PRODUCT COMPARISONS

ActivePDF vs IronPDF: HTML to PDF Tutorial and Comprehensive Comparison

Q: How can I convert HTML to PDF using C#?

You can use IronPDF's RenderHtmlAsPdf method to convert HTML strings into PDFs quickly. For file-based conversion, the RenderHtmlFileAsPdf method is available, both offering high fidelity with CSS3 and JavaScript support.

Q: How does IronPDF handle digital signatures in PDFs?

IronPDF provides a PdfSignature class for adding digital signatures to PDF documents. It supports certificate-based signing and allows customization of the signature's appearance and metadata.

Q: How can I add headers and footers to PDFs using IronPDF?

IronPDF provides TextHeaderFooter and HtmlHeaderFooter classes, allowing you to add headers and footers with both simple text and complex HTML/CSS layouts.

Jacob Mellor

Updated:November 5, 2025

How do IronPDF and ActivePDF compare for PDF generation in .NET?

IronPDF offers an all-in-one PDF solution with Chrome-based rendering and intuitive API design, while ActivePDF provides modular enterprise components requiring separate licenses. IronPDF excels in modern web standards support, cross-platform deployment, and cost-effectiveness for most .NET development scenarios.

When developers need reliable PDF generation capabilities in their .NET applications, two prominent solutions often emerge: IronPDF and ActivePDF. Both libraries offer effective features for creating, converting, and manipulating PDF documents, but they differ significantly in their approach, pricing, and implementation complexity.

IronPDF stands out with its intuitive API design and complete HTML-to-PDF conversion using a Chrome rendering engine, while ActivePDF provides enterprise-focused solutions through multiple specialized components like WebGrabber for HTML conversion and DocConverter for document transformation. This article provides an in-depth comparison to help developers make an informed decision for their PDF processing needs.

Product Comparison Overview

Comparison of IronPDF and ActivePDF for .NET Development

Category	Feature/Aspect	IronPDF	ActivePDF	Key Advantage
Core Architecture	Design Philosophy	All-in-one library, developer-friendly	Modular components, enterprise-focused	IronPDF: Simpler integration
	API Complexity	Intuitive methods like `RenderHtmlAsPdf`()	Component-specific APIs	IronPDF: Fewer lines of code
	Learning Curve	1-2 days typical	1-2 weeks typical	IronPDF: Faster adoption
Platform Support	Cross-Platform	Windows, Linux, macOS, Docker	Windows Server primarily	IronPDF: True cross-platform
	.NET Versions	.NET 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, Core, Framework 4.6.2+	.NET Framework 4.5+, Core 1.0, Standard 1.0	IronPDF: Modern .NET support
	Cloud Platforms	Azure, AWS, Google Cloud optimized	Limited cloud support	IronPDF: Cloud-native ready
HTML to PDF	Rendering Engine	Chrome V8 engine	Native and IE engines	IronPDF: Modern rendering
	CSS3/HTML5 Support	Full support	Partial support	IronPDF: Modern web standards
	JavaScript Execution	Full JavaScript support	Limited JavaScript support	IronPDF: Dynamic content
	Web Fonts	Google Fonts, system fonts	System fonts only	IronPDF: Typography flexibility
Document Conversion	Supported Formats	HTML, DOCX, Images, RTF, MD	300+ formats (`DocConverter`)	ActivePDF: More formats
	DOCX to PDF	Built-in `DocxToPdfRenderer`	Native Office conversion	ActivePDF: Better fidelity
	Batch Processing	Programmatic approach	Watched folders support	ActivePDF: Enterprise automation
Performance	HTML Rendering Speed	125ms typical, 835ms complex	Variable by engine	IronPDF: Consistent performance
	Memory Usage	Under 10MB typical	Service-based overhead	IronPDF: Lower footprint
	Threading Support	Native async/await optimized	Multi-threaded service	IronPDF: Better .NET integration
PDF Features	Form Handling	Create, fill, flatten forms	Advanced form features (Toolkit)	ActivePDF: Complex forms
	PDF/A Compliance	PDF/A-3B support	Multiple PDF/A levels	ActivePDF: More compliance options
	OCR Capabilities	Via IronOCR integration	Dedicated OCR component	Both: Available solutions
	Digital Signatures	Integrated, visual signatures	Advanced signature options	ActivePDF: Enterprise signatures
Developer Experience	Documentation	Complete tutorials, examples	Traditional API docs	IronPDF: Better learning resources
	Code Examples	100+ ready-to-run samples	Basic examples on GitHub	IronPDF: Extensive resources
	Error Messages	Descriptive, actionable	Service-level messages	IronPDF: Better debugging
Licensing & Pricing	Entry Level	Lite: $799 (1 dev, 1 project)	`WebGrabber`: $2,499+ per component	IronPDF: 70% lower entry
	Team License	Professional: $2,399 (10 devs)	Multiple components needed	IronPDF: All-inclusive
	Suite Option	Iron Suite: $1,498 (9 products)	No suite option	IronPDF: Exceptional value
Support	Support Included	Yes, 24/5 engineering support	Support portal access	IronPDF: Direct engineering support
	Response Time	24-48 hours typical	Varies by issue	IronPDF: Predictable SLA
Best For	Use Cases	Modern web apps, rapid development	Enterprise automation, legacy systems	Context-dependent
	Project Types	SaaS, web apps, microservices	Document management, batch processing	Based on requirements

Note. Comparison based on current versions as of 2025. ActivePDF offers modular components for specific enterprise needs, while IronPDF provides an integrated solution. Pricing varies significantly based on component selection for ActivePDF.

Compare IronPDF to ActivePDF Components

Get the IronPDF C# PDF Library
Compare IronPDF and ActivePDF Features
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Compare licensing, free software options, and more

Overview

What is the IronPDF C# Library?

Iron Software is a market-leading component provider offering IronPDF for complete PDF manipulation. IronPDF provides an all-inclusive solution for generating PDF files from various formats while offering complete programmatic control over document properties. Developers favor IronPDF for its consistent, reliable output and intuitive API that requires minimal code, especially when working with modern web standards and JavaScript frameworks.

IronPDF supports C#, VB.NET, ASP.NET, MVC, .NET Core, .NET 9, and .NET 10. It runs seamlessly on Windows, Linux, macOS, Docker, Azure, AWS, and other cloud platforms.

What are ActivePDF Components?

ActivePDF (now part of Apryse) provides enterprise-focused PDF solutions through multiple specialized components. Unlike IronPDF's unified approach, ActivePDF offers separate products for different PDF tasks, requiring careful consideration of licensing options and enterprise deployment strategies.

What is ActivePDF `WebGrabber` for HTML to PDF Conversion?

ActivePDF WebGrabber is specifically designed to convert HTML sources (URLs, HTML files, or HTML strings) to PDF format. It provides configuration options for page properties including headers, footers, margins, watermarks, and bookmarks. WebGrabber supports both Native and Internet Explorer rendering engines.

What is ActivePDF `DocConverter` for Document Transformation?

ActivePDF DocConverter handles conversion of over 300 file formats to PDF, including Microsoft Office documents, images, CAD files, and more. It features watched folder automation, batch processing capabilities, and enterprise-grade document management features.

How do Modern CSS Frameworks Like Bootstrap Render in PDF?

