Guide to Creating PDF Files with Python

Creating PDF files with Python can be accomplished using several powerful libraries, each with its own unique features and advantages. This guide explores the most popular libraries, including ReportLab, PyPDF2, FPDF, and WeasyPrint, detailing how to install and use each one to create PDF files effectively.

Popular Libraries for PDF Creation in Python

Python offers a variety of libraries for creating PDF files, each with its own strengths. Below, we delve into the most widely used options.

1. ReportLab

ReportLab is a robust library for creating complex layouts and graphics in PDFs. It is highly flexible and allows for intricate design requirements.

Installation:

pip install reportlab

Basic Example:

from  import letterfrom reportlab.pdfgen import canvasdef create_pdf(filename):    c  (filename, pagesizeletter)    c.drawString(100, 750, "Hello, World!")    ()

2. PyPDF2

PyPDF2 is primarily used for manipulating existing PDF files, such as merging, splitting, etc. However, it can also create simple PDFs if needed.

Installation:

pip install PyPDF2

Basic Example:

from PyPDF2 import PdfWriterdef create_pdf(filename):    writer  PdfWriter()    _page(_page(0))    _text("Hello, World!", 100, 750)    with open(filename, "wb") as output_stream:        writer.write(output_stream)

3. FPDF

FPDF is a simple and easy-to-use library for creating PDF files from scratch. It provides a straightforward approach to basic PDF creation.

Installation:

pip install fpdf

Basic Example:

from fpdf import FPDFclass PDF(FPDF):    def header(self):        _font('helvetica', 'B', 12)        self.cell(0, 10, 'Hello, World!', 0, 1, 'C')    def footer(self):        _y(-15)        _font('helvetica', 'I', 8)        self.cell(0, 10, f'Page {_no()} / {_page_number()}', 0, 0, 'C')pdf  PDF()_page()_font('helvetica', 'B', 12)pdf.cell(0, 10, 'Hello, World!', 0, 1, 'C')pdf.output('example.pdf', 'F')

4. WeasyPrint

WeasyPrint is an excellent choice for creating PDFs with complex layouts, as it converts HTML and CSS to PDF.

Installation:

pip install WeasyPrint

Basic Example:

from weasyprint import HTMLhtml_content  '''html  head/head  body    pHello, World!/p  /body/html'''html  HTML(stringhtml_content)html.write_pdf('example.pdf', presentational_hintsTrue)

Choosing the Right Library

Depending on your needs, different libraries may be more suitable. Here's a guide to choosing the right library:

For complex layouts and graphics: Use ReportLab. For manipulating existing PDFs: Use PyPDF2. For simple PDF creation: Use FPDF. For converting HTML/CSS to PDF: Use WeasyPrint.

Each library comes with extensive documentation and examples. You can explore additional features to meet your specific requirements.

Alternative Option: fpdf2

fpdf2 is a more modern version of fpdf and is widely used for simple PDF creation. Here’s how to set it up:

Installation:

pip install fpdf2

Basic Example:

from fpdf import FPDFpdf  FPDF()_page()_font('helvetica', 'B', 12)pdf.cell(0, 10, 'Hello, World!', 0, 1, 'C')pdf.output('example.pdf', 'F')

Creating a PDF Authoring Program from Scratch

For a more involved PDF authoring program, you can create one from scratch, but it requires understanding Adobe's patent on PDF and ISO standards.

Adobe's Patent:

Adobe holds the patent on PDF, and a license is required to make your own PDF-writing software. However, Adobe has granted a Public License that allows individuals and organizations to use, have made use of, sell, import and distribute Compliant Implementations.

ISO Standards:

In 2008, PDF became an ISO standard (ISO 32000–1:2008), specifying PDF 1.7. A newer version (ISO 32000-2:2020) specifies PDF 2.0. ISO holds the copyright on these documents and sells them for US$250 each.