How to Convert XML to PDF – A Step-by-Step Guide
Most people who work with XML files know how good they are for storing structured data. XML (eXtensible Markup Language) files are the perfect blend of using tags to organize data in a hierarchical structure. But an XML file is not the best form to share and present data. Users can easily convert XML to PDF (Portable Document Format) to generate professional-looking documents that are easy to share, present and view.
In this guide, you will get step-by-step instructions to convert XML files to PDF documents regardless of your requirements. These methods will help you with single conversion, bulk conversion, using codes for conversion, free conversion and more.
Table of Contents:
Let’s get started.
Why Do People Convert XML to PDF?
People convert XML files to PDF for several practical reasons:
I. Presentation and Readability
- XML files have a systematic form but do not contain good layout design.
- PDFs maintain a single layout that is compatible with all devices and operating systems
- Enhances the readability of the information by other users and non-computerized technologies.
II. Document Sharing
- PDF files are platform independent and PDF format is well accepted by all software applications.
- People who receive the messages do not require a special XML reader or any other application to view them.
- Preserves EXACT formatting with the shared files
III. Professional Documentation
- Transforms complex leading indicator XML data into an elegant report
- Document in XML and generate end user manuals
- Create customer-facing documents out of XML data
IV. Archiving
- PDF files are more suitable for document archiving since they are less susceptible to incompatibility issues.
- Slightly more stable format for record-keeping
- Can also be signed electronically to ensure that they are original documents.
V. Printing
- PDF files are compatible with most print settings
- When printed, it retains its layout generously.
- Better page layout control
VI. Security
- Can lock a PDF with password.
- Can restrict editing in PDF documents.
- Supports protection of XML-sensitive data every time it is shared.
Top Ways to Convert XML to PDF
Actually, there are several approaches to perform the XML to PDF transformation, all of which are based on your technical experience and requirements. Here are the most effective methods:
1st Way: Free XML to PDF Converters Online
The conversion through the direct use of online tools is the easiest method if one wishes to perform a quick conversion and wishes not to install any software. Here’s how you can convert XML file to PDF online for free:
- Select an Online Converter, like Zamzar, Convertio or Online-Convert as they provide XML to PDF conversion.
- Go to the website of the tool and open the XML file.
- Some tools offer additional choices. Use them if required.
- Once the conversion is done, download the PDF file and verify it.
Pros:
- No installation required.
- Fast and user-friendly.
Cons:
- There is little choice in customization.
- Concerns when uploading data that may be accessed by unauthorized persons.
2nd Way: Professional Tool for Bulk Conversion
Here it is useful to turn to an automated software called Document Converter Tool by SysTools which can help convert XML to PDF in batch. It is particularly relevant for those users who work with a significant number of XML documents at once quickly. It is an offline converter software that works on your system and thus is completely safe and secure unlike online converters.
Key Features for XML Conversion:
- Saves multiple XML files in PDF format.
- Properly preserves XML data’s original organization or arrangement of the content.
- Gives popular customization choices for PDF page design and format.
- Additional file formats for input are supported such as MHT to PDF, HTML, etc.
- Preview data before conversion.
- A very-user friendly interface with little to no learning curve.
Steps to Convert XML to PDF with professional tool:
- Download & install and run the software.
- Either add XML files or add a folder which contains one or more XML files.
- Select the added file to preview its content.
- Next, if need be, you can set further options such as page layout or headers.
- Now select the option “Export” and let the software continue the segment until the process is over.
- View the PDF file that now contains your XML file data with all the additional customizations that you made.
3rd Way: Altova StyleVision Tool
Altova StyleVision is a specialized tool designed for report creation. It has an option to save generated reports in PDF format. It has some advanced features essential for reporting like template design and data visualization. Here are the steps to convert XML file to PDF using this report generator:
- To begin working, open Altova StyleVision and perform the Import XML operation.
- Often you can use a given template to format your data or incorporate your very own stylesheet.
- Always view your PDF to check whether or not it is in the right format.
- In the end, save the report file in the PDF format.
Pros:
- Filled with custom features.
- Suitable for creating complex PDF files like reports.
Cons:
- Need to download and install and is a rather expensive program.
- Very difficult to understand for the new users.
4th Way: Python Code or Scripts for Advanced Users
If one is a developer or has a close to coding background, programming is a good way for XML to PDF conversion as it gives full control over the process. Here’s a basic step by step outline using Python scripts:
Step 1: Start importing required resources.
import xml.etree.ElementTree as ET
from fpdf import FPDF
Step 2: Parse the XML file
tree = ET.parse('file.xml')
root = tree.getroot()
Step 3: Initialize PDF object
pdf = FPDF()
pdf.add_page()
pdf.set_font('Arial', size=12)
Step 4: Copy and Paste to PDF
for element in root:
pdf.cell(200, 10, txt=f"{element.tag}: {element.text}", ln=True)
Step 5: Save the PDF
pdf.output('output.pdf')
The FPDF library is exploited here to convert the above XML content into a PDF form. You can style it using formatting if you wish or use XSLT stylesheets for styling.
You can also use Python to convert xHTML to PDF however the scripts may differ from the one provided here.
Pros:
- Complete flexibility.
- Automates repetitive tasks.
Cons:
- To use it, the user needs to have some programming skills.
- It can additionally be extra time-intensive, especially for non-programmers.
FAQs About XML to PDF Conversion
Q) Can I convert XML to PDF for free?
Of course, there are free online converters to change XML data into a PDF format. But the problem is that these tools have their drawbacks: they only allow processing files of a certain size and converting only one file at a time.
Q) Is my data safe when using an online converter?
Most file sharing websites promise to safeguard your documents but it is safer to use offline software or coding to protect your information. After all, we can’t see what is happening with our uploaded files.
Q) Which is the most suitable tool for XML to PDF conversion on a large scale?
SysTools professional tool is perfect for performing multiple conversions at once. For example, it can convert more than a single file at a time and yet do so while maintaining format.
Q) Is it possible to change the layout of a PDF to the way I want?
Of course, now many programs such as Altova StyleVision and SysTools provide a good opportunity to adjust layout, add headers, and change page parameters.
Q) Is it compulsory that I must be a coder so that I could easily convert XML into PDF?
No, coding is not necessary. The conversion can be done by user-friendly tools such as software or you can even use online tools. Coding is only necessary where you want to take a step further and customize a lot.
Conclusion
It is clear that converting XML to PDF is not as daunting as it appears. Here, we have introduced multiple solutions like an online tool, a professional software, a reporting tool, or simply writing your own scripts using Python to get the job done. You can opt for any solution based on your requirements and skill level. Finally, using the step by step instructions given in this article, you can easily change your simple XML files to professional PDF documents with ease.