Contemporary web applications increasingly depend on CSS frameworks like Bootstrap, Foundation, and Tailwind CSS for consistent, responsive UI development. PDF generation libraries must accurately render these frameworks to maintain professional document quality and design fidelity. Understanding how each library handles responsive CSS and modern web fonts is crucial for selecting the right solution.

How Does IronPDF Handle Bootstrap and Modern Framework Support?

IronPDF's Chromium rendering engine ensures complete support for all modern CSS frameworks and specifications, delivering pixel-perfect rendering:

Bootstrap 5: Full flexbox and CSS Grid rendering with responsive utilities
Bootstrap 4: Complete card systems, navigation components, and form layouts
Tailwind CSS: All utility-first classes and responsive variants render correctly
Foundation: Complete grid and component system support
Modern CSS3: Flexbox, CSS Grid, custom properties, animations, transitions, and transforms
JavaScript Execution: Full support for dynamic content and framework interactivity

Validated with production examples: Bootstrap homepage and official templates convert with browser-accurate fidelity using IronPDF's rendering options.

Code Example: Service Pricing Table with Bootstrap

using IronPdf;

var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

string bootstrapPricing = @"
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <link href='___PROTECTED_URL_198___ rel='stylesheet'>
</head>
<body>
    <div class='container my-5'>
        <h1 class='text-center mb-5'>Service Plans</h1>

        <div class='row g-4'>
            <div class='col-md-4'>
                <div class='card h-100 shadow-sm'>
                    <div class='card-header bg-light text-center py-3'>
                        <h3>Starter</h3>
                    </div>
                    <div class='card-body d-flex flex-column'>
                        <div class='text-center mb-4'>
                            <span class='h2'>$29</span>
                            <span class='text-muted'>/month</span>
                        </div>
                        <ul class='list-unstyled flex-grow-1'>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> 100 PDF conversions/month</li>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> Basic templates</li>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> Email support</li>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> 5 GB storage</li>
                            <li class='mb-2 text-muted'><i class='bi bi-x-circle'></i> Priority processing</li>
                        </ul>
                        <button class='btn btn-outline-primary w-100 mt-auto'>Get Started</button>
                    </div>
                </div>
            </div>

            <div class='col-md-4'>
                <div class='card h-100 shadow border-primary'>
                    <div class='position-absolute top-0 start-50 translate-middle'>
                        <span class='badge bg-primary'>Most Popular</span>
                    </div>
                    <div class='card-header bg-primary text-white text-center py-3'>
                        <h3>Professional</h3>
                    </div>
                    <div class='card-body d-flex flex-column'>
                        <div class='text-center mb-4'>
                            <span class='h2'>$99</span>
                            <span class='text-muted'>/month</span>
                        </div>
                        <ul class='list-unstyled flex-grow-1'>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> 1,000 PDF conversions/month</li>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> Premium templates</li>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> Priority support</li>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> 50 GB storage</li>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> Priority processing</li>
                        </ul>
                        <button class='btn btn-primary w-100 mt-auto'>Get Started</button>
                    </div>
                </div>
            </div>

            <div class='col-md-4'>
                <div class='card h-100 shadow-sm'>
                    <div class='card-header bg-dark text-white text-center py-3'>
                        <h3>Enterprise</h3>
                    </div>
                    <div class='card-body d-flex flex-column'>
                        <div class='text-center mb-4'>
                            <span class='h2'>$299</span>
                            <span class='text-muted'>/month</span>
                        </div>
                        <ul class='list-unstyled flex-grow-1'>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> Unlimited conversions</li>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> Custom templates</li>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> Dedicated support</li>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> Unlimited storage</li>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> SLA guarantee</li>
                        </ul>
                        <button class='btn btn-dark w-100 mt-auto'>Contact Sales</button>
                    </div>
                </div>
            </div>
        </div>
    </div>
</body>
</html>";

var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(bootstrapPricing);
pdf.SaveAs("pricing-table.pdf");

using IronPdf;

var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

string bootstrapPricing = @"
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <link href='___PROTECTED_URL_198___ rel='stylesheet'>
</head>
<body>
    <div class='container my-5'>
        <h1 class='text-center mb-5'>Service Plans</h1>

        <div class='row g-4'>
            <div class='col-md-4'>
                <div class='card h-100 shadow-sm'>
                    <div class='card-header bg-light text-center py-3'>
                        <h3>Starter</h3>
                    </div>
                    <div class='card-body d-flex flex-column'>
                        <div class='text-center mb-4'>
                            <span class='h2'>$29</span>
                            <span class='text-muted'>/month</span>
                        </div>
                        <ul class='list-unstyled flex-grow-1'>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> 100 PDF conversions/month</li>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> Basic templates</li>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> Email support</li>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> 5 GB storage</li>
                            <li class='mb-2 text-muted'><i class='bi bi-x-circle'></i> Priority processing</li>
                        </ul>
                        <button class='btn btn-outline-primary w-100 mt-auto'>Get Started</button>
                    </div>
                </div>
            </div>

            <div class='col-md-4'>
                <div class='card h-100 shadow border-primary'>
                    <div class='position-absolute top-0 start-50 translate-middle'>
                        <span class='badge bg-primary'>Most Popular</span>
                    </div>
                    <div class='card-header bg-primary text-white text-center py-3'>
                        <h3>Professional</h3>
                    </div>
                    <div class='card-body d-flex flex-column'>
                        <div class='text-center mb-4'>
                            <span class='h2'>$99</span>
                            <span class='text-muted'>/month</span>
                        </div>
                        <ul class='list-unstyled flex-grow-1'>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> 1,000 PDF conversions/month</li>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> Premium templates</li>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> Priority support</li>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> 50 GB storage</li>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> Priority processing</li>
                        </ul>
                        <button class='btn btn-primary w-100 mt-auto'>Get Started</button>
                    </div>
                </div>
            </div>

            <div class='col-md-4'>
                <div class='card h-100 shadow-sm'>
                    <div class='card-header bg-dark text-white text-center py-3'>
                        <h3>Enterprise</h3>
                    </div>
                    <div class='card-body d-flex flex-column'>
                        <div class='text-center mb-4'>
                            <span class='h2'>$299</span>
                            <span class='text-muted'>/month</span>
                        </div>
                        <ul class='list-unstyled flex-grow-1'>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> Unlimited conversions</li>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> Custom templates</li>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> Dedicated support</li>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> Unlimited storage</li>
                            <li class='mb-2'><i class='bi bi-check-circle text-success'></i> SLA guarantee</li>
                        </ul>
                        <button class='btn btn-dark w-100 mt-auto'>Contact Sales</button>
                    </div>
                </div>
            </div>
        </div>
    </div>
</body>
</html>";

var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(bootstrapPricing);
pdf.SaveAs("pricing-table.pdf");

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Output: A professional pricing table with Bootstrap's card grid, flexbox layouts, badge positioning, and responsive utilities—all accurately preserved in the PDF.

What are ActivePDF `WebGrabber`'s Limitations with Modern Framework Support?

