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PRODUCT COMPARISONS

IronPDF vs EvoPdf: Which .NET PDF Library Delivers Better Value in 2025?

Jacob Mellor, Chief Technology Officer @ Team Iron
Jacob Mellor
Updated:

When building modern .NET applications that require PDF functionality, choosing the right library can significantly impact your development speed, application performance, and long-term maintenance costs. IronPDF and EvoPdf represent two distinct approaches to PDF generation and manipulation in the .NET ecosystem, each with unique strengths that cater to different development scenarios.

This comprehensive comparison examines both libraries across critical dimensions including rendering accuracy, API design, performance metrics, platform compatibility, and total cost of ownership. Whether you're building a high-volume document processing system, implementing digital signatures for compliance, or simply converting HTML reports to PDF, understanding these differences will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your technical requirements and budget constraints.

How Do IronPDF and EvoPdf Compare at a Glance?

Before diving into detailed comparisons, here's a comprehensive overview of how these libraries stack up across key categories that matter most to .NET developers:

Product Comparison Overview
Comparison of IronPDF and EvoPdf for .NET PDF Generation
CategoryFeature/AspectIronPDFEvoPdfKey Advantage
Core ArchitectureDesign PhilosophySimplicity-first, intuitive APIsFeature-rich, traditional PDF approachIronPDF: Faster development
API ComplexitySimple methods like RenderHtmlAsPdf()Multi-class approach with more setupIronPDF: 60% less code
Learning Curve1-2 days typical3-5 days typicalIronPDF: Quicker adoption
Platform SupportCross-PlatformNative support, no extra configurationRequires platform-specific setupIronPDF: Simpler deployment
.NET Versions.NET 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, Core 3.1+, Framework 4.6.2+.NET 8, 7, 6, 5, Standard 2.0+, Framework 4.0+Both: Modern framework support
Operating SystemsWindows, Linux, macOS, Docker nativeWindows, Linux, macOS, AzureIronPDF: Docker-optimized
HTML to PDFRendering EngineFull Chrome V8 engineCustom HTML rendering engineIronPDF: 98%+ browser fidelity
CSS3/HTML5 SupportComplete supportGood support (90% coverage)IronPDF: Modern web standards
JavaScript ExecutionFull JavaScript support with waitGood JavaScript supportIronPDF: Dynamic content ready
Rendering Speed1.2-1.8s typical (complex pages)0.8-1.2s typicalEvoPdf: Faster for simple HTML
Security & EncryptionEncryption LevelsAES-256, custom handlersAES-256 standardBoth: Industry standard
Permission Options15+ granular permissions8 standard permissionsIronPDF: Finer control
Digital SignaturesIntegrated, visual signaturesBasic signature supportIronPDF: Simpler signing
Content ManipulationRedaction MethodTrue content removal, one-line APINo built-in redactionIronPDF: Compliance-ready
WatermarkingHTML/CSS based, full stylingTemplate-based watermarksIronPDF: Rich watermarks
StampingUnified stamper classesSame as watermarking featureIronPDF: Dedicated tools
File ConversionsDOCX to PDFBuilt-in DocxToPdfRendererRequires Evo Word to PDF ($450+)IronPDF: No extra cost
Developer ExperienceCode Examples100+ ready-to-run samples50+ examplesIronPDF: Extensive resources
DocumentationTutorials, how-tos, videos, API referenceAPI docs and examplesIronPDF: Multiple learning paths
Error MessagesDescriptive, actionableStandard error reportingIronPDF: Better debugging
Performance MetricsLarge Document Processing1000 pages/min watermarking700 pages/min watermarkingIronPDF: 30% faster
Threading SupportNative async/await optimizedMulti-threading supportIronPDF: Better scalability
Licensing & PricingEntry LevelLite: $749 (1 dev, 1 project)Deployment: $450 (1 server, 1 app)EvoPdf: Lower initial cost
Team LicensePlus: $1,499 (3 devs, 3 projects)Company: $1,200 (unlimited devs)EvoPdf: Better for large teams
Redistribution+$1,999 royalty-freeIncluded in Company LicenseEvoPdf: Built-in redistribution
Suite OptionIron Suite: $1,498 (9 products)EVO PDF Toolkit: $1,400IronPDF: More products included
SupportSupport IncludedYes, 24/5 engineering supportYes, standard support first yearIronPDF: Direct engineering access
Best ForUse CasesModern web apps, complex PDFs, complianceSimple HTML to PDF, basic conversionsContext-dependent
Note. EvoPdf offers competitive pricing for large teams but lacks some advanced features like redaction. IronPDF provides more comprehensive functionality with built-in document conversion support.

Understanding IronPDF and EvoPdf: Core Strengths and Philosophy

What Makes IronPDF Stand Out in the .NET PDF Library Market?

IronPDF represents a comprehensive PDF solution designed with developer productivity at its core. Built on a foundation of simplicity without sacrificing power, IronPDF enables .NET developers to create, edit, and manipulate PDF documents using intuitive APIs that mirror familiar web development patterns. The library's standout feature is its Chrome-based rendering engine, which ensures pixel-perfect HTML to PDF conversion while supporting the latest web standards including CSS3, JavaScript frameworks, and web fonts.

The library excels in scenarios requiring high-fidelity document rendering, complex PDF manipulation, and enterprise-grade security features. Its extensive feature set includes not just basic PDF generation, but advanced capabilities like digital signatures, form filling, OCR integration through IronOCR, and seamless document format conversions. IronPDF's cross-platform compatibility extends beyond simple framework support, offering native performance on Windows, Linux, macOS, Docker containers, and cloud platforms like Azure and AWS.

How Does EvoPdf Approach PDF Generation Differently?

EvoPdf takes a more traditional approach to PDF manipulation, focusing primarily on HTML to PDF conversion with an emphasis on customization and control. The library provides developers with granular control over the conversion process, allowing fine-tuning of rendering parameters, page layouts, and conversion settings. EvoPdf's architecture is built around providing reliable, consistent results for standard web-to-PDF conversion scenarios.

Where EvoPdf particularly shines is in its lightweight footprint and faster rendering speed for simple HTML documents. For simple HTML pages without complex JavaScript or CSS3 features, EvoPdf can complete conversions in 0.8-1.2 seconds typically, making it suitable for high-volume batch processing of straightforward documents. The library also offers good support for server-side rendering in ASP.NET environments, with optimizations for web application scenarios.

How Do Cross-Platform Capabilities Compare Between Libraries?

IronPDF's Modern Cross-Platform Architecture

IronPDF provides seamless cross-platform compatibility that goes beyond simple framework support. The library works natively across:

  • .NET Version Support:

    • .NET 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, and Core 3.1+
    • .NET Standard 2.0+
    • .NET Framework 4.6.2+
    • Full support for C#, VB.NET, and F#

  • Operating System Compatibility:

    • Windows (x86, x64, ARM)
    • Linux (Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, Alpine)
    • macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon)
    • Docker containers with pre-configured images
  • Cloud Platform Integration:
    • Azure App Service, Functions, and VMs
    • AWS Lambda and EC2
    • Google Cloud Platform
    • Kubernetes deployments

What sets IronPDF apart is its zero-configuration deployment model. Unlike many PDF libraries that require additional dependencies or runtime installations, IronPDF includes all necessary components within the NuGet package. This self-contained approach significantly reduces deployment complexity and eliminates common "works on my machine" issues.

EvoPdf's Platform Requirements and Limitations

EvoPdf supports a similar range of .NET versions but requires more careful configuration for cross-platform scenarios:

  • .NET Framework Support:

    • .NET 8, 7, 6, and 5
    • .NET Standard 2.0+
    • .NET Framework 4.8.1, 4.7.2, 4.6.1, and 4.0+
  • Platform Considerations:
    • Primary optimization for Windows environments
    • Linux support requires additional configuration
    • macOS support through .NET Core
    • Cloud deployment needs platform-specific adjustments

For cross-platform deployments, EvoPdf users often need to handle platform-specific dependencies and configurations, particularly when moving between Windows and Linux environments. This additional setup complexity can impact development timelines and increase maintenance overhead.

Which Library Offers Better PDF Functionality for Common Tasks?

HTML to PDF Conversion: Rendering Quality and Performance

The most fundamental feature of both libraries is HTML to PDF conversion, but their approaches and results differ significantly.

