - Supports embedded fonts and encryption. Precise control over layout. Efficient handling of large documents. | Server-side PDF generation. Creating complex PDFs. | No | Yes |
| Dompdf | PHP | - Supports most CSS2.1 and some CSS3 properties. Renders HTML5. Custom page sizes and styles. | Generating PDFs from HTML in PHP applications. Automated PDF creation. | No | No |
| Nutrient Document Engine | REST API (server-side, language agnostic) | - Converts HTML to PDF with modern CSS/JS support. Form conversion into fillable PDFs. Workflow automation (merge, watermark, etc.) | Enterprise-grade HTML-to-PDF conversion, high-volume document workflows, regulated industries (finance, healthcare, government). | Yes | Yes |
For experiments and internal tooling, any of the open source options can work. For long-lived, audited, or revenue-impacting workflows, Nutrient Document Engine is the safest choice.
Enterprise consideration: Most open source tools lack forms, security, and compliance features. Nutrient Document Engine offers 24/7 support and SLA guarantees, and it scales to high-volume workloads.
How to choose the right tool to convert HTML to PDF
The best way to convert HTML to PDF depends on your project requirements.
1. Complexity of content
If your HTML includes complex layouts or dynamic elements, frameworks like Playwright or pdfmake can help for code-level control. For pixel-perfect output on invoices, statements, and reports, Nutrient Document Engine gives you robust, Chromium-based rendering plus enterprise features.
2. Forms support
Nutrient Document Engine automatically converts HTML forms into fillable PDF forms via its REST API.
Other tools generate static PDFs. Nutrient Document Engine converts HTML <input> elements into fillable PDF form fields automatically.
3. Performance and security
Server-side tools handle large or confidential documents better than client-side libraries. Teams often start with open source and switch to Nutrient Document Engine when HTML-to-PDF conversion becomes a core business workflow.
Conclusion
If you need to convert HTML to PDF for side projects or simple exports, the open source tools in this list work well. To convert HTML to PDF in business-critical workflows — with form conversion, security, and high-volume processing — Nutrient Document Engine is the solution we recommend. Start a free trial or talk to our Sales team.
FAQ
For enterprise applications, Nutrient Document Engine is the best way to convert HTML to PDF — it includes form conversion, digital signatures, and encryption, and it scales to high-volume workloads. For simple projects, use wkhtmltopdf for server-side generation, Puppeteer for JavaScript-heavy pages, or jsPDF for basic client-side needs.
Most open source tools can’t. Nutrient Document Engine lets you convert HTML to PDF with encryption, digital signatures, redaction, and compliance features for business applications handling sensitive documents.
Use Puppeteer or Playwright for server-side Node.js, or jsPDF/html2pdf.js for client-side browser conversion. For enterprise needs, Nutrient Document Engine provides a REST API that works from any JavaScript environment.
Only Nutrient Document Engine automatically converts HTML form elements into fillable PDF form fields when you convert HTML to PDF. Other tools generate static PDFs.
Use WeasyPrint for open source Python HTML-to-PDF conversion. For enterprise features like forms and signatures, use Nutrient Document Engine’s REST API from Python.
