How to Convert PHP to PDF Smoothly? Expert Guide

Overview: This blog post discusses the best ways to convert PHP to PDF. Here, we discuss the top 5 techniques you can use to convert your PHP files into PDF format. In this blog post, we will discuss PHP and PDF formats, the top 5 methods you can opt for to accomplish the PHP to PDF conversion, and some commonly asked questions by users regarding the conversion process. So, let’s get started and find out which method will best suit your needs.

Read: Expert Guide to convert XLTX to PDF.

A PHP file is a plain-text file containing code. It is a server-side scripting language, which is best for creating dynamic and interactive live web pages to make your websites look more attractive. Simply put, the code in a PHP file is executed on the server end.

PDF, on the other hand, is a widely known and shared document format. Due to this property, this format is the first choice of users to share any kind of data. It captures all elements in a file and since it is a platform-independent format, users can access their PDF files regardless of the application or device used.

Why Opt for PHP to PDF Conversion?

There are various reasons to convert PHP to PDF; we have mentioned the most commonly known reasons in this section.

• It is easier to open a PDF on any device without facing compatibility issues.
• The formatting does not change, which makes them suitable for printing invoices, generating reports, or receipts.
• There is an option to make your PDF password-protected or encrypted to secure sensitive data.
• Used for long-term document storage purposes.
• If you are converting PHP to PDF, then you can have offline access to edit in crucial times.

How to Convert PHP to PDF? Free Methods

In this section, we will provide you with the five top methods to convert a PHP file to PDF easily.

• Use an automated solution for a smooth PHP to PDF conversion
• Use FPDF Library
• Use TCPDF Library
• Use Dompdf Library
• Using wkhtmltopdf

Let’s further explain each of these methods in detail.

Method 1. Export PHP to PDF – Professional Software

Video to Showcase the Working of PHP to PDF Converter

Why Choose the Automated Tool? – Key Features & Benefits

• Can quickly export multiple .php files to PDF format.
• You will not lose the formatting or layout structure.
• Ideal for both technical & non-technical users.
• Gives you high quality PDF content.
• Quickly does bulk conversion with no data loss.
• Convert in 40+ file formats which makes it an ideal tool for meeting various needs.

Simple Steps to Convert PHP to PDF Without Hassle

1. Firstly, Download and launch the tool.

2. Add .php files using the “Add Folder” or “Add Files” option.

3. Next, Preview these files in the next tab, if any correction is needed.

4. Adjust the settings as per your interest.

5. Just, click Export to complete the process.

Method 2. Using FPDF Library to Export PHP File to PDF

This method is useful for technical users to convert PHP to PDF quickly. You are going to use this popular PHP library to create your PDF. Look into these steps for better execution.

1. First, download the FPDF library and put it in your project folder.
2. Then, accordingly write a PHP script like the one given below:

require(‘fpdf.php’);

$pdf = new FPDF();

$pdf->AddPage();

$pdf->SetFont(‘Arial’,’B’,16);

$pdf->Cell(40,10,’Hello, World!’);

$pdf->Output();

Now, you will be able to create PDF programmatically using this set of code.

Method 3. Convert PHP to PDF Using TCPDF Library

It is another PHP library for creating your PDF using codes with support features like UTF-8, gradients, and barcodes.

1. Firstly, read about the TCPDF library and download the current version.
2. Extract the contents and locate them in your project folder.
3. Then, write this PHP script to create PDF automatically.

require_once(‘tcpdf/tcpdf.php’);

$pdf = new TCPDF();

$pdf->AddPage();

$pdf->SetFont(‘helvetica’, ‘B’, 16);

$pdf->Cell(0, 10, ‘Hello, World!’, 0, 1);

$pdf->Output(‘example.pdf’, ‘I’);

Method 4. Using Dompdf Library

It is a library providing an HTML to PDF conversion facility that is convenient in converting PHP-produced content into PDF.

1. To install Dompdf, use Composer or download it manually.
2. Afterward, insert this code in order to convert content into PDF using this library.

require ‘vendor/autoload.php’;

use Dompdf\Dompdf;

$dompdf = new Dompdf();

$dompdf->loadHtml(‘<h1>Hello, World!</h1>’);

$dompdf->setPaper(‘A4’, ‘landscape’);

$dompdf->render();

$dompdf->stream();

Method 5. Convert PHP to PDF Using wkhtmltopdf

It is a command-line tool that works on PHP produced HTML. You can run it in PHP using the exec() function.

1. You need to install wkhtmltopdf on your server side.
2. Use this PHP code to generate HTML content and pass it to wkhtmltopdf.

$html = ‘<h1>Hello, World!</h1>’;

file_put_contents(‘temp.html’, $html);

exec(‘wkhtmltopdf temp.html output.pdf’);

unlink(‘temp.html’);

Quick Summary on All PHP to PDF Conversion Techniques

In this part, we will tell you which method is best to choose based on your scenarios. So, that you don’t get confused. Have a look at these points to get going.

Professional Software: It is suitable for managing batch PHP files without worrying about technical knowledge.

FPDF Library: Best for creating small projects when you need to convert PHP to PDF using simple PHP scripts.

TCPDF Library: This is perfect for developers who want to make PDF for professional use.

Dompdf Library: Great for converting PHP produced content to PDF, as it does not change the formatting and layout structure.

Using wkhtmltopdf: Use this method for making complex web pages which include CSS, JavaScript, and images, in a PDF.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.) Is FPDF Free?

A1.) Yes, it is completely free as FPDF stands for Free PDF. Moreover, it does not require any API Keys as well.

Q2.) How to Turn PHP into PDF?

A2.) You can use manual PHP PDF libraries like FPDF and TCPDF. You can also use any online PHP to PDF Converter from the internet. However, for a secure and reliable process, experts only suggest using an automated solution such as the one mentioned above.

Conclusion

In this write-up, we have discussed various manual methods and tools to convert PHP to PDF. Mostly these conversions are done by developers or businesses. As, it helps you to create invoices, reports, and other documents that are easy to share and print. We have used various libraries like FPDF, TCPDF, Dompdf, or tools like wkhtmltopdf to make this process simple. Pick the option that suits you the best to generate PDF.