ActivePDF WebGrabber provides HTML-to-PDF conversion but uses older rendering engines with significant limitations for modern CSS frameworks:

Native Engine: Custom rendering with limited CSS3 support
Internet Explorer Engine: Legacy IE rendering, no modern CSS features
No Bootstrap 4/5 Support: Flexbox and CSS Grid features not supported
Bootstrap 3 Limitations: Only table-based layouts work reliably
JavaScript Limitations: Limited JavaScript execution compared to modern browsers
Workarounds Required: Complex Bootstrap components need significant CSS modifications

Common issues reported by developers:

Bootstrap navigation bars rendering with layout problems
Card components with flexbox not displaying correctly
Responsive grid systems breaking in PDF output
Need to simplify or rewrite Bootstrap components for compatibility

Development impact: Applications built with modern Bootstrap versions (4+) require substantial additional work with ActivePDF WebGrabber. Teams must either:

Maintain parallel simplified CSS for PDF generation (double maintenance burden)
Limit web UI to Bootstrap 3 or older (sacrifices modern responsive features)
Manually test and fix each Bootstrap component (time-consuming and error-prone)

For projects heavily invested in Bootstrap or modern CSS frameworks, ActivePDF WebGrabber's rendering limitations can significantly increase development costs and reduce design flexibility. Consider using IronPDF's Chrome renderer for accurate Bootstrap rendering.

For complete Bootstrap framework compatibility guidance, see the Bootstrap & Flexbox CSS Guide.

Why do developers choose IronPDF over ActivePDF?

IronPDF's rendering speed completes HTML-to-PDF conversion in 835 milliseconds for static sites, offering consistent performance across different content types. The library's memory usage has been optimized to use less than 10MB typically, with 75% reduction in memory usage when rendering headers and footers.

Developers appreciate IronPDF's straightforward API design that enables PDF generation with improve three lines of code, compared to ActivePDF's more complex multi-step process. The complete documentation includes over 100 code examples and detailed tutorials, making it easier for teams to get started quickly with features like async PDF generation and batch processing.

When might ActivePDF be the better choice?

ActivePDF excels in enterprise environments requiring:

Automated batch processing with watched folders
Support for 300+ file format conversions (via DocConverter)
Legacy system integration on Windows Server
Advanced form field manipulation and XFA form support
Multiple PDF/A compliance levels for archival requirements

Organizations with existing ActivePDF infrastructure or specific enterprise workflow requirements may find ActivePDF's modular approach beneficial, despite the higher cost and complexity compared to IronPDF's features.

Comparison

How Do ActivePDF vs IronPDF Features Compare?

Which library offers better HTML to PDF conversion capabilities?

IronPDF uses a full Chrome V8 rendering engine, providing 98%+ browser fidelity with complete support for HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, and web fonts. ActivePDF WebGrabber offers both Native and Internet Explorer engines, but with limited JavaScript execution and CSS3 support. The Native Engine doesn't honor CSS stylesheets, and the IE Engine relies on deprecated Internet Explorer 11, which lacks modern web standards like CSS Grid and flexbox layouts.

How do the libraries compare for document format support?

While IronPDF focuses on common formats (HTML, DOCX, Images, RTF, Markdown), ActivePDF DocConverter supports over 300 file formats including CAD files, legacy document formats, and specialized enterprise formats. This makes ActivePDF more suitable for organizations dealing with diverse document types, though IronPDF's conversion features cover the most commonly used formats in modern applications.

What about PDF manipulation features?

Both libraries offer complete PDF manipulation capabilities:

IronPDF provides:

Built-in watermarking with HTML/CSS styling
Simple API for headers/footers with predefined merge fields
One-line methods for common tasks
Integrated form creation and filling
Digital signatures with visual representation

ActivePDF offers:

Advanced form field manipulation (through Toolkit)
More granular control over PDF internals
Enterprise-grade redaction capabilities
Multiple PDF/A compliance levels
Specialized components for specific tasks

Step 1: Installation

How Do I Install IronPDF?

Which installation method should I use for IronPDF?

Developers can install IronPDF through multiple methods, with NuGet Package Manager being the most convenient:

NuGet Package Manager

Open the NuGet Package Manager in Visual Studio and search for IronPDF:

:InstallCmd

:InstallCmd

SHELL

Download IronPDF.dll manually

Alternatively, download IronPDF.dll and add its reference to ythe project using manual installation methods.

Once installed, verify access by adding:

using IronPdf;

using IronPdf;

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IronPDF supports .NET 9 and 10, along with all modern .NET versions including Core, Standard, and Framework 4.6.2+. For specific platform installations, see guides for Linux, macOS, Docker, Azure, and AWS.

How Do I Install ActivePDF Components?

How do I install ActivePDF `WebGrabber`?

ActivePDF WebGrabber requires a more complex installation process:

Download the installer from the ActivePDF website
Request a license key from ActivePDF sales (evaluation keys available)
Run the installer with administrator privileges
Configure the WebGrabber service during installation
For Windows Server 2012+, create a dedicated user account for the service

After installation, add the WebGrabber reference from: C:\Program Files\ActivePDF\WebGrabber\bin\APWebGrabber.Net45.dll

How do I install ActivePDF `DocConverter`?

DocConverter follows a similar installation pattern:

Download the DocConverter installer
Install with administrator rights
Configure watched folders if using drag-and-drop conversion
Set up the Configuration Manager for batch processing

Note: ActivePDF components require Windows Server and don't support cross-platform deployment like IronPDF. For modern deployment scenarios, consider IronPDF's containerized options and cloud-native support.

How to Tutorials

How Do I Convert HTML String to PDF File?

Let's compare how both libraries handle a common task: converting an HTML string to a PDF file.

How does IronPDF convert HTML strings to PDF?

/**
 * HTML String to PDF
 * anchor-html-string-with-ironpdf
 **/
using IronPdf;

static void Main(string[] args)
{
    // Create rendering converter
    var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

    // HTML Source
    string html = "<h1>Hello World!</h1> <h2>Welcome to IronPDF</h2> ";

    // Convert HTML string to PDF file
    var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html);

    // Save the file
    pdf.SaveAs("E:/sample.pdf");
}

/**
 * HTML String to PDF
 * anchor-html-string-with-ironpdf
 **/
using IronPdf;

static void Main(string[] args)
{
    // Create rendering converter
    var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

    // HTML Source
    string html = "<h1>Hello World!</h1> <h2>Welcome to IronPDF</h2> ";

    // Convert HTML string to PDF file
    var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html);

    // Save the file
    pdf.SaveAs("E:/sample.pdf");
}

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Key advantages of IronPDF's approach:

Only 3 lines of code for the conversion
Automatic handling of encoding and rendering
Built-in Chrome engine ensures accurate rendering
No need for separate file path and name configuration

How does ActivePDF `WebGrabber` convert HTML strings to PDF?

using APWebGrabber;

static void Main(string[] args)
{
    // Instantiate Object
    WebGrabber wg = new WebGrabber();

    // HTML Source
    string html = "<h1>Hello World!</h1> <h2>Welcome to ActivePDF WebGrabber</h2>";

    // Assign source HTML to WebGrabber
    wg.CreateFromHTMLText = html;

    // Specify file directory
    wg.OutputDirectory = "E:/";

    // File name
    wg.NewDocumentName = "sample.pdf";

    // Convert source HTML to PDF file
    wg.ConvertToPDF();
}

using APWebGrabber;

static void Main(string[] args)
{
    // Instantiate Object
    WebGrabber wg = new WebGrabber();

    // HTML Source
    string html = "<h1>Hello World!</h1> <h2>Welcome to ActivePDF WebGrabber</h2>";

    // Assign source HTML to WebGrabber
    wg.CreateFromHTMLText = html;

    // Specify file directory
    wg.OutputDirectory = "E:/";

    // File name
    wg.NewDocumentName = "sample.pdf";

    // Convert source HTML to PDF file
    wg.ConvertToPDF();
}

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How do both libraries handle advanced HTML with CSS styling?

The example shows how both libraries handle more complex HTML with CSS styling:

IronPDF Advanced Example:

using IronPdf;

var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

// Configure rendering options
renderer.RenderingOptions.CssMediaType = PdfCssMediaType.Print;
renderer.RenderingOptions.PrintHtmlBackgrounds = true;
renderer.RenderingOptions.CreatePdfFormsFromHtml = true;

string advancedHtml = @"
    <html>
    <head>
        <style>
            body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; }
            .invoice { border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 20px; }
            .header { background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 10px; }
        </style>
    </head>
    <body>
        <div class='invoice'>
            <div class='header'>
                <h1>Invoice #12345</h1>
            </div>
            <form>
                <input type='text' name='customer' placeholder='Customer Name'>
            </form>
        </div>
    </body>
    </html>";

var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(advancedHtml);
pdf.SaveAs("advanced-invoice.pdf");

using IronPdf;

var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

// Configure rendering options
renderer.RenderingOptions.CssMediaType = PdfCssMediaType.Print;
renderer.RenderingOptions.PrintHtmlBackgrounds = true;
renderer.RenderingOptions.CreatePdfFormsFromHtml = true;

string advancedHtml = @"
    <html>
    <head>
        <style>
            body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; }
            .invoice { border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 20px; }
            .header { background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 10px; }
        </style>
    </head>
    <body>
        <div class='invoice'>
            <div class='header'>
                <h1>Invoice #12345</h1>
            </div>
            <form>
                <input type='text' name='customer' placeholder='Customer Name'>
            </form>
        </div>
    </body>
    </html>";

var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(advancedHtml);
pdf.SaveAs("advanced-invoice.pdf");

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The ChromePdfRenderer class provides extensive control over the rendering process, including CSS media type selection, background rendering, and automatic form field creation from HTML input elements.

How Do I Convert HTML File to PDF File?

How does IronPDF convert HTML files to PDF?

/**
 * HTML File to PDF
 * anchor-html-file-with-ironpdf
 **/
using IronPdf;

static void Main(string[] args)
{
    // Create rendering converter
    var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

    // Render HTML file to PDF
    var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlFileAsPdf("E:/myHtmlFile.html");

    // Save to target location
    pdf.SaveAs("E:/Sample.pdf");
}

/**
 * HTML File to PDF
 * anchor-html-file-with-ironpdf
 **/
using IronPdf;

static void Main(string[] args)
{
    // Create rendering converter
    var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

    // Render HTML file to PDF
    var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlFileAsPdf("E:/myHtmlFile.html");

    // Save to target location
    pdf.SaveAs("E:/Sample.pdf");
}

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IronPDF automatically handles:

How does ActivePDF `WebGrabber` convert HTML files to PDF?

using APWebGrabber;

static void Main(string[] args)
{
    // Instantiate Object
    WebGrabber wg = new WebGrabber();

    // Specify file path to be converted
    wg.URL = "E:/myHtmlFile.html";

    // Specify the directory for newly generated file
    wg.OutputDirectory = "E:/";

    // Newly generated file name
    wg.NewDocumentName = "Sample.pdf";

    // Convert HTML file to PDF
    wg.ConvertToPDF();
}

using APWebGrabber;

static void Main(string[] args)
{
    // Instantiate Object
    WebGrabber wg = new WebGrabber();

    // Specify file path to be converted
    wg.URL = "E:/myHtmlFile.html";

    // Specify the directory for newly generated file
    wg.OutputDirectory = "E:/";

    // Newly generated file name
    wg.NewDocumentName = "Sample.pdf";

    // Convert HTML file to PDF
    wg.ConvertToPDF();
}

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Note that ActivePDF WebGrabber uses the URL property for local files, which can be confusing for developers expecting a file-specific method. For more intuitive file handling, see IronPDF's HTML file conversion guide.

How Do I Convert URL to PDF File?

How does IronPDF convert URLs to PDF?

/**
 * URL to PDF
 * anchor-url-with-ironpdf
 **/
using IronPdf;

static void Main(string[] args)
{
    // Create rendering converter
    var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

    // Specify URL
    var pdf = renderer.RenderUrlAsPdf("___PROTECTED_URL_199___");

    // Save the file
    pdf.SaveAs("E:/Sample.pdf");
}

/**
 * URL to PDF
 * anchor-url-with-ironpdf
 **/
using IronPdf;

static void Main(string[] args)
{
    // Create rendering converter
    var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

    // Specify URL
    var pdf = renderer.RenderUrlAsPdf("___PROTECTED_URL_199___");

    // Save the file
    pdf.SaveAs("E:/Sample.pdf");
}

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How do I handle async URL conversion with IronPDF?

IronPDF provides excellent async support for better performance:

using IronPdf;
using System.Threading.Tasks;

static async Task Main(string[] args)
{
    var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

    // Configure for complex pages
    renderer.RenderingOptions.WaitFor.RenderDelay(2000); // Wait 2 seconds
    renderer.RenderingOptions.WaitFor.JavaScript(1500); // Wait for JS

    // Async conversion
    var pdf = await renderer.RenderUrlAsPdfAsync("___PROTECTED_URL_200___");
    await pdf.SaveAsAsync("E:/async-sample.pdf");
}

using IronPdf;
using System.Threading.Tasks;

static async Task Main(string[] args)
{
    var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

    // Configure for complex pages
    renderer.RenderingOptions.WaitFor.RenderDelay(2000); // Wait 2 seconds
    renderer.RenderingOptions.WaitFor.JavaScript(1500); // Wait for JS

    // Async conversion
    var pdf = await renderer.RenderUrlAsPdfAsync("___PROTECTED_URL_200___");
    await pdf.SaveAsAsync("E:/async-sample.pdf");
}

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The WaitFor class provides precise control over rendering timing, essential for JavaScript-heavy applications. Developers can wait for specific elements, network idle states, or custom JavaScript events using JavaScript message listeners.

How does ActivePDF `WebGrabber` convert URLs to PDF?

using APWebGrabber;

static void Main(string[] args)
{
    // Instantiate Object
    WebGrabber wg = new WebGrabber();

    // Specify URL 
    wg.URL = "___PROTECTED_URL_201___";

    // Specify the directory for newly generated file
    wg.OutputDirectory = "E:/";

    // Specify file name
    wg.NewDocumentName = "Sample.pdf";

    // Set timeout for conversion
    wg.TimeoutSpan = new TimeSpan(0, 0, 30);

    // Convert specified URL webpage to PDF
    wg.ConvertToPDF();
}

using APWebGrabber;

static void Main(string[] args)
{
    // Instantiate Object
    WebGrabber wg = new WebGrabber();

    // Specify URL 
    wg.URL = "___PROTECTED_URL_201___";

    // Specify the directory for newly generated file
    wg.OutputDirectory = "E:/";

    // Specify file name
    wg.NewDocumentName = "Sample.pdf";

    // Set timeout for conversion
    wg.TimeoutSpan = new TimeSpan(0, 0, 30);

    // Convert specified URL webpage to PDF
    wg.ConvertToPDF();
}

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For more advanced URL conversion scenarios, including authentication and custom headers, see IronPDF's URL to PDF guide.

How Do I Create a Watermark on PDF?

How does IronPDF handle watermarking?

IronPDF provides flexible watermarking through HTML/CSS:

/**
 * Watermark PDF
 * anchor-watermark-with-ironpdf
 **/
using IronPdf;

static void Main(string[] args)
{
    var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

    // Source HTML string
    string html = "<h1 style='text-align:center'>WaterMark Example</h1>";

    // Create PDF
    var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html);

    // Apply watermark with HTML/CSS
    pdf.ApplyWatermark("<h2 style='color:red; opacity:0.5'>CONFIDENTIAL</h2>", 
        rotation: 30, 
        opacity: 50);

    // Save the document
    pdf.SaveAs("E:/Sample.pdf");
}

/**
 * Watermark PDF
 * anchor-watermark-with-ironpdf
 **/
using IronPdf;

static void Main(string[] args)
{
    var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

    // Source HTML string
    string html = "<h1 style='text-align:center'>WaterMark Example</h1>";

    // Create PDF
    var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html);

    // Apply watermark with HTML/CSS
    pdf.ApplyWatermark("<h2 style='color:red; opacity:0.5'>CONFIDENTIAL</h2>", 
        rotation: 30, 
        opacity: 50);

    // Save the document
    pdf.SaveAs("E:/Sample.pdf");
}

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Advanced watermarking with IronPDF:

// Image watermark
pdf.ApplyWatermark($@"<img src='logo.png' style='width:200px'>", 
    rotation: 0, 
    opacity: 30, 
    verticalAlignment: VerticalAlignment.Middle);

// Complex HTML watermark with positioning
string complexWatermark = @"
    <div style='text-align:center; font-family:Arial'>
        <h1 style='color:#ff0000'>DRAFT</h1>
        <p>Generated: " + DateTime.Now.ToString() + @"</p>
    </div>";

pdf.ApplyWatermark(complexWatermark, rotation: 45, opacity: 25);

// Image watermark
pdf.ApplyWatermark($@"<img src='logo.png' style='width:200px'>", 
    rotation: 0, 
    opacity: 30, 
    verticalAlignment: VerticalAlignment.Middle);

// Complex HTML watermark with positioning
string complexWatermark = @"
    <div style='text-align:center; font-family:Arial'>
        <h1 style='color:#ff0000'>DRAFT</h1>
        <p>Generated: " + DateTime.Now.ToString() + @"</p>
    </div>";

pdf.ApplyWatermark(complexWatermark, rotation: 45, opacity: 25);

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How does ActivePDF create watermarks?

ActivePDF requires using text stamps as a workaround:

using APWebGrabber;

static void Main(string[] args)
{
    WebGrabber wg = new WebGrabber();

    string html = "<h1 style='text-align:center'>WaterMark Example</h1>";
    wg.CreateFromHTMLText = html;

    // Add text stamp as watermark
    wg.AddStampText(270.0f, 350.0f, "WaterMark");

    // Configure stamp appearance
    wg.StampFontSize = 20;
    wg.StampFont = "Times New Roman";
    wg.StampFontTransparency = 1f;
    wg.StampRotation = 45.0f;
    wg.StampColorNET = new ADK.PDF.Color() 
    { 
        Red = 255, 
        Green = 0, 
        Blue = 0, 
        Gray = 0 
    };

    wg.OutputDirectory = "E:/";
    wg.NewDocumentName = "Sample.pdf";
    wg.ConvertToPDF();
}

using APWebGrabber;

static void Main(string[] args)
{
    WebGrabber wg = new WebGrabber();

    string html = "<h1 style='text-align:center'>WaterMark Example</h1>";
    wg.CreateFromHTMLText = html;

    // Add text stamp as watermark
    wg.AddStampText(270.0f, 350.0f, "WaterMark");

    // Configure stamp appearance
    wg.StampFontSize = 20;
    wg.StampFont = "Times New Roman";
    wg.StampFontTransparency = 1f;
    wg.StampRotation = 45.0f;
    wg.StampColorNET = new ADK.PDF.Color() 
    { 
        Red = 255, 
        Green = 0, 
        Blue = 0, 
        Gray = 0 
    };

    wg.OutputDirectory = "E:/";
    wg.NewDocumentName = "Sample.pdf";
    wg.ConvertToPDF();
}

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The ActivePDF approach is limited to text-only watermarks and requires manual positioning calculations. For more advanced watermarking capabilities, see IronPDF's watermark examples.

How Do I Set Headers and Footers for PDFs?

How does IronPDF add headers and footers?

IronPDF offers both simple text and complex HTML headers/footers:

/**
 * Set Header Footers
 * anchor-headers-and-footers-with-ironpdf
 **/
using IronPdf;

static void Main(string[] args)
{
    var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

    // Configure text header/footer
    renderer.RenderingOptions.TextHeader = new TextHeaderFooter()
    {
        LeftText = "Company Name",
        CenterText = "{page} of {total-pages}",
        RightText = "{date} {time}",
        DrawDividerLine = true,
        FontSize = 12,
        FontFamily = "Arial"
    };

    renderer.RenderingOptions.TextFooter = new TextHeaderFooter()
    {
        CenterText = "Copyright © 2025",
        RightText = "Page {page}",
        FontSize = 10
    };

    // HTML content
    string html = "<h1>Document Content</h1><p>Lorem ipsum...</p>";
    var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html);
    pdf.SaveAs("E:/document.pdf");
}

/**
 * Set Header Footers
 * anchor-headers-and-footers-with-ironpdf
 **/
using IronPdf;

static void Main(string[] args)
{
    var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

    // Configure text header/footer
    renderer.RenderingOptions.TextHeader = new TextHeaderFooter()
    {
        LeftText = "Company Name",
        CenterText = "{page} of {total-pages}",
        RightText = "{date} {time}",
        DrawDividerLine = true,
        FontSize = 12,
        FontFamily = "Arial"
    };

    renderer.RenderingOptions.TextFooter = new TextHeaderFooter()
    {
        CenterText = "Copyright © 2025",
        RightText = "Page {page}",
        FontSize = 10
    };

    // HTML content
    string html = "<h1>Document Content</h1><p>Lorem ipsum...</p>";
    var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html);
    pdf.SaveAs("E:/document.pdf");
}

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For more complex headers/footers using HTML:

// HTML headers with dynamic content
renderer.RenderingOptions.HtmlHeader = new HtmlHeaderFooter()
{
    HtmlFragment = @"
        <div style='display: flex; justify-content: space-between; padding: 10px;'>
            <img src='logo.png' style='height: 30px;'>
            <div>{page} / {total-pages}</div>
        </div>",
    Height = 50
};

// HTML headers with dynamic content
renderer.RenderingOptions.HtmlHeader = new HtmlHeaderFooter()
{
    HtmlFragment = @"
        <div style='display: flex; justify-content: space-between; padding: 10px;'>
            <img src='logo.png' style='height: 30px;'>
            <div>{page} / {total-pages}</div>
        </div>",
    Height = 50
};

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The predefined merge fields available in IronPDF include:

{page} - Current page number
{total-pages} - Total number of pages
{url} - Source URL (if applicable)
{date} - Current date
{time} - Current time
{html-title} - Title from HTML document
{pdf-title} - PDF metadata title

How does ActivePDF `WebGrabber` set headers and footers?

using APWebGrabber;

static void Main(string[] args)
{
    WebGrabber wg = new WebGrabber();

    string html = @"<h1 style='text-align:center;'>Page Content</h1>";
    wg.CreateFromHTMLText = html;

    // Configure header
    wg.HeaderHeight = 0.5f;
    wg.HeaderHTML = "<div style='float: left;'>Header Text</div>";
    wg.HeaderHTML += $"<div style='float: right;'>{DateTime.Now.ToShortDateString()}</div>";

    // Configure footer
    wg.FooterHeight = 0.5f;
    wg.FooterHTML = "<div style='text-align: right;'>%cp% of %tp%</div>";

    wg.OutputDirectory = "E:/";
    wg.NewDocumentName = "Sample.pdf";
    wg.ConvertToPDF();
}

using APWebGrabber;

static void Main(string[] args)
{
    WebGrabber wg = new WebGrabber();

    string html = @"<h1 style='text-align:center;'>Page Content</h1>";
    wg.CreateFromHTMLText = html;

    // Configure header
    wg.HeaderHeight = 0.5f;
    wg.HeaderHTML = "<div style='float: left;'>Header Text</div>";
    wg.HeaderHTML += $"<div style='float: right;'>{DateTime.Now.ToShortDateString()}</div>";

    // Configure footer
    wg.FooterHeight = 0.5f;
    wg.FooterHTML = "<div style='text-align: right;'>%cp% of %tp%</div>";

    wg.OutputDirectory = "E:/";
    wg.NewDocumentName = "Sample.pdf";
    wg.ConvertToPDF();
}

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Note: ActivePDF uses proprietary placeholders (%cp% for current page, %tp% for total pages) and requires manual HTML construction. For more flexible header/footer options, see IronPDF's header and footer guide.

How Do Advanced PDF Features Compare?

How do I create and manipulate PDF forms?

How does IronPDF handle form creation?

using IronPdf;

// Create a PDF with form fields
var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
renderer.RenderingOptions.CreatePdfFormsFromHtml = true;

string formHtml = @"
    <form>
        <label>Name: <input type='text' name='fullname'></label><br>
        <label>Email: <input type='email' name='email'></label><br>
        <label>Subscribe: <input type='checkbox' name='subscribe'></label><br>
        <label>
            Plan:
            <select name='plan'>
                <option>Basic</option>
                <option>Premium</option>
            </select>
        </label>
    </form>";

var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(formHtml);

// Fill form fields programmatically
pdf.Form.FindFormField("fullname").Value = "John Doe";
pdf.Form.FindFormField("email").Value = "john@example.com";
pdf.Form.FindFormField("subscribe").Value = "Yes";

pdf.SaveAs("filled-form.pdf");

using IronPdf;

// Create a PDF with form fields
var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
renderer.RenderingOptions.CreatePdfFormsFromHtml = true;

string formHtml = @"
    <form>
        <label>Name: <input type='text' name='fullname'></label><br>
        <label>Email: <input type='email' name='email'></label><br>
        <label>Subscribe: <input type='checkbox' name='subscribe'></label><br>
        <label>
            Plan:
            <select name='plan'>
                <option>Basic</option>
                <option>Premium</option>
            </select>
        </label>
    </form>";

var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(formHtml);

// Fill form fields programmatically
pdf.Form.FindFormField("fullname").Value = "John Doe";
pdf.Form.FindFormField("email").Value = "john@example.com";
pdf.Form.FindFormField("subscribe").Value = "Yes";

pdf.SaveAs("filled-form.pdf");

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Learn more about creating PDF forms and editing form data with IronPDF.

How does ActivePDF Toolkit handle forms?

// ActivePDF requires separate Toolkit component for forms
APToolkitNET.Toolkit toolkit = new APToolkitNET.Toolkit();

// Open existing PDF
toolkit.OpenInputFile("form-template.pdf");

// Set form field values
toolkit.SetFormFieldData("fullname", "John Doe", -997);
toolkit.SetFormFieldData("email", "john@example.com", -997);

// Save filled form
toolkit.CopyForm(0, 0);
toolkit.SaveAs("filled-form.pdf");

// ActivePDF requires separate Toolkit component for forms
APToolkitNET.Toolkit toolkit = new APToolkitNET.Toolkit();

// Open existing PDF
toolkit.OpenInputFile("form-template.pdf");

// Set form field values
toolkit.SetFormFieldData("fullname", "John Doe", -997);
toolkit.SetFormFieldData("email", "john@example.com", -997);

// Save filled form
toolkit.CopyForm(0, 0);
toolkit.SaveAs("filled-form.pdf");

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How do I ensure PDF/A compliance?

Both libraries support PDF/A, but with different approaches:

How to create PDF/A with IronPDF?

using IronPdf;

var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf("<h1>Archival Document</h1>");

// Convert to PDF/A-3B
pdf.SaveAsPdfA("archive.pdf", PdfAVersions.PdfA3B);

using IronPdf;

var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf("<h1>Archival Document</h1>");

// Convert to PDF/A-3B
pdf.SaveAsPdfA("archive.pdf", PdfAVersions.PdfA3B);

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IronPDF also supports PDF/A-3 with ZUGFeRD for electronic invoicing. See the PDF/A milestone update for more details.

How to create PDF/A with ActivePDF `DocConverter`?

// Requires DocConverter component
DocConverter dc = new DocConverter();
dc.SetPDFACompliance(PDFACompliance.PDFA2B);
dc.ConvertToPDF("input.html", "output.pdf");

// Requires DocConverter component
DocConverter dc = new DocConverter();
dc.SetPDFACompliance(PDFACompliance.PDFA2B);
dc.ConvertToPDF("input.html", "output.pdf");

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How do I add digital signatures to PDFs?

How does IronPDF handle digital signatures?

using IronPdf;
using IronPdf.Signing;

// Load or create PDF
var pdf = PdfDocument.FromFile("document.pdf");

// Create signature with certificate
var signature = new PdfSignature("certificate.pfx", "password");

// Configure signature appearance
signature.SignatureImage = new PdfSignatureImage("signature.png");
signature.SigningContact = "john@company.com";
signature.SigningReason = "Document Approval";

// Apply signature
pdf.Sign(signature);
pdf.SaveAs("signed.pdf");

using IronPdf;
using IronPdf.Signing;

// Load or create PDF
var pdf = PdfDocument.FromFile("document.pdf");

// Create signature with certificate
var signature = new PdfSignature("certificate.pfx", "password");

// Configure signature appearance
signature.SignatureImage = new PdfSignatureImage("signature.png");
signature.SigningContact = "john@company.com";
signature.SigningReason = "Document Approval";

// Apply signature
pdf.Sign(signature);
pdf.SaveAs("signed.pdf");

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For advanced signing scenarios, see IronPDF's signing guide and signing with HSM.

How do I handle batch processing?

How does IronPDF handle batch conversions?

using IronPdf;
using System.Threading.Tasks;
using System.IO;

static async Task BatchConvertAsync()
{
    var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
    var tasks = new List<Task>();

    foreach (var file in Directory.GetFiles("input", "*.html"))
    {
        tasks.Add(Task.Run(async () =>
        {
            var pdf = await renderer.RenderHtmlFileAsPdfAsync(file);
            var outputPath = Path.Combine("output", 
                Path.GetFileNameWithoutExtension(file) + ".pdf");
            await pdf.SaveAsAsync(outputPath);
        }));
    }

    await Task.WhenAll(tasks);
}

using IronPdf;
using System.Threading.Tasks;
using System.IO;

static async Task BatchConvertAsync()
{
    var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
    var tasks = new List<Task>();

    foreach (var file in Directory.GetFiles("input", "*.html"))
    {
        tasks.Add(Task.Run(async () =>
        {
            var pdf = await renderer.RenderHtmlFileAsPdfAsync(file);
            var outputPath = Path.Combine("output", 
                Path.GetFileNameWithoutExtension(file) + ".pdf");
            await pdf.SaveAsAsync(outputPath);
        }));
    }

    await Task.WhenAll(tasks);
}

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See IronPDF's async guide and parallel processing examples for more batch processing techniques.

How does ActivePDF `DocConverter` handle batch processing?

// DocConverter supports watched folders for automatic conversion
DocConverter dc = new DocConverter();

// Configure watched folder
dc.AddWatchedFolder(@"C:\Input", @"C:\Output", "*.html");
dc.StartWatching();

// Files dropped in the input folder are automatically converted

// DocConverter supports watched folders for automatic conversion
DocConverter dc = new DocConverter();

// Configure watched folder
dc.AddWatchedFolder(@"C:\Input", @"C:\Output", "*.html");
dc.StartWatching();

// Files dropped in the input folder are automatically converted

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How Do Performance and Resources Compare?

How do the libraries compare in terms of performance?

Based on benchmark testing and real-world usage:

What are IronPDF's performance metrics?

HTML rendering: ~125ms for simple content
Complex sites: 835ms (tested on static websites)
Memory usage: Under 10MB typical
Initial startup: 2-3 seconds (Chrome engine initialization)
75% reduction in memory usage for headers/footers
80% reduction in loading time for large documents

For detailed performance optimization tips, see IronPDF's performance guide.

What are ActivePDF's performance characteristics?

Variable based on rendering engine selected
Native engine: Faster for simple HTML
IE engine: Slower but better compatibility with legacy content
Service-based architecture adds overhead
Better suited for batch processing scenarios

What are the memory management best practices?

How to optimize memory with IronPDF?

// Dispose of resources properly
using (var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer())
{
    using (var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html))
    {
        pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf");
    }
}

// For large documents, use streaming
await pdf.Stream.CopyToAsync(fileStream);

// Dispose of resources properly
using (var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer())
{
    using (var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html))
    {
        pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf");
    }
}

// For large documents, use streaming
await pdf.Stream.CopyToAsync(fileStream);

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For more memory optimization strategies, see IronPDF's memory management guide and PDF memory stream examples.

What are ActivePDF memory considerations?

Service-based architecture isolates memory usage
Automatic cleanup between conversions
Configure service memory limits in Windows

What ActivePDF Components Are Available?

What other ActivePDF components are available?

Component	Purpose & Features
ActivePDF `DocConverter`	Converts 300+ file types to PDF. Features watched folders, batch processing, and enterprise automation.
ActivePDF `WebGrabber`	HTML to PDF conversion with support for URLs, files, and HTML strings. Includes Native and IE rendering engines.
ActivePDF Toolkit	Advanced PDF manipulation including forms, annotations, security, and low-level PDF operations.
ActivePDF Server	Server-based PDF printing solution for network environments.
ActivePDF Meridian	Network PDF printer for printing documents to PDF without per-user fees.
ActivePDF OCR	Optical Character Recognition for making scanned PDFs searchable.
ActivePDF Xtractor	Extracts text and images from PDF files for data processing.
ActivePDF Redactor	Permanently removes sensitive information from PDF documents.

Please noteMany of these components require separate licenses, increasing the total cost for complete PDF functionality.

How Do Licensing and Pricing Compare?

How do licensing costs compare between IronPDF and ActivePDF?

What are IronPDF's licensing options and pricing (as of 2025)?

Lite License: $799 (1 developer, 1 location, 1 project)
Plus License: $1,199 (3 developers, 3 locations, 3 projects)
Professional License: $2,399 (10 developers, 10 locations, 10 projects)
Unlimited License: Custom pricing (unlimited developers/projects)
Iron Suite: $1,498 (all 10 Iron Software products)

All licenses include 24/5 engineering support, lifetime license validity, and options for extensions and upgrades.

WebGrabber: Starting at $2,499 (one-time payment)
DocConverter: Starting at $2,999 (one-time payment)
Toolkit: Starting at $1,500+ (varies by features)
Support: Additional cost for premium support
Multiple Components: Costs add up quickly

What is the total cost comparison?

Small Development Team (3 developers) - Cost Comparison?

IronPDF Plus License: $1,499 (all features included)
ActivePDF WebGrabber + DocConverter: $5,498 minimum
Savings with IronPDF: 73%

Enterprise Team (10 developers) - Cost Comparison?

IronPDF Professional: $2,999 (all features)
ActivePDF Suite (multiple components): $10,000+
Savings with IronPDF: 70%+

For detailed pricing comparisons with other competitors, see IronPDF vs Aspose, IronPDF vs iText, and IronPDF vs Syncfusion.

Which Library Offers Better Developer Support?

Which library offers better developer support?

What support does IronPDF offer?

24/5 engineering support included with all licenses
Direct access to development team
Complete documentation with 100+ examples
Active community and forums
Regular updates and improvements
Response time: 24-48 hours typical

For support best practices, see how to make an engineering support request and getting the best support.

What support does ActivePDF provide?

Support portal access
Knowledge base articles
Community forums
Premium support available at additional cost
Legacy documentation for older versions

Conclusion: Which PDF library should you choose?

When to Choose IronPDF:

Modern .NET Development: Full support for .NET 9/10 and cross-platform deployment
Rapid Development: Intuitive API requires minimal code
Web Applications: Superior HTML/CSS/JavaScript rendering with Chrome engine
Cloud Deployment: Optimized for Azure, AWS, and containerized environments
Budget Conscious: Lower entry cost with all features included
Learning Curve: Extensive documentation and examples for quick adoption

When to Choose ActivePDF:

Legacy Systems: Existing ActivePDF infrastructure or Windows Server environments
Diverse File Formats: Need to convert 300+ file types to PDF
Enterprise Workflows: Watched folders and automated batch processing
Advanced Forms: Complex XFA forms or specialized form requirements
Compliance Requirements: Multiple PDF/A levels for specific industries

Final Recommendation

For most modern .NET development scenarios, IronPDF offers the best combination of features, performance, and value. Its intuitive API, complete documentation, and transparent pricing make it ideal for teams looking to implement PDF functionality quickly and efficiently.

ActivePDF remains a viable choice for enterprises with specific requirements around file format support, legacy system integration, or existing ActivePDF infrastructure. However, the modular pricing model and complex installation process may present challenges for smaller teams or new projects.

Ready to Get Started?

Start using IronPDF in your project today with a free trial.

First Step:

Please noteActivePDF is a registered trademark of its respective owner. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ActivePDF. All product names, logos, and brands are property of their respective owners. Comparisons are for informational purposes only and reflect publicly available information at the time of writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do IronPDF and ActivePDF compare for PDF generation in .NET?

IronPDF offers a streamlined approach to PDF generation with a Chrome-based rendering engine and intuitive APIs, supporting modern .NET versions including .NET 9 and 10. ActivePDF provides modular components like WebGrabber and DocConverter for enterprise scenarios, but requires more configuration.

How can I convert HTML to PDF using C#?

You can use IronPDF's RenderHtmlAsPdf method to convert HTML strings into PDFs quickly. For file-based conversion, the RenderHtmlFileAsPdf method is available, both offering high fidelity with CSS3 and JavaScript support.

What are the performance benchmarks for IronPDF?

IronPDF demonstrates fast HTML-to-PDF rendering, completing tasks in approximately 125-835ms with memory usage under 10MB. It also offers significant memory and processing improvements for headers and footers.

Can I automate batch PDF processing with IronPDF?

Yes, IronPDF supports batch processing through async/await patterns, allowing you to handle multiple PDF conversions simultaneously using methods like RenderHtmlFileAsPdfAsync.

How does IronPDF handle digital signatures in PDFs?

IronPDF provides a PdfSignature class for adding digital signatures to PDF documents. It supports certificate-based signing and allows customization of the signature's appearance and metadata.

What are the cost considerations for using IronPDF in .NET development?

IronPDF licenses start at $749 for single developers, including all features. In comparison, ActivePDF components are priced separately, leading to higher total costs for similar functionalities.

How does IronPDF ensure cross-platform compatibility?

IronPDF supports cross-platform deployment, including Windows, Linux, macOS, and Docker environments, making it suitable for diverse development needs and cloud-based applications.

How can I add headers and footers to PDFs using IronPDF?

IronPDF provides TextHeaderFooter and HtmlHeaderFooter classes, allowing you to add headers and footers with both simple text and complex HTML/CSS layouts.

How well does IronPDF integrate with modern .NET versions?

IronPDF fully supports modern .NET versions, including .NET 9 and 10, as well as .NET Core, .NET Standard, and .NET Framework 4.6.2+, ensuring broad compatibility and future-proof development.

Is there support for JavaScript execution during PDF conversion?

Yes, IronPDF fully executes JavaScript before rendering PDFs, with options to control timing using WaitFor.JavaScript() and RenderDelay(), ensuring complete and accurate conversions.

Jacob Mellor

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Chief Technology Officer

Jacob Mellor is Chief Technology Officer at Iron Software and a visionary engineer pioneering C# PDF technology. As the original developer behind Iron Software's core codebase, he has shaped the company's product architecture since its inception, transforming it alongside CEO Cameron Rimington into a 50+ person company serving NASA, Tesla, ...

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Compare IronPDF to ActivePDF Components

Overview

What is the IronPDF C# Library?

What are ActivePDF Components?

What is ActivePDF WebGrabber for HTML to PDF Conversion?

What is ActivePDF DocConverter for Document Transformation?

How do Modern CSS Frameworks Like Bootstrap Render in PDF?

How Does IronPDF Handle Bootstrap and Modern Framework Support?

What are ActivePDF WebGrabber's Limitations with Modern Framework Support?

Why do developers choose IronPDF over ActivePDF?

When might ActivePDF be the better choice?

Comparison

How Do ActivePDF vs IronPDF Features Compare?

Which library offers better HTML to PDF conversion capabilities?

How do the libraries compare for document format support?

What about PDF manipulation features?

Step 1: Installation

How Do I Install IronPDF?

Which installation method should I use for IronPDF?

NuGet Package Manager

Download IronPDF.dll manually

How Do I Install ActivePDF Components?

How do I install ActivePDF WebGrabber?

How do I install ActivePDF DocConverter?

How to Tutorials

How Do I Convert HTML String to PDF File?

How does IronPDF convert HTML strings to PDF?

How does ActivePDF WebGrabber convert HTML strings to PDF?

How do both libraries handle advanced HTML with CSS styling?

How Do I Convert HTML File to PDF File?

How does IronPDF convert HTML files to PDF?

How does ActivePDF WebGrabber convert HTML files to PDF?

How Do I Convert URL to PDF File?

How does IronPDF convert URLs to PDF?

How do I handle async URL conversion with IronPDF?

How does ActivePDF WebGrabber convert URLs to PDF?

How Do I Create a Watermark on PDF?

How does IronPDF handle watermarking?

How does ActivePDF create watermarks?

How Do I Set Headers and Footers for PDFs?

How does IronPDF add headers and footers?

How does ActivePDF WebGrabber set headers and footers?

How Do Advanced PDF Features Compare?

How do I create and manipulate PDF forms?

How does IronPDF handle form creation?

How does ActivePDF Toolkit handle forms?

How do I ensure PDF/A compliance?

How to create PDF/A with IronPDF?

How to create PDF/A with ActivePDF DocConverter?

How do I add digital signatures to PDFs?

How does IronPDF handle digital signatures?

How do I handle batch processing?

How does IronPDF handle batch conversions?

How does ActivePDF DocConverter handle batch processing?

How Do Performance and Resources Compare?

How do the libraries compare in terms of performance?

What are IronPDF's performance metrics?

What are ActivePDF's performance characteristics?

What are the memory management best practices?

How to optimize memory with IronPDF?

What are ActivePDF memory considerations?

What ActivePDF Components Are Available?

What other ActivePDF components are available?

How Do Licensing and Pricing Compare?

How do licensing costs compare between IronPDF and ActivePDF?

What are IronPDF's licensing options and pricing (as of 2025)?

What is the total cost comparison?

Small Development Team (3 developers) - Cost Comparison?

Enterprise Team (10 developers) - Cost Comparison?

Which Library Offers Better Developer Support?

Which library offers better developer support?

What support does IronPDF offer?

What support does ActivePDF provide?

Conclusion: Which PDF library should you choose?

When to Choose IronPDF:

When to Choose ActivePDF:

Final Recommendation

Ready to Get Started?

What is ActivePDF `WebGrabber` for HTML to PDF Conversion?

What is ActivePDF `DocConverter` for Document Transformation?

What are ActivePDF `WebGrabber`'s Limitations with Modern Framework Support?

How do I install ActivePDF `WebGrabber`?

How do I install ActivePDF `DocConverter`?

How does ActivePDF `WebGrabber` convert HTML strings to PDF?

How does ActivePDF `WebGrabber` convert HTML files to PDF?

How does ActivePDF `WebGrabber` convert URLs to PDF?

How does ActivePDF `WebGrabber` set headers and footers?

How to create PDF/A with ActivePDF `DocConverter`?

How does ActivePDF `DocConverter` handle batch processing?