OpenPDF vs wkhtmltopdf: What are the differences?

Introduction

OpenPDF and wkhtmltopdf are two different tools used for generating PDFs from HTML content. There are several key differences between the two tools that are important to consider when deciding which one to use.

1. Cost: OpenPDF is a free and open-source library, which means you can use it without any cost. On the other hand, wkhtmltopdf is also free to use, but it requires a paid license if you want to use it in a commercial setting.

2. Installation: OpenPDF is a Java library that needs to be added to your Java project as a dependency. It can be easily installed using Maven or Gradle. On the other hand, wkhtmltopdf is a standalone command-line tool that needs to be installed separately on your system.

3. HTML Rendering: OpenPDF uses Flying Saucer to render HTML and CSS, which means it supports HTML5 and CSS3 features to a certain extent. Wkhtmltopdf, on the other hand, uses the WebKit rendering engine, which provides better support for modern web standards, including advanced CSS features and JavaScript.

4. Flexibility: OpenPDF provides a high level of control and customization options through its API. It allows you to manipulate the PDF document, add watermarks, bookmarks, and other interactive elements. Wkhtmltopdf, on the other hand, is a command-line tool and does not provide as much flexibility for customization.

5. Performance: OpenPDF is known for its performance and memory efficiency, making it a good choice for generating PDFs in high volume scenarios. On the other hand, wkhtmltopdf is slower compared to OpenPDF due to its reliance on the WebKit rendering engine.

6. Platform: OpenPDF is a Java library, which means it can be used on any platform that supports Java. Wkhtmltopdf, on the other hand, is a command-line tool available for Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.

In summary, OpenPDF is a free and open-source Java library that provides good performance and flexibility for generating PDFs, while wkhtmltopdf is a command-line tool that offers better support for modern web standards but requires a paid license for commercial usage.