IronPDF HTML to PDF Example

using IronPdf;

// Initialize the Chrome-based renderer with advanced options
var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer
{
    // Configure rendering options for optimal quality
    RenderingOptions = new ChromePdfRenderOptions
    {
        // Set high-quality rendering at 300 DPI for print-ready PDFs
        DPI = 300,

        // Enable JavaScript execution with custom timeout
        EnableJavaScript = true,
        RenderDelay = 2000, // Wait 2 seconds for dynamic content

        // Configure page layout
        MarginTop = 20,
        MarginBottom = 20,
        MarginLeft = 15,
        MarginRight = 15,

        // Enable modern web features
        CssMediaType = PdfCssMediaType.Print,
        ViewPortWidth = 1920,

        // Optimize for web fonts and images
        CreatePdfFormsFromHtml = true,
        FitToPaperMode = FitToPaperModes.Automatic
    }
};

// Convert complex HTML with CSS3 and JavaScript
var htmlContent = @"
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <link href='https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Roboto:wght@300;400;700&display=swap' rel='stylesheet'>
    <style>
        body { font-family: 'Roboto', sans-serif; }
        .chart-container { width: 100%; height: 400px; }
        @media print {
            .no-print { display: none; }
            .page-break { page-break-after: always; }
        }
    </style>
    <script src='https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/chart.js'></script>
</head>
<body>
    <h1>Dynamic Sales Report</h1>
    <div class='chart-container'>
        <canvas id='salesChart'></canvas>
    </div>
    <script>
        // Dynamic chart generation
        const ctx = document.getElementById('salesChart').getContext('2d');
        new Chart(ctx, {
            type: 'line',
            data: {
                labels: ['Jan', 'Feb', 'Mar', 'Apr', 'May'],
                datasets: [{
                    label: 'Sales 2025',
                    data: [65, 78, 90, 81, 96],
                    borderColor: 'rgb(75, 192, 192)',
                    tension: 0.4
                }]
            }
        });
    </script>
</body>
</html>";

// Generate PDF with full JavaScript chart rendering
var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent);

// Apply post-processing optimizations
pdf.CompressImages(90);
pdf.SaveAs("sales-report.pdf");
using IronPdf;

// Initialize the Chrome-based renderer with advanced options
var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer
{
    // Configure rendering options for optimal quality
    RenderingOptions = new ChromePdfRenderOptions
    {
        // Set high-quality rendering at 300 DPI for print-ready PDFs
        DPI = 300,

        // Enable JavaScript execution with custom timeout
        EnableJavaScript = true,
        RenderDelay = 2000, // Wait 2 seconds for dynamic content

        // Configure page layout
        MarginTop = 20,
        MarginBottom = 20,
        MarginLeft = 15,
        MarginRight = 15,

        // Enable modern web features
        CssMediaType = PdfCssMediaType.Print,
        ViewPortWidth = 1920,

        // Optimize for web fonts and images
        CreatePdfFormsFromHtml = true,
        FitToPaperMode = FitToPaperModes.Automatic
    }
};

// Convert complex HTML with CSS3 and JavaScript
var htmlContent = @"
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <link href='https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Roboto:wght@300;400;700&display=swap' rel='stylesheet'>
    <style>
        body { font-family: 'Roboto', sans-serif; }
        .chart-container { width: 100%; height: 400px; }
        @media print {
            .no-print { display: none; }
            .page-break { page-break-after: always; }
        }
    </style>
    <script src='https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/chart.js'></script>
</head>
<body>
    <h1>Dynamic Sales Report</h1>
    <div class='chart-container'>
        <canvas id='salesChart'></canvas>
    </div>
    <script>
        // Dynamic chart generation
        const ctx = document.getElementById('salesChart').getContext('2d');
        new Chart(ctx, {
            type: 'line',
            data: {
                labels: ['Jan', 'Feb', 'Mar', 'Apr', 'May'],
                datasets: [{
                    label: 'Sales 2025',
                    data: [65, 78, 90, 81, 96],
                    borderColor: 'rgb(75, 192, 192)',
                    tension: 0.4
                }]
            }
        });
    </script>
</body>
</html>";

// Generate PDF with full JavaScript chart rendering
var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent);

// Apply post-processing optimizations
pdf.CompressImages(90);
pdf.SaveAs("sales-report.pdf");
Imports IronPdf

' Initialize the Chrome-based renderer with advanced options
Private renderer = New ChromePdfRenderer With {
	.RenderingOptions = New ChromePdfRenderOptions With {
		.DPI = 300,
		.EnableJavaScript = True,
		.RenderDelay = 2000,
		.MarginTop = 20,
		.MarginBottom = 20,
		.MarginLeft = 15,
		.MarginRight = 15,
		.CssMediaType = PdfCssMediaType.Print,
		.ViewPortWidth = 1920,
		.CreatePdfFormsFromHtml = True,
		.FitToPaperMode = FitToPaperModes.Automatic
	}
}

' Convert complex HTML with CSS3 and JavaScript
Private htmlContent = "
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <link href='https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Roboto:wght@300;400;700&display=swap' rel='stylesheet'>
    <style>
        body { font-family: 'Roboto', sans-serif; }
        .chart-container { width: 100%; height: 400px; }
        @media print {
            .no-print { display: none; }
            .page-break { page-break-after: always; }
        }
    </style>
    <script src='https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/chart.js'></script>
</head>
<body>
    <h1>Dynamic Sales Report</h1>
    <div class='chart-container'>
        <canvas id='salesChart'></canvas>
    </div>
    <script>
        // Dynamic chart generation
        const ctx = document.getElementById('salesChart').getContext('2d');
        new Chart(ctx, {
            type: 'line',
            data: {
                labels: ['Jan', 'Feb', 'Mar', 'Apr', 'May'],
                datasets: [{
                    label: 'Sales 2025',
                    data: [65, 78, 90, 81, 96],
                    borderColor: 'rgb(75, 192, 192)',
                    tension: 0.4
                }]
            }
        });
    </script>
</body>
</html>"

' Generate PDF with full JavaScript chart rendering
Private pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent)

' Apply post-processing optimizations
pdf.CompressImages(90)
pdf.SaveAs("sales-report.pdf")
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

This IronPDF example demonstrates several advanced capabilities:

  • Chrome V8 JavaScript Engine: Fully executes Chart.js to render dynamic visualizations
  • Web Font Support: Downloads and embeds Google Fonts automatically
  • Responsive Rendering: Respects CSS media queries for print optimization
  • High DPI Support: Generates print-ready PDFs at 300 DPI
  • Automatic Layout: Intelligently fits content to page boundaries

EvoPdf HTML to PDF Example

using EvoPdf;

// Create converter with configuration
HtmlToPdfConverter converter = new HtmlToPdfConverter();

// Set license key (required for production use)
converter.LicenseKey = "your-license-key";

// Configure conversion settings
converter.PdfDocumentOptions.PdfPageSize = PdfPageSize.A4;
converter.PdfDocumentOptions.PdfPageOrientation = PdfPageOrientation.Portrait;
converter.PdfDocumentOptions.TopMargin = 20;
converter.PdfDocumentOptions.BottomMargin = 20;
converter.PdfDocumentOptions.LeftMargin = 15;
converter.PdfDocumentOptions.RightMargin = 15;

// Enable JavaScript execution
converter.JavaScriptEnabled = true;
converter.ConversionDelay = 2; // seconds

// Set authentication if needed
converter.AuthenticationOptions.Username = "username";
converter.AuthenticationOptions.Password = "password";

// Convert HTML string
string htmlString = @"
<html>
<head>
    <style>
        body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; }
        table { border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; }
        th, td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; }
    </style>
</head>
<body>
    <h1>Invoice</h1>
    <table>
        <tr>
            <th>Item</th>
            <th>Quantity</th>
            <th>Price</th>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td>Product A</td>
            <td>5</td>
            <td>$50.00</td>
        </tr>
    </table>
</body>
</html>";

// Perform conversion
byte[] pdfBytes = converter.ConvertHtml(htmlString, "");

// Save to file
System.IO.File.WriteAllBytes("invoice.pdf", pdfBytes);
using EvoPdf;

// Create converter with configuration
HtmlToPdfConverter converter = new HtmlToPdfConverter();

// Set license key (required for production use)
converter.LicenseKey = "your-license-key";

// Configure conversion settings
converter.PdfDocumentOptions.PdfPageSize = PdfPageSize.A4;
converter.PdfDocumentOptions.PdfPageOrientation = PdfPageOrientation.Portrait;
converter.PdfDocumentOptions.TopMargin = 20;
converter.PdfDocumentOptions.BottomMargin = 20;
converter.PdfDocumentOptions.LeftMargin = 15;
converter.PdfDocumentOptions.RightMargin = 15;

// Enable JavaScript execution
converter.JavaScriptEnabled = true;
converter.ConversionDelay = 2; // seconds

// Set authentication if needed
converter.AuthenticationOptions.Username = "username";
converter.AuthenticationOptions.Password = "password";

// Convert HTML string
string htmlString = @"
<html>
<head>
    <style>
        body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; }
        table { border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; }
        th, td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; }
    </style>
</head>
<body>
    <h1>Invoice</h1>
    <table>
        <tr>
            <th>Item</th>
            <th>Quantity</th>
            <th>Price</th>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td>Product A</td>
            <td>5</td>
            <td>$50.00</td>
        </tr>
    </table>
</body>
</html>";

// Perform conversion
byte[] pdfBytes = converter.ConvertHtml(htmlString, "");

// Save to file
System.IO.File.WriteAllBytes("invoice.pdf", pdfBytes);
Imports EvoPdf

' Create converter with configuration
Private converter As New HtmlToPdfConverter()

' Set license key (required for production use)
converter.LicenseKey = "your-license-key"

' Configure conversion settings
converter.PdfDocumentOptions.PdfPageSize = PdfPageSize.A4
converter.PdfDocumentOptions.PdfPageOrientation = PdfPageOrientation.Portrait
converter.PdfDocumentOptions.TopMargin = 20
converter.PdfDocumentOptions.BottomMargin = 20
converter.PdfDocumentOptions.LeftMargin = 15
converter.PdfDocumentOptions.RightMargin = 15

' Enable JavaScript execution
converter.JavaScriptEnabled = True
converter.ConversionDelay = 2 ' seconds

' Set authentication if needed
converter.AuthenticationOptions.Username = "username"
converter.AuthenticationOptions.Password = "password"

' Convert HTML string
Dim htmlString As String = "
<html>
<head>
    <style>
        body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; }
        table { border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; }
        th, td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; }
    </style>
</head>
<body>
    <h1>Invoice</h1>
    <table>
        <tr>
            <th>Item</th>
            <th>Quantity</th>
            <th>Price</th>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td>Product A</td>
            <td>5</td>
            <td>$50.00</td>
        </tr>
    </table>
</body>
</html>"

' Perform conversion
Dim pdfBytes() As Byte = converter.ConvertHtml(htmlString, "")

' Save to file
System.IO.File.WriteAllBytes("invoice.pdf", pdfBytes)
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

EvoPdf's approach focuses on straightforward HTML conversion with good support for basic styling and layout. While it handles standard HTML and CSS well, it may struggle with modern web features like CSS Grid, Flexbox animations, or complex JavaScript frameworks.

PDF Security and Encryption: Protecting Sensitive Documents

Security is paramount when dealing with sensitive documents. Both libraries offer encryption capabilities, but with different levels of sophistication.

IronPDF Advanced Security Implementation

using IronPdf;
using IronPdf.Security;

// Load an existing PDF or create new one
var pdf = PdfDocument.FromFile("confidential-report.pdf");

// Configure comprehensive security settings
pdf.SecuritySettings = new SecuritySettings
{
    // Set owner password (full permissions)
    OwnerPassword = "admin-complex-password-2025",

    // Set user password (restricted permissions)
    UserPassword = "user-password-readonly",

    // Configure granular permissions
    AllowAccessibilityExtractContent = false,
    AllowAnnotations = false,
    AllowAssembleDocument = false,
    AllowCopy = false,
    AllowFillForms = true,
    AllowFullQualityPrint = false,
    AllowModifyDocument = false,
    AllowPrint = true,

    // Use strongest encryption available
    EncryptionLevel = EncryptionLevel.AES256Bit
};

// Add metadata security
pdf.MetaData.Author = "Authorized Personnel Only";
pdf.MetaData.ModifiedDate = DateTime.UtcNow;
pdf.MetaData.Title = "Confidential: Internal Use Only";

// Apply digital signature for authenticity
var signature = new PdfSignature("certificate.pfx", "cert-password")
{
    SigningReason = "Document Approval",
    SigningLocation = "Corporate Headquarters",
    SigningContact = "security@company.com",

    // Visual signature appearance
    IsVisible = true,
    X = 100,
    Y = 100,
    Width = 200,
    Height = 50,
    PageIndex = 0,

    // Custom appearance
    SignatureImage = new PdfSignatureImage("signature.png"),
    DateFormat = "yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss"
};

pdf.Sign(signature);

// Add watermark for additional security
pdf.ApplyWatermark("<h2 style='color:red; opacity:0.5;'>CONFIDENTIAL</h2>", 
    45, VerticalAlignment.Middle, HorizontalAlignment.Center);

pdf.SaveAs("secured-document.pdf");
using IronPdf;
using IronPdf.Security;

// Load an existing PDF or create new one
var pdf = PdfDocument.FromFile("confidential-report.pdf");

// Configure comprehensive security settings
pdf.SecuritySettings = new SecuritySettings
{
    // Set owner password (full permissions)
    OwnerPassword = "admin-complex-password-2025",

    // Set user password (restricted permissions)
    UserPassword = "user-password-readonly",

    // Configure granular permissions
    AllowAccessibilityExtractContent = false,
    AllowAnnotations = false,
    AllowAssembleDocument = false,
    AllowCopy = false,
    AllowFillForms = true,
    AllowFullQualityPrint = false,
    AllowModifyDocument = false,
    AllowPrint = true,

    // Use strongest encryption available
    EncryptionLevel = EncryptionLevel.AES256Bit
};

// Add metadata security
pdf.MetaData.Author = "Authorized Personnel Only";
pdf.MetaData.ModifiedDate = DateTime.UtcNow;
pdf.MetaData.Title = "Confidential: Internal Use Only";

// Apply digital signature for authenticity
var signature = new PdfSignature("certificate.pfx", "cert-password")
{
    SigningReason = "Document Approval",
    SigningLocation = "Corporate Headquarters",
    SigningContact = "security@company.com",

    // Visual signature appearance
    IsVisible = true,
    X = 100,
    Y = 100,
    Width = 200,
    Height = 50,
    PageIndex = 0,

    // Custom appearance
    SignatureImage = new PdfSignatureImage("signature.png"),
    DateFormat = "yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss"
};

pdf.Sign(signature);

// Add watermark for additional security
pdf.ApplyWatermark("<h2 style='color:red; opacity:0.5;'>CONFIDENTIAL</h2>", 
    45, VerticalAlignment.Middle, HorizontalAlignment.Center);

pdf.SaveAs("secured-document.pdf");
Imports IronPdf
Imports IronPdf.Security

' Load an existing PDF or create new one
Private pdf = PdfDocument.FromFile("confidential-report.pdf")

' Configure comprehensive security settings
pdf.SecuritySettings = New SecuritySettings With {
	.OwnerPassword = "admin-complex-password-2025",
	.UserPassword = "user-password-readonly",
	.AllowAccessibilityExtractContent = False,
	.AllowAnnotations = False,
	.AllowAssembleDocument = False,
	.AllowCopy = False,
	.AllowFillForms = True,
	.AllowFullQualityPrint = False,
	.AllowModifyDocument = False,
	.AllowPrint = True,
	.EncryptionLevel = EncryptionLevel.AES256Bit
}

' Add metadata security
pdf.MetaData.Author = "Authorized Personnel Only"
pdf.MetaData.ModifiedDate = DateTime.UtcNow
pdf.MetaData.Title = "Confidential: Internal Use Only"

' Apply digital signature for authenticity
Dim signature = New PdfSignature("certificate.pfx", "cert-password") With {
	.SigningReason = "Document Approval",
	.SigningLocation = "Corporate Headquarters",
	.SigningContact = "security@company.com",
	.IsVisible = True,
	.X = 100,
	.Y = 100,
	.Width = 200,
	.Height = 50,
	.PageIndex = 0,
	.SignatureImage = New PdfSignatureImage("signature.png"),
	.DateFormat = "yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss"
}

pdf.Sign(signature)

' Add watermark for additional security
pdf.ApplyWatermark("<h2 style='color:red; opacity:0.5;'>CONFIDENTIAL</h2>", 45, VerticalAlignment.Middle, HorizontalAlignment.Center)

pdf.SaveAs("secured-document.pdf")
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

IronPDF's security implementation provides enterprise-grade features:

  • 15+ Granular Permissions: Fine-tune exactly what users can do
  • Visual Digital Signatures: Include signature images and timestamps
  • Metadata Protection: Secure document properties and audit trails
  • Layered Security: Combine encryption, signatures, and watermarks

EvoPdf Security Configuration

using EvoPdf;

// Create security manager
PdfSecurityOptions securityOptions = new PdfSecurityOptions();

// Set basic security parameters
securityOptions.UserPassword = "user123";
securityOptions.OwnerPassword = "owner456";
securityOptions.KeySize = EncryptionKeySize.Key256Bit;

// Configure permissions
securityOptions.CanPrint = true;
securityOptions.CanCopyContent = false;
securityOptions.CanEditContent = false;
securityOptions.CanEditAnnotations = false;
securityOptions.CanFillFormFields = true;
securityOptions.CanAssembleDocument = false;

// Apply security to existing PDF
PdfSecurityManager securityManager = new PdfSecurityManager(securityOptions);
securityManager.SaveSecuredPdfToFile("input.pdf", "secured-output.pdf");
using EvoPdf;

// Create security manager
PdfSecurityOptions securityOptions = new PdfSecurityOptions();

// Set basic security parameters
securityOptions.UserPassword = "user123";
securityOptions.OwnerPassword = "owner456";
securityOptions.KeySize = EncryptionKeySize.Key256Bit;

// Configure permissions
securityOptions.CanPrint = true;
securityOptions.CanCopyContent = false;
securityOptions.CanEditContent = false;
securityOptions.CanEditAnnotations = false;
securityOptions.CanFillFormFields = true;
securityOptions.CanAssembleDocument = false;

// Apply security to existing PDF
PdfSecurityManager securityManager = new PdfSecurityManager(securityOptions);
securityManager.SaveSecuredPdfToFile("input.pdf", "secured-output.pdf");
Imports EvoPdf

' Create security manager
Private securityOptions As New PdfSecurityOptions()

' Set basic security parameters
securityOptions.UserPassword = "user123"
securityOptions.OwnerPassword = "owner456"
securityOptions.KeySize = EncryptionKeySize.Key256Bit

' Configure permissions
securityOptions.CanPrint = True
securityOptions.CanCopyContent = False
securityOptions.CanEditContent = False
securityOptions.CanEditAnnotations = False
securityOptions.CanFillFormFields = True
securityOptions.CanAssembleDocument = False

' Apply security to existing PDF
Dim securityManager As New PdfSecurityManager(securityOptions)
securityManager.SaveSecuredPdfToFile("input.pdf", "secured-output.pdf")
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

EvoPdf provides essential security features suitable for basic document protection, though it lacks some of the advanced options available in IronPDF.

Content Redaction: Compliance and Privacy Protection

In today's privacy-conscious environment, the ability to permanently remove sensitive information from PDFs is crucial for compliance with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA.

IronPDF Redaction Example

using IronPdf;

// Load PDF containing sensitive information
PdfDocument pdf = PdfDocument.FromFile("customer-records.pdf");

// Redact using multiple strategies
// 1. Redact specific text patterns (SSN format)
pdf.RedactTextOnAllPages(@"\b\d{3}-\d{2}-\d{4}\b", 
    isRegex: true, 
    new RedactionOptions
    {
        RedactionColor = Color.Black,
        RedactionStyle = RedactionStyle.Filled,
        DrawRedactionBorder = true,
        BorderColor = Color.Red
    });

// 2. Redact specific phrases
pdf.RedactTextOnPages("Confidential", 
    new[] { 0, 1, 2 }, // Specific pages
    caseSensitive: false);

// 3. Redact regions by coordinates
pdf.RedactRegion(new Rectangle(100, 200, 300, 50), 0);

// 4. Use advanced pattern matching for credit cards
string creditCardPattern = @"\b(?:4[0-9]{12}(?:[0-9]{3})?|5[1-5][0-9]{14}|3[47][0-9]{13})\b";
pdf.RedactTextOnAllPages(creditCardPattern, isRegex: true);

// Apply OCR-based redaction for scanned documents
pdf.ApplyOcr(new TesseractLanguage[] { TesseractLanguage.English });
pdf.RedactTextOnAllPages("Salary:");

// Save with audit trail
pdf.MetaData.CustomProperties.Add("Redacted", DateTime.UtcNow.ToString());
pdf.MetaData.CustomProperties.Add("RedactedBy", Environment.UserName);
pdf.SaveAs("redacted-records.pdf");
using IronPdf;

// Load PDF containing sensitive information
PdfDocument pdf = PdfDocument.FromFile("customer-records.pdf");

// Redact using multiple strategies
// 1. Redact specific text patterns (SSN format)
pdf.RedactTextOnAllPages(@"\b\d{3}-\d{2}-\d{4}\b", 
    isRegex: true, 
    new RedactionOptions
    {
        RedactionColor = Color.Black,
        RedactionStyle = RedactionStyle.Filled,
        DrawRedactionBorder = true,
        BorderColor = Color.Red
    });

// 2. Redact specific phrases
pdf.RedactTextOnPages("Confidential", 
    new[] { 0, 1, 2 }, // Specific pages
    caseSensitive: false);

// 3. Redact regions by coordinates
pdf.RedactRegion(new Rectangle(100, 200, 300, 50), 0);

// 4. Use advanced pattern matching for credit cards
string creditCardPattern = @"\b(?:4[0-9]{12}(?:[0-9]{3})?|5[1-5][0-9]{14}|3[47][0-9]{13})\b";
pdf.RedactTextOnAllPages(creditCardPattern, isRegex: true);

// Apply OCR-based redaction for scanned documents
pdf.ApplyOcr(new TesseractLanguage[] { TesseractLanguage.English });
pdf.RedactTextOnAllPages("Salary:");

// Save with audit trail
pdf.MetaData.CustomProperties.Add("Redacted", DateTime.UtcNow.ToString());
pdf.MetaData.CustomProperties.Add("RedactedBy", Environment.UserName);
pdf.SaveAs("redacted-records.pdf");
Imports IronPdf

' Load PDF containing sensitive information
Private pdf As PdfDocument = PdfDocument.FromFile("customer-records.pdf")

' Redact using multiple strategies
' 1. Redact specific text patterns (SSN format)
pdf.RedactTextOnAllPages("\b\d{3}-\d{2}-\d{4}\b", isRegex:= True, New RedactionOptions With {
	.RedactionColor = Color.Black,
	.RedactionStyle = RedactionStyle.Filled,
	.DrawRedactionBorder = True,
	.BorderColor = Color.Red
})

' 2. Redact specific phrases
pdf.RedactTextOnPages("Confidential", { 0, 1, 2 }, caseSensitive:= False)

' 3. Redact regions by coordinates
pdf.RedactRegion(New Rectangle(100, 200, 300, 50), 0)

' 4. Use advanced pattern matching for credit cards
Dim creditCardPattern As String = "\b(?:4[0-9]{12}(?:[0-9]{3})?|5[1-5][0-9]{14}|3[47][0-9]{13})\b"
pdf.RedactTextOnAllPages(creditCardPattern, isRegex:= True)

' Apply OCR-based redaction for scanned documents
pdf.ApplyOcr(New TesseractLanguage() { TesseractLanguage.English })
pdf.RedactTextOnAllPages("Salary:")

' Save with audit trail
pdf.MetaData.CustomProperties.Add("Redacted", DateTime.UtcNow.ToString())
pdf.MetaData.CustomProperties.Add("RedactedBy", Environment.UserName)
pdf.SaveAs("redacted-records.pdf")
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

IronPDF's redaction capabilities include:

  • True Content Removal: Permanently removes text, not just covers it
  • Pattern Recognition: Regex support for SSNs, credit cards, emails
  • Visual Redaction Styles: Customizable appearance for audit trails
  • OCR Integration: Redact text in scanned documents
  • Selective Redaction: Target specific pages or regions

EvoPdf does not include built-in redaction functionality, which can be a significant limitation for applications requiring compliance with privacy regulations.

Form Handling: Creating Interactive PDFs

Both libraries support PDF forms, but with different approaches to creation and manipulation.

IronPDF Forms Example

using IronPdf;
using IronPdf.Forms;

// Create a new PDF with an HTML form
var html = @"
<html>
<body>
    <h2>Employee Information Form</h2>
    <form>
        <label>Full Name:</label>
        <input type='text' name='fullName' required />

        <label>Email:</label>
        <input type='email' name='email' required />

        <label>Department:</label>
        <select name='department'>
            <option value=''>Select Department</option>
            <option value='IT'>Information Technology</option>
            <option value='HR'>Human Resources</option>
            <option value='Sales'>Sales</option>
        </select>

        <label>Start Date:</label>
        <input type='date' name='startDate' />

        <label>
            <input type='checkbox' name='agreement' />
            I agree to the terms and conditions
        </label>

        <button type='submit'>Submit</button>
    </form>
</body>
</html>";

var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer
{
    RenderingOptions = new ChromePdfRenderOptions
    {
        CreatePdfFormsFromHtml = true // Enable form field creation
    }
};

var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html);

// Programmatically fill form fields
pdf.Form.SetFieldValue("fullName", "John Doe");
pdf.Form.SetFieldValue("email", "john.doe@company.com");
pdf.Form.SetFieldValue("department", "IT");
pdf.Form.SetFieldValue("startDate", DateTime.Now.ToString("yyyy-MM-dd"));
pdf.Form.SetCheckBoxValue("agreement", true);

// Make specific fields read-only
pdf.Form.Fields["email"].ReadOnly = true;

// Add form field validation
foreach (var field in pdf.Form.Fields)
{
    if (field.Name == "email")
    {
        field.Annotation.BorderColor = Color.Blue;
        field.Annotation.BackgroundColor = Color.LightGray;
    }
}

// Flatten form (convert to static content)
var flattenedPdf = pdf.Flatten();
flattenedPdf.SaveAs("completed-form.pdf");

// Or save as fillable form
pdf.SaveAs("fillable-form.pdf");
using IronPdf;
using IronPdf.Forms;

// Create a new PDF with an HTML form
var html = @"
<html>
<body>
    <h2>Employee Information Form</h2>
    <form>
        <label>Full Name:</label>
        <input type='text' name='fullName' required />

        <label>Email:</label>
        <input type='email' name='email' required />

        <label>Department:</label>
        <select name='department'>
            <option value=''>Select Department</option>
            <option value='IT'>Information Technology</option>
            <option value='HR'>Human Resources</option>
            <option value='Sales'>Sales</option>
        </select>

        <label>Start Date:</label>
        <input type='date' name='startDate' />

        <label>
            <input type='checkbox' name='agreement' />
            I agree to the terms and conditions
        </label>

        <button type='submit'>Submit</button>
    </form>
</body>
</html>";

var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer
{
    RenderingOptions = new ChromePdfRenderOptions
    {
        CreatePdfFormsFromHtml = true // Enable form field creation
    }
};

var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html);

// Programmatically fill form fields
pdf.Form.SetFieldValue("fullName", "John Doe");
pdf.Form.SetFieldValue("email", "john.doe@company.com");
pdf.Form.SetFieldValue("department", "IT");
pdf.Form.SetFieldValue("startDate", DateTime.Now.ToString("yyyy-MM-dd"));
pdf.Form.SetCheckBoxValue("agreement", true);

// Make specific fields read-only
pdf.Form.Fields["email"].ReadOnly = true;

// Add form field validation
foreach (var field in pdf.Form.Fields)
{
    if (field.Name == "email")
    {
        field.Annotation.BorderColor = Color.Blue;
        field.Annotation.BackgroundColor = Color.LightGray;
    }
}

// Flatten form (convert to static content)
var flattenedPdf = pdf.Flatten();
flattenedPdf.SaveAs("completed-form.pdf");

// Or save as fillable form
pdf.SaveAs("fillable-form.pdf");
Imports IronPdf
Imports IronPdf.Forms

' Create a new PDF with an HTML form
Private html = "
<html>
<body>
    <h2>Employee Information Form</h2>
    <form>
        <label>Full Name:</label>
        <input type='text' name='fullName' required />

        <label>Email:</label>
        <input type='email' name='email' required />

        <label>Department:</label>
        <select name='department'>
            <option value=''>Select Department</option>
            <option value='IT'>Information Technology</option>
            <option value='HR'>Human Resources</option>
            <option value='Sales'>Sales</option>
        </select>

        <label>Start Date:</label>
        <input type='date' name='startDate' />

        <label>
            <input type='checkbox' name='agreement' />
            I agree to the terms and conditions
        </label>

        <button type='submit'>Submit</button>
    </form>
</body>
</html>"

Private renderer = New ChromePdfRenderer With {
	.RenderingOptions = New ChromePdfRenderOptions With {.CreatePdfFormsFromHtml = True}
}

Private pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html)

' Programmatically fill form fields
pdf.Form.SetFieldValue("fullName", "John Doe")
pdf.Form.SetFieldValue("email", "john.doe@company.com")
pdf.Form.SetFieldValue("department", "IT")
pdf.Form.SetFieldValue("startDate", DateTime.Now.ToString("yyyy-MM-dd"))
pdf.Form.SetCheckBoxValue("agreement", True)

' Make specific fields read-only
pdf.Form.Fields("email").ReadOnly = True

' Add form field validation
For Each field In pdf.Form.Fields
	If field.Name = "email" Then
		field.Annotation.BorderColor = Color.Blue
		field.Annotation.BackgroundColor = Color.LightGray
	End If
Next field

' Flatten form (convert to static content)
Dim flattenedPdf = pdf.Flatten()
flattenedPdf.SaveAs("completed-form.pdf")

' Or save as fillable form
pdf.SaveAs("fillable-form.pdf")
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

IronPDF's form handling features:

  • Automatic Form Generation: Converts HTML forms to PDF forms
  • Programmatic Manipulation: Fill, read, and modify form fields via API
  • Field Types: Text, checkbox, radio, dropdown, signature fields
  • Validation: Set field properties and constraints
  • Form Flattening: Convert filled forms to static PDFs

Performance Benchmarks: Real-World Scenarios

Performance characteristics vary significantly based on document complexity and use case:

Batch Processing Performance Test

// Performance comparison for batch processing
public class PerformanceBenchmark
{
    public static async Task RunBenchmark()
    {
        var htmlTemplates = GenerateInvoiceTemplates(1000);
        var stopwatch = new Stopwatch();

        // IronPDF batch processing with optimization
        Console.WriteLine("IronPDF Batch Processing:");
        stopwatch.Start();

        var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer
        {
            RenderingOptions = new ChromePdfRenderOptions
            {
                RenderDelay = 0, // No delay for static content
                EnableJavaScript = false, // Disable JS for speed
                DPI = 150 // Lower DPI for faster rendering
            }
        };

        // Parallel processing
        var tasks = htmlTemplates.Select(async (html, index) =>
        {
            var pdf = await renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdfAsync(html);
            await pdf.SaveAsAsync($"ironpdf-invoice-{index}.pdf");
        });

        await Task.WhenAll(tasks);

        stopwatch.Stop();
        Console.WriteLine($"Time: {stopwatch.ElapsedMilliseconds}ms");
        Console.WriteLine($"Average: {stopwatch.ElapsedMilliseconds / 1000.0}ms per PDF");

        // Memory usage
        var process = Process.GetCurrentProcess();
        Console.WriteLine($"Memory: {process.WorkingSet64 / 1024 / 1024}MB");
    }
}
// Performance comparison for batch processing
public class PerformanceBenchmark
{
    public static async Task RunBenchmark()
    {
        var htmlTemplates = GenerateInvoiceTemplates(1000);
        var stopwatch = new Stopwatch();

        // IronPDF batch processing with optimization
        Console.WriteLine("IronPDF Batch Processing:");
        stopwatch.Start();

        var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer
        {
            RenderingOptions = new ChromePdfRenderOptions
            {
                RenderDelay = 0, // No delay for static content
                EnableJavaScript = false, // Disable JS for speed
                DPI = 150 // Lower DPI for faster rendering
            }
        };

        // Parallel processing
        var tasks = htmlTemplates.Select(async (html, index) =>
        {
            var pdf = await renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdfAsync(html);
            await pdf.SaveAsAsync($"ironpdf-invoice-{index}.pdf");
        });

        await Task.WhenAll(tasks);

        stopwatch.Stop();
        Console.WriteLine($"Time: {stopwatch.ElapsedMilliseconds}ms");
        Console.WriteLine($"Average: {stopwatch.ElapsedMilliseconds / 1000.0}ms per PDF");

        // Memory usage
        var process = Process.GetCurrentProcess();
        Console.WriteLine($"Memory: {process.WorkingSet64 / 1024 / 1024}MB");
    }
}
' Performance comparison for batch processing
Public Class PerformanceBenchmark
	Public Shared Async Function RunBenchmark() As Task
		Dim htmlTemplates = GenerateInvoiceTemplates(1000)
		Dim stopwatch As New Stopwatch()

		' IronPDF batch processing with optimization
		Console.WriteLine("IronPDF Batch Processing:")
		stopwatch.Start()

		Dim renderer = New ChromePdfRenderer With {
			.RenderingOptions = New ChromePdfRenderOptions With {
				.RenderDelay = 0,
				.EnableJavaScript = False,
				.DPI = 150
			}
		}

		' Parallel processing
		Dim tasks = htmlTemplates.Select(Async Function(html, index)
			Dim pdf = Await renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdfAsync(html)
			Await pdf.SaveAsAsync($"ironpdf-invoice-{index}.pdf")
		End Function)

		Await Task.WhenAll(tasks)

		stopwatch.Stop()
		Console.WriteLine($"Time: {stopwatch.ElapsedMilliseconds}ms")
		Console.WriteLine($"Average: {stopwatch.ElapsedMilliseconds / 1000.0}ms per PDF")

		' Memory usage
		Dim process As System.Diagnostics.Process = System.Diagnostics.Process.GetCurrentProcess()
		Console.WriteLine($"Memory: {process.WorkingSet64 \ 1024 \ 1024}MB")
	End Function
End Class
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

Performance findings from real-world testing:

  • Simple HTML: EvoPdf faster by 30-40% (0.8s vs 1.2s)
  • Complex JavaScript: IronPDF more reliable, EvoPdf may fail
  • Batch Processing: IronPDF better parallelization
  • Memory Usage: EvoPdf lower baseline, IronPDF better garbage collection
  • Large Documents: IronPDF 30% faster for 1000+ page documents

How Do Pricing Models Compare for Different Team Sizes?

IronPDF Licensing Structure

IronPDF offers various pricing options including Lite, Plus, and Professional licenses, with the option for royalty-free redistribution. The licensing model is designed to scale with your team and project needs:

  • Lite License: $749

    • 1 developer
    • 1 location
    • 1 project
    • Email support
    • Ideal for: Individual developers, small projects

  • Plus License: $1,499

    • 3 developers
    • 3 locations
    • 3 projects
    • Email, chat, and phone support
    • Ideal for: Small teams, multiple projects

  • Professional License: $2,999

    • 10 developers
    • 10 locations
    • 10 projects
    • Priority support with screen sharing
    • Ideal for: Medium to large teams
  • Additional Options:
    • Royalty-free redistribution: +$1,999
    • 5-year support and updates: $1,999 (or $999/year)
    • Iron Suite: $1,498 for all 9 Iron Software products

EvoPdf Licensing Options

EVO PDF Toolkit costs $650 for deployment version and $1,400 for company version, while the standalone HTML to PDF converter costs $450 for deployment and $1,200 for company version:

  • Deployment License:

    • EVO HTML to PDF: $450
    • EVO PDF Toolkit: $650
    • Single server, single application
    • Cannot redistribute
    • Standard support first year
  • Company License:
    • EVO HTML to PDF: $1,200
    • EVO PDF Toolkit: $1,400
    • Unlimited developers
    • Unlimited deployments
    • Full redistribution rights
    • Priority support first year

Total Cost of Ownership Analysis

Let's examine real-world scenarios to understand the true cost implications:

Scenario 1: Startup with 2 Developers

  • IronPDF Lite: $749 (requires 2 licenses = $1,498)
  • EvoPdf Company: $1,200 (covers unlimited developers)
  • Winner: EvoPdf for initial cost

Scenario 2: Growing Team (5 Developers, Multiple Projects)

  • IronPDF Plus: $1,499 (covers up to 3 developers, need Professional)
  • IronPDF Professional: $2,999
  • EvoPdf Company: $1,200
  • Winner: EvoPdf for team scaling

Scenario 3: Enterprise Needing Multiple PDF Tools

  • IronPDF Professional + IronOCR + IronBarcode: ~$9,000
  • Iron Suite: $1,498 (all 9 products)
  • EvoPdf Toolkit + Additional Tools: $1,400+ per tool
  • Winner: Iron Suite for comprehensive needs

Scenario 4: SaaS Product with Redistribution

  • IronPDF Professional + Redistribution: $4,998
  • EvoPdf Company: $1,200 (includes redistribution)
  • Winner: EvoPdf for redistribution scenarios

Which Documentation and Support Options Better Serve Developers?

IronPDF's Developer Resources

IronPDF provides comprehensive documentation, 24/5 engineer support, video tutorials, a community forum, and regular updates. The support ecosystem includes:

EvoPdf's Support Structure

EvoPdf provides documentation and support through:

  • Documentation:

    • API reference documentation
    • Code examples for common scenarios
    • Live demo section on website
    • Basic troubleshooting guides
  • Support Options:
    • Email and phone support (first year included)
    • Standard vs. Priority support tiers
    • Support forum for community help
    • Renewal required after first year

The key differentiator is IronPDF's investment in educational content and direct engineering support, which significantly reduces the learning curve and troubleshooting time.

What Are the Best Use Cases for Each Library?

When to Choose IronPDF

IronPDF excels in scenarios requiring:

1. Modern Web Application Integration

  • SaaS platforms generating dynamic reports
  • E-commerce sites creating invoices with charts
  • Business intelligence dashboards exported as PDFs
  • Applications using React, Angular, or Vue.js

2. Compliance and Security Requirements

  • Healthcare systems needing HIPAA compliance
  • Financial services requiring audit trails
  • Legal document management with redaction
  • Government applications with security mandates

3. Complex Document Processing

  • Multi-format document conversion (DOCX, HTML, Images)
  • OCR integration for scanned documents
  • Batch processing with parallel execution
  • Documents with digital signatures

4. Cross-Platform Deployment

  • Docker containerized applications
  • Linux-based cloud deployments
  • Microservices architectures
  • Serverless functions (AWS Lambda, Azure Functions)

Real-World Example: Healthcare Report Generation

public class HealthcareReportGenerator
{
    private readonly ChromePdfRenderer _renderer;

    public HealthcareReportGenerator()
    {
        _renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer
        {
            RenderingOptions = new ChromePdfRenderOptions
            {
                DPI = 300, // High quality for medical imaging
                EnableJavaScript = true,
                RenderDelay = 3000, // Allow charts to fully render
                CreatePdfFormsFromHtml = true
            }
        };
    }

    public async Task<byte[]> GeneratePatientReport(PatientData patient)
    {
        // Generate HTML with patient data and charts
        var html = await GenerateReportHtml(patient);

        // Convert to PDF
        var pdf = await _renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdfAsync(html);

        // Apply security and compliance
        pdf.SecuritySettings = new SecuritySettings
        {
            AllowPrint = true,
            AllowCopy = false,
            EncryptionLevel = EncryptionLevel.AES256Bit,
            UserPassword = patient.AccessCode
        };

        // Redact SSN except last 4 digits
        pdf.RedactTextOnAllPages(@"\b\d{3}-\d{2}-(\d{4})\b", 
            replacement: "XXX-XX-$1", 
            isRegex: true);

        // Add audit metadata
        pdf.MetaData.Author = "Healthcare System";
        pdf.MetaData.Title = $"Patient Report - {patient.PatientId}";
        pdf.MetaData.CreationDate = DateTime.UtcNow;
        pdf.MetaData.CustomProperties.Add("HIPAA_Compliant", "true");

        // Add digital signature
        var signature = new PdfSignature("hospital-cert.pfx", "password")
        {
            SigningReason = "Medical Record Authenticity",
            SigningLocation = "Hospital Name"
        };
        pdf.Sign(signature);

        return pdf.BinaryData;
    }
}
public class HealthcareReportGenerator
{
    private readonly ChromePdfRenderer _renderer;

    public HealthcareReportGenerator()
    {
        _renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer
        {
            RenderingOptions = new ChromePdfRenderOptions
            {
                DPI = 300, // High quality for medical imaging
                EnableJavaScript = true,
                RenderDelay = 3000, // Allow charts to fully render
                CreatePdfFormsFromHtml = true
            }
        };
    }

    public async Task<byte[]> GeneratePatientReport(PatientData patient)
    {
        // Generate HTML with patient data and charts
        var html = await GenerateReportHtml(patient);

        // Convert to PDF
        var pdf = await _renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdfAsync(html);

        // Apply security and compliance
        pdf.SecuritySettings = new SecuritySettings
        {
            AllowPrint = true,
            AllowCopy = false,
            EncryptionLevel = EncryptionLevel.AES256Bit,
            UserPassword = patient.AccessCode
        };

        // Redact SSN except last 4 digits
        pdf.RedactTextOnAllPages(@"\b\d{3}-\d{2}-(\d{4})\b", 
            replacement: "XXX-XX-$1", 
            isRegex: true);

        // Add audit metadata
        pdf.MetaData.Author = "Healthcare System";
        pdf.MetaData.Title = $"Patient Report - {patient.PatientId}";
        pdf.MetaData.CreationDate = DateTime.UtcNow;
        pdf.MetaData.CustomProperties.Add("HIPAA_Compliant", "true");

        // Add digital signature
        var signature = new PdfSignature("hospital-cert.pfx", "password")
        {
            SigningReason = "Medical Record Authenticity",
            SigningLocation = "Hospital Name"
        };
        pdf.Sign(signature);

        return pdf.BinaryData;
    }
}
Public Class HealthcareReportGenerator
	Private ReadOnly _renderer As ChromePdfRenderer

	Public Sub New()
		_renderer = New ChromePdfRenderer With {
			.RenderingOptions = New ChromePdfRenderOptions With {
				.DPI = 300,
				.EnableJavaScript = True,
				.RenderDelay = 3000,
				.CreatePdfFormsFromHtml = True
			}
		}
	End Sub

	Public Async Function GeneratePatientReport(ByVal patient As PatientData) As Task(Of Byte())
		' Generate HTML with patient data and charts
		Dim html = Await GenerateReportHtml(patient)

		' Convert to PDF
		Dim pdf = Await _renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdfAsync(html)

		' Apply security and compliance
		pdf.SecuritySettings = New SecuritySettings With {
			.AllowPrint = True,
			.AllowCopy = False,
			.EncryptionLevel = EncryptionLevel.AES256Bit,
			.UserPassword = patient.AccessCode
		}

		' Redact SSN except last 4 digits
		pdf.RedactTextOnAllPages("\b\d{3}-\d{2}-(\d{4})\b", replacement:= "XXX-XX-$1", isRegex:= True)

		' Add audit metadata
		pdf.MetaData.Author = "Healthcare System"
		pdf.MetaData.Title = $"Patient Report - {patient.PatientId}"
		pdf.MetaData.CreationDate = DateTime.UtcNow
		pdf.MetaData.CustomProperties.Add("HIPAA_Compliant", "true")

		' Add digital signature
		Dim signature = New PdfSignature("hospital-cert.pfx", "password") With {
			.SigningReason = "Medical Record Authenticity",
			.SigningLocation = "Hospital Name"
		}
		pdf.Sign(signature)

		Return pdf.BinaryData
	End Function
End Class
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

When to Choose EvoPdf

EvoPdf is well-suited for:

1. Simple HTML to PDF Conversion

  • Basic reports without complex JavaScript
  • Static HTML templates
  • Simple invoices and receipts
  • Bulk document generation with consistent templates

2. Budget-Conscious Teams

  • Unlimited developers on a single license
  • Lower entry cost for basic features
  • Projects not requiring advanced PDF manipulation

3. Specific Server Environments

  • Windows-centric deployments
  • Applications with simple PDF requirements
  • Legacy system integration

4. High-Volume Simple Conversions

  • Email-to-PDF archiving
  • Static report generation
  • Documentation systems
  • Print-ready document creation

Real-World Example: Invoice Generation System

public class InvoiceGenerator
{
    private readonly HtmlToPdfConverter _converter;

    public InvoiceGenerator()
    {
        _converter = new HtmlToPdfConverter
        {
            LicenseKey = "your-license-key",
            JavaScriptEnabled = false, // Not needed for static invoices
            ConversionDelay = 0
        };

        // Configure for A4 invoices
        _converter.PdfDocumentOptions.PdfPageSize = PdfPageSize.A4;
        _converter.PdfDocumentOptions.TopMargin = 30;
        _converter.PdfDocumentOptions.BottomMargin = 30;
    }

    public byte[] GenerateInvoice(InvoiceData data)
    {
        // Load HTML template
        var template = File.ReadAllText("invoice-template.html");

        // Simple string replacement for data
        var html = template
            .Replace("{{InvoiceNumber}}", data.InvoiceNumber)
            .Replace("{{Date}}", data.Date.ToString("yyyy-MM-dd"))
            .Replace("{{CustomerName}}", data.CustomerName)
            .Replace("{{Total}}", data.Total.ToString("C"));

        // Convert to PDF
        return _converter.ConvertHtml(html, "");
    }
}
public class InvoiceGenerator
{
    private readonly HtmlToPdfConverter _converter;

    public InvoiceGenerator()
    {
        _converter = new HtmlToPdfConverter
        {
            LicenseKey = "your-license-key",
            JavaScriptEnabled = false, // Not needed for static invoices
            ConversionDelay = 0
        };

        // Configure for A4 invoices
        _converter.PdfDocumentOptions.PdfPageSize = PdfPageSize.A4;
        _converter.PdfDocumentOptions.TopMargin = 30;
        _converter.PdfDocumentOptions.BottomMargin = 30;
    }

    public byte[] GenerateInvoice(InvoiceData data)
    {
        // Load HTML template
        var template = File.ReadAllText("invoice-template.html");

        // Simple string replacement for data
        var html = template
            .Replace("{{InvoiceNumber}}", data.InvoiceNumber)
            .Replace("{{Date}}", data.Date.ToString("yyyy-MM-dd"))
            .Replace("{{CustomerName}}", data.CustomerName)
            .Replace("{{Total}}", data.Total.ToString("C"));

        // Convert to PDF
        return _converter.ConvertHtml(html, "");
    }
}
Public Class InvoiceGenerator
	Private ReadOnly _converter As HtmlToPdfConverter

	Public Sub New()
		_converter = New HtmlToPdfConverter With {
			.LicenseKey = "your-license-key",
			.JavaScriptEnabled = False,
			.ConversionDelay = 0
		}

		' Configure for A4 invoices
		_converter.PdfDocumentOptions.PdfPageSize = PdfPageSize.A4
		_converter.PdfDocumentOptions.TopMargin = 30
		_converter.PdfDocumentOptions.BottomMargin = 30
	End Sub

	Public Function GenerateInvoice(ByVal data As InvoiceData) As Byte()
		' Load HTML template
		Dim template = File.ReadAllText("invoice-template.html")

		' Simple string replacement for data
		Dim html = template.Replace("{{InvoiceNumber}}", data.InvoiceNumber).Replace("{{Date}}", data.Date.ToString("yyyy-MM-dd")).Replace("{{CustomerName}}", data.CustomerName).Replace("{{Total}}", data.Total.ToString("C"))

		' Convert to PDF
		Return _converter.ConvertHtml(html, "")
	End Function
End Class
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

Advanced Implementation Patterns and Best Practices

Optimizing Performance in Production

Both libraries benefit from proper configuration and usage patterns:

IronPDF Performance Optimization

public class OptimizedPdfService
{
    private readonly ChromePdfRenderer _renderer;
    private readonly SemaphoreSlim _semaphore;

    public OptimizedPdfService(int maxConcurrency = 4)
    {
        _semaphore = new SemaphoreSlim(maxConcurrency);

        _renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer
        {
            RenderingOptions = new ChromePdfRenderOptions
            {
                // Optimize for performance
                EnableJavaScript = false, // Only if not needed
                RenderDelay = 0,
                DPI = 150, // Balance quality vs speed
                CssMediaType = PdfCssMediaType.Screen,
                Timeout = 30,

                // Memory optimization
                OptimizeForLowMemory = true
            }
        };

        // Enable connection pooling
        Installation.ChromeGpuMode = ChromeGpuModes.Disabled;
        Installation.LinuxAndDockerDependenciesAutoConfig = false;
    }

    public async Task<byte[]> GeneratePdfAsync(string html)
    {
        await _semaphore.WaitAsync();
        try
        {
            var pdf = await _renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdfAsync(html);

            // Optimize file size
            pdf.CompressImages(85);
            pdf.RemoveUnusedResources();

            return pdf.BinaryData;
        }
        finally
        {
            _semaphore.Release();
        }
    }
}
public class OptimizedPdfService
{
    private readonly ChromePdfRenderer _renderer;
    private readonly SemaphoreSlim _semaphore;

    public OptimizedPdfService(int maxConcurrency = 4)
    {
        _semaphore = new SemaphoreSlim(maxConcurrency);

        _renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer
        {
            RenderingOptions = new ChromePdfRenderOptions
            {
                // Optimize for performance
                EnableJavaScript = false, // Only if not needed
                RenderDelay = 0,
                DPI = 150, // Balance quality vs speed
                CssMediaType = PdfCssMediaType.Screen,
                Timeout = 30,

                // Memory optimization
                OptimizeForLowMemory = true
            }
        };

        // Enable connection pooling
        Installation.ChromeGpuMode = ChromeGpuModes.Disabled;
        Installation.LinuxAndDockerDependenciesAutoConfig = false;
    }

    public async Task<byte[]> GeneratePdfAsync(string html)
    {
        await _semaphore.WaitAsync();
        try
        {
            var pdf = await _renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdfAsync(html);

            // Optimize file size
            pdf.CompressImages(85);
            pdf.RemoveUnusedResources();

            return pdf.BinaryData;
        }
        finally
        {
            _semaphore.Release();
        }
    }
}
Public Class OptimizedPdfService
	Private ReadOnly _renderer As ChromePdfRenderer
	Private ReadOnly _semaphore As SemaphoreSlim

	Public Sub New(Optional ByVal maxConcurrency As Integer = 4)
		_semaphore = New SemaphoreSlim(maxConcurrency)

		_renderer = New ChromePdfRenderer With {
			.RenderingOptions = New ChromePdfRenderOptions With {
				.EnableJavaScript = False,
				.RenderDelay = 0,
				.DPI = 150,
				.CssMediaType = PdfCssMediaType.Screen,
				.Timeout = 30,
				.OptimizeForLowMemory = True
			}
		}

		' Enable connection pooling
		Installation.ChromeGpuMode = ChromeGpuModes.Disabled
		Installation.LinuxAndDockerDependenciesAutoConfig = False
	End Sub

	Public Async Function GeneratePdfAsync(ByVal html As String) As Task(Of Byte())
		Await _semaphore.WaitAsync()
		Try
			Dim pdf = Await _renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdfAsync(html)

			' Optimize file size
			pdf.CompressImages(85)
			pdf.RemoveUnusedResources()

			Return pdf.BinaryData
		Finally
			_semaphore.Release()
		End Try
	End Function
End Class
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

EvoPdf Performance Patterns

public class EvoPdfOptimizedService
{
    private readonly ObjectPool<HtmlToPdfConverter> _converterPool;

    public EvoPdfOptimizedService()
    {
        // Create object pool for converter reuse
        _converterPool = new DefaultObjectPool<HtmlToPdfConverter>(
            new ConverterPoolPolicy(), 
            Environment.ProcessorCount * 2);
    }

    public async Task<byte[]> GeneratePdfAsync(string html)
    {
        var converter = _converterPool.Get();
        try
        {
            // Configure for speed
            converter.ConversionDelay = 0;
            converter.JavaScriptEnabled = false;

            // Use async pattern
            return await Task.Run(() => converter.ConvertHtml(html, ""));
        }
        finally
        {
            _converterPool.Return(converter);
        }
    }

    private class ConverterPoolPolicy : IPooledObjectPolicy<HtmlToPdfConverter>
    {
        public HtmlToPdfConverter Create()
        {
            return new HtmlToPdfConverter
            {
                LicenseKey = "your-license-key"
            };
        }

        public bool Return(HtmlToPdfConverter obj)
        {
            // Reset to default state
            obj.ConversionDelay = 2;
            return true;
        }
    }
}
public class EvoPdfOptimizedService
{
    private readonly ObjectPool<HtmlToPdfConverter> _converterPool;

    public EvoPdfOptimizedService()
    {
        // Create object pool for converter reuse
        _converterPool = new DefaultObjectPool<HtmlToPdfConverter>(
            new ConverterPoolPolicy(), 
            Environment.ProcessorCount * 2);
    }

    public async Task<byte[]> GeneratePdfAsync(string html)
    {
        var converter = _converterPool.Get();
        try
        {
            // Configure for speed
            converter.ConversionDelay = 0;
            converter.JavaScriptEnabled = false;

            // Use async pattern
            return await Task.Run(() => converter.ConvertHtml(html, ""));
        }
        finally
        {
            _converterPool.Return(converter);
        }
    }

    private class ConverterPoolPolicy : IPooledObjectPolicy<HtmlToPdfConverter>
    {
        public HtmlToPdfConverter Create()
        {
            return new HtmlToPdfConverter
            {
                LicenseKey = "your-license-key"
            };
        }

        public bool Return(HtmlToPdfConverter obj)
        {
            // Reset to default state
            obj.ConversionDelay = 2;
            return true;
        }
    }
}
Public Class EvoPdfOptimizedService
	Private ReadOnly _converterPool As ObjectPool(Of HtmlToPdfConverter)

	Public Sub New()
		' Create object pool for converter reuse
		_converterPool = New DefaultObjectPool(Of HtmlToPdfConverter)(New ConverterPoolPolicy(), Environment.ProcessorCount * 2)
	End Sub

	Public Async Function GeneratePdfAsync(ByVal html As String) As Task(Of Byte())
		Dim converter = _converterPool.Get()
		Try
			' Configure for speed
			converter.ConversionDelay = 0
			converter.JavaScriptEnabled = False

			' Use async pattern
			Return Await Task.Run(Function() converter.ConvertHtml(html, ""))
		Finally
			_converterPool.Return(converter)
		End Try
	End Function

	Private Class ConverterPoolPolicy
		Implements IPooledObjectPolicy(Of HtmlToPdfConverter)

		Public Function Create() As HtmlToPdfConverter
			Return New HtmlToPdfConverter With {.LicenseKey = "your-license-key"}
		End Function

		Public Function [Return](ByVal obj As HtmlToPdfConverter) As Boolean
			' Reset to default state
			obj.ConversionDelay = 2
			Return True
		End Function
	End Class
End Class
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

Error Handling and Debugging

Robust error handling is crucial for production applications:

IronPDF Error Handling

public class RobustPdfGenerator
{
    private readonly ILogger<RobustPdfGenerator> _logger;
    private readonly ChromePdfRenderer _renderer;

    public async Task<Result<byte[]>> TryGeneratePdfAsync(string html)
    {
        try
        {
            // Enable detailed logging
            IronPdf.Logging.Logger.EnableDebugging = true;
            IronPdf.Logging.Logger.LogFilePath = "ironpdf.log";
            IronPdf.Logging.Logger.LoggingLevel = LoggingLevels.All;

            var pdf = await _renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdfAsync(html);

            // Validate output
            if (pdf.PageCount == 0)
            {
                return Result<byte[]>.Failure("Generated PDF has no pages");
            }

            return Result<byte[]>.Success(pdf.BinaryData);
        }
        catch (IronPdf.Exceptions.IronPdfRenderException ex)
        {
            _logger.LogError(ex, "Rendering failed: {Message}", ex.Message);

            // Attempt fallback with simpler settings
            return await FallbackRender(html);
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            _logger.LogError(ex, "Unexpected error in PDF generation");
            return Result<byte[]>.Failure($"PDF generation failed: {ex.Message}");
        }
    }

    private async Task<Result<byte[]>> FallbackRender(string html)
    {
        var fallbackRenderer = new ChromePdfRenderer
        {
            RenderingOptions = new ChromePdfRenderOptions
            {
                EnableJavaScript = false,
                DPI = 96,
                Timeout = 60
            }
        };

        try
        {
            var pdf = await fallbackRenderer.RenderHtmlAsPdfAsync(html);
            return Result<byte[]>.Success(pdf.BinaryData);
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            return Result<byte[]>.Failure($"Fallback render failed: {ex.Message}");
        }
    }
}
public class RobustPdfGenerator
{
    private readonly ILogger<RobustPdfGenerator> _logger;
    private readonly ChromePdfRenderer _renderer;

    public async Task<Result<byte[]>> TryGeneratePdfAsync(string html)
    {
        try
        {
            // Enable detailed logging
            IronPdf.Logging.Logger.EnableDebugging = true;
            IronPdf.Logging.Logger.LogFilePath = "ironpdf.log";
            IronPdf.Logging.Logger.LoggingLevel = LoggingLevels.All;

            var pdf = await _renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdfAsync(html);

            // Validate output
            if (pdf.PageCount == 0)
            {
                return Result<byte[]>.Failure("Generated PDF has no pages");
            }

            return Result<byte[]>.Success(pdf.BinaryData);
        }
        catch (IronPdf.Exceptions.IronPdfRenderException ex)
        {
            _logger.LogError(ex, "Rendering failed: {Message}", ex.Message);

            // Attempt fallback with simpler settings
            return await FallbackRender(html);
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            _logger.LogError(ex, "Unexpected error in PDF generation");
            return Result<byte[]>.Failure($"PDF generation failed: {ex.Message}");
        }
    }

    private async Task<Result<byte[]>> FallbackRender(string html)
    {
        var fallbackRenderer = new ChromePdfRenderer
        {
            RenderingOptions = new ChromePdfRenderOptions
            {
                EnableJavaScript = false,
                DPI = 96,
                Timeout = 60
            }
        };

        try
        {
            var pdf = await fallbackRenderer.RenderHtmlAsPdfAsync(html);
            return Result<byte[]>.Success(pdf.BinaryData);
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            return Result<byte[]>.Failure($"Fallback render failed: {ex.Message}");
        }
    }
}
Public Class RobustPdfGenerator
	Private ReadOnly _logger As ILogger(Of RobustPdfGenerator)
	Private ReadOnly _renderer As ChromePdfRenderer

	Public Async Function TryGeneratePdfAsync(ByVal html As String) As Task(Of Result(Of Byte()))
		Try
			' Enable detailed logging
			IronPdf.Logging.Logger.EnableDebugging = True
			IronPdf.Logging.Logger.LogFilePath = "ironpdf.log"
			IronPdf.Logging.Logger.LoggingLevel = LoggingLevels.All

			Dim pdf = Await _renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdfAsync(html)

			' Validate output
			If pdf.PageCount = 0 Then
				Return Result(Of Byte()).Failure("Generated PDF has no pages")
			End If

			Return Result(Of Byte()).Success(pdf.BinaryData)
		Catch ex As IronPdf.Exceptions.IronPdfRenderException
			_logger.LogError(ex, "Rendering failed: {Message}", ex.Message)

			' Attempt fallback with simpler settings
			Return Await FallbackRender(html)
		Catch ex As Exception
			_logger.LogError(ex, "Unexpected error in PDF generation")
			Return Result(Of Byte()).Failure($"PDF generation failed: {ex.Message}")
		End Try
	End Function

	Private Async Function FallbackRender(ByVal html As String) As Task(Of Result(Of Byte()))
		Dim fallbackRenderer = New ChromePdfRenderer With {
			.RenderingOptions = New ChromePdfRenderOptions With {
				.EnableJavaScript = False,
				.DPI = 96,
				.Timeout = 60
			}
		}

		Try
			Dim pdf = Await fallbackRenderer.RenderHtmlAsPdfAsync(html)
			Return Result(Of Byte()).Success(pdf.BinaryData)
		Catch ex As Exception
			Return Result(Of Byte()).Failure($"Fallback render failed: {ex.Message}")
		End Try
	End Function
End Class
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

Industry-Specific Implementation Examples

Financial Services: Regulatory Compliance

Financial institutions require specific features for compliance:

public class FinancialStatementGenerator
{
    public async Task<byte[]> GenerateQuarterlyReport(FinancialData data)
    {
        var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

        // Generate report with charts and tables
        var html = await BuildFinancialReportHtml(data);
        var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html);

        // Add compliance watermark
        pdf.ApplyWatermark(@"
            <div style='text-align: center; color: rgba(0,0,0,0.1); font-size: 120px;
                        transform: rotate(-45deg); font-family: Arial;'>
                DRAFT
            </div>", 30, VerticalAlignment.Middle, HorizontalAlignment.Center);

        // Embed audit information
        pdf.MetaData.Author = "Financial Reporting System";
        pdf.MetaData.Keywords = "Quarterly Report, SOX Compliant";
        pdf.MetaData.CustomProperties.Add("ReportPeriod", data.Quarter);
        pdf.MetaData.CustomProperties.Add("GeneratedBy", Environment.UserName);
        pdf.MetaData.CustomProperties.Add("Timestamp", DateTime.UtcNow.ToString("O"));

        // Apply tamper-evident signature
        var cert = new X509Certificate2("financial-cert.pfx", "password");
        var signature = new PdfSignature(cert)
        {
            SigningReason = "Financial Report Certification",
            SigningLocation = "Corporate Finance Department",
            IsVisible = true,
            SignatureImage = new PdfSignatureImage("cfo-signature.png")
        };

        pdf.Sign(signature);

        // Lock document from editing
        pdf.SecuritySettings = new SecuritySettings
        {
            AllowModifyDocument = false,
            AllowCopy = true,
            AllowPrint = true,
            EncryptionLevel = EncryptionLevel.AES256Bit
        };

        return pdf.BinaryData;
    }
}
public class FinancialStatementGenerator
{
    public async Task<byte[]> GenerateQuarterlyReport(FinancialData data)
    {
        var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

        // Generate report with charts and tables
        var html = await BuildFinancialReportHtml(data);
        var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html);

        // Add compliance watermark
        pdf.ApplyWatermark(@"
            <div style='text-align: center; color: rgba(0,0,0,0.1); font-size: 120px;
                        transform: rotate(-45deg); font-family: Arial;'>
                DRAFT
            </div>", 30, VerticalAlignment.Middle, HorizontalAlignment.Center);

        // Embed audit information
        pdf.MetaData.Author = "Financial Reporting System";
        pdf.MetaData.Keywords = "Quarterly Report, SOX Compliant";
        pdf.MetaData.CustomProperties.Add("ReportPeriod", data.Quarter);
        pdf.MetaData.CustomProperties.Add("GeneratedBy", Environment.UserName);
        pdf.MetaData.CustomProperties.Add("Timestamp", DateTime.UtcNow.ToString("O"));

        // Apply tamper-evident signature
        var cert = new X509Certificate2("financial-cert.pfx", "password");
        var signature = new PdfSignature(cert)
        {
            SigningReason = "Financial Report Certification",
            SigningLocation = "Corporate Finance Department",
            IsVisible = true,
            SignatureImage = new PdfSignatureImage("cfo-signature.png")
        };

        pdf.Sign(signature);

        // Lock document from editing
        pdf.SecuritySettings = new SecuritySettings
        {
            AllowModifyDocument = false,
            AllowCopy = true,
            AllowPrint = true,
            EncryptionLevel = EncryptionLevel.AES256Bit
        };

        return pdf.BinaryData;
    }
}
Public Class FinancialStatementGenerator
	Public Async Function GenerateQuarterlyReport(ByVal data As FinancialData) As Task(Of Byte())
		Dim renderer = New ChromePdfRenderer()

		' Generate report with charts and tables
		Dim html = Await BuildFinancialReportHtml(data)
		Dim pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html)

		' Add compliance watermark
		pdf.ApplyWatermark("
            <div style='text-align: center; color: rgba(0,0,0,0.1); font-size: 120px;
                        transform: rotate(-45deg); font-family: Arial;'>
                DRAFT
            </div>", 30, VerticalAlignment.Middle, HorizontalAlignment.Center)

		' Embed audit information
		pdf.MetaData.Author = "Financial Reporting System"
		pdf.MetaData.Keywords = "Quarterly Report, SOX Compliant"
		pdf.MetaData.CustomProperties.Add("ReportPeriod", data.Quarter)
		pdf.MetaData.CustomProperties.Add("GeneratedBy", Environment.UserName)
		pdf.MetaData.CustomProperties.Add("Timestamp", DateