How to Convert xHTML to PDF: Top Techniques Explained

In the world of web development, you may have heard of xHTML. This is a cleaner version of HTML that is meant to be used to increase web compatibility and add more structure. On the other hand, PDFs are widely considered to be the best format to present documents as it is professional, and all the formatting is consistent. But how do you convert xHTML to PDF?

This guide will explain how to make this conversion whether you are creating invoices, reports or exporting web content in xHTML format to PDF format. For your work needs, ranging from professional instruments to online utilities with no cost, as well as coding solutions, we have assembled an impressive range of choices for you.

Introduction to xHTML & PDF

The abbreviation of XHTML stands for Extensible Hypertext Markup Language. It is the more complex, less flexible relative of HTML. It is intended to be more accurate and completely XML compliant.

The abbreviation of PDF stands for Portable Document Format. It is developed by Adobe and it helps you to preview your document in the same way regardless the device or operating system.

Top Techniques to Convert xHTML to PDF

When a user needs to convert xHTML file to PDF, they would like the result to be properly formatted, easy on the eye and look good on any OS. It also means more than a simple file format conversion. That is why we have described multiple methods, each of which has its benefits and at the same time considered these aspects. Therefore, the users are familiar with the differences so that they can select the one that is most appropriate for their use.

#1 Professional xHTML Converter

SysTools Document Converter Software is the best professional-grade software to convert XHTML documents. This is a very flexible conversion tool meant for dealing with many formats of files such as xHTML to PDF. Whether you are dealing with structured xHTML documents or styled Web content, this software will retain the layout, formatting and design of the original document.

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It is a perfect tool for both novices and experienced users due to its easy-to-use interface. Whether you are creating reports, invoices, or other printable forms, this tool helps you do it quickly, efficiently, and without undue stress.

Steps to Convert xHTML to PDF Using Professional Software:

1. Launch the application on either Windows or Mac (download the relevant software).
2. To upload the XHTML files, you need to click on the “Add File(s)” or “Add Folder” button. You can also upload many files at once for conversion in sets.
3. The output is PDF by default. SysTools offers other options, including page layout such as orientation and margins, among others and even password protection for generated PDF file.
4. Locate and choose the directory, to which the converted PDF files should be delivered.
5. When ready to convert the xHTML to PDF click the “Export” button. After the process is over, go to the destination folder to verify the PDF files.

Its Advantages:

• High-quality output.
• Additional settings for headers and footers, and additional ones for watermarks.
• Ideal for frequent conversion.

It is Best For:

• Those who want the best results regardless of their work environment: enterprises, designers, or developers.
• For those who need to do frequent conversions or process large documents.
• Those who want to convert other file formats (40+ formats) like OTS to PDF, WPS to PDF, TXT to PDF, etc.

#2 Convert xHTML to PDF Online Free (using Aspose)

Instant and at no cost, there are numerous online converters that you can use. One of them is Aspose which enables converting xHTML to PDF online free without any hindrance. It is as simple as uploading your xHTML file. The tool does all the work and then you download your PDF.

Steps to Use Aspose:

1. Go to the website Aspose XHTML to PDF tool.
2. Upload your xHTML file.
3. Press the “Convert” button and save the output PDF.

Its Advantages:

• Completely free to use.
• No installation required.

It is Best For:

• Infrequent and occasional consumers or single-conversion prospects.

#3 Convert from xHTML to PDF with Adobe

Adobe Acrobat offers a direct way to convert web pages or xHTML files into high-quality PDFs. By combining Acrobat with its browser integration tools, you can even capture styled elements like tables, images, and forms.

Steps to Use Adobe for xHTML to PDF Conversion:

1. Open Adobe Acrobat Pro.
2. Under the File, go to Create PDF > From Web Page.
3. Click on the browse button to upload the xHTML file to create the PDF.

Its Advantages:

• Professional-grade quality.
• Completely integrated with the interactive part.

It is Best For: 

• Business people who are in the workspace and have already adapted to using Adobe tools since Adobe is rather expensive to be bought for simple file conversion.

#4 xHTML to PDF Python (xhtml2pdf)

Python coders can convert XHTML to PDF using Python libraries. This method can be useful for automating many work processes or for integrating PDF generation option into an application.

Sample Code to Use xhtml2pdf in Python:

from xhtml2pdf import pisa

def convert_xhtml_to_pdf(source_html, output_file):
with open(output_file, "wb") as pdf_file:
pisa_status = pisa.CreatePDF(source_html, dest=pdf_file)
return pisa_status.err

source_html = "<html><body><h1>Hello, PDF!</h1></body></html>"
output_file = "output.pdf"
convert_xhtml_to_pdf(source_html, output_file)

Its Advantages:

• It is fully customizable with Python scripting.
• Well-suited for the application that is dynamic or for automated workflow.

It is Best For: 

• Developers and coders building custom tools or applications.

Note: xhtml2pdf Django is somewhat different from this method. It is a simple wrapper on xhtml2pdf that makes integration with Django easier. It was last updated in  2018 (source), so it’s up to the user to decide whether or not they are willing to take the risk of choosing this option.

#5 How to Change xHTML to PDF in Java

Java developers can use libraries like iText to change xHTML to PDF. This method is similar to Python scripting but is well-suited for enterprise-level applications due to Java’s robustness.

Java developers can for example use libraries such as iText to convert xHTML to PDF. This method is very similar to the Python scripting method, but more appropriate for the enterprise-level applications because of the Java solidity.

Sample Code for Java Users:

import com.itextpdf.html2pdf.HtmlConverter;
import java.io.FileOutputStream;

public class XHTMLtoPDF {
public static void main(String[] args) {
try {
HtmlConverter.convertToPdf("<html><body><h1>Hello, PDF!</h1></body></html>",
new FileOutputStream("output.pdf"));
} catch (Exception e) {
e.printStackTrace();
}
}
}

Its Advantages:

• Stable and efficient for large scale work.
• Features like encrypting of data and creating digital signatures.

It is Best For:

• Java developers who are planning and designing massive applications.

Table Comparison of All Techniques

Technique	Ease of Use	Cost	Best For
Professional xHTML Converter	High	Paid	Corporate users, heavy-duty tasks
Aspose (Online)	Very High	Free	Casual users
Adobe Acrobat	Medium	Paid	Professionals needing precision
Python (xhtml2pdf)	Medium	Free	Developers building automation
Java (iText)	Medium	Free	Enterprise-level projects

Final Words

Converting xHTML to PDF can be a quite complicated task if you do not know what tools and methods are going to be used in the process. Depending on your need for a simple application or complex graphics software, there is an option for every user. This blog discusses professional software, free web-based applications, and coding options.

Of course, the best method is the one that you need. For those who need occasional conversion, Aspose will be perfect. For developers, Python and Java with their freedom are perfect. For those who do this frequently or have multiple files to convert, professional software is the best fit.