How to Convert PHP to PDF Step-by-Step
Overview: Do you know what a PHP file is? If not, you don’t need to worry! We will make you understand by giving an answer for this and tell you the methods which you can use to convert PHP to PDF. To start with, a PHP file is a plain-text file containing code. It is a server-side scripting language, which is best for creating live web pages for making your websites look more attractive. It means that the code in a PHP file is executed on the server end. In this write-up, we will take you through the different ways to convert PHP file to PDF using manual methods and tools to make it easy for doing conversion. We have got something more for you. If you’re looking to convert XLTX to PDF, then go through this guide.
Why PHP to PDF Conversion?
There are various reasons to convert PHP to PDF. Let’s know these points one by one in the below wordings.
- It is easier to open 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 five top methods to convert PHP file to PDF easily. Below are some tried techniques to make this happen without any problem.
Method 1. Export PHP to PDF – Professional Software
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
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.
- First, download the FPDF library and put it in your project folder.
- 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.
- Firstly, read about the TCPDF library and download the current version.
- Extract the contents and locate them in your project folder.
- 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 HTML into PDF.
- To install Dompdf, use Composer or download it manually.
- Afterward, insert this code in order to convert HTML 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 converts HTML to PDF. You can run it in PHP using the exec() function.
- You need to install wkhtmltopdf on your server side.
- 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’);
Choose the Right Method According to Your Needs
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 HTML to PDF, as it does not change the formatting and layout structure.
Using wkhtmltopdf: Use this method for making complex HTML pages which include CSS, JavaScript, and images, in a PDF.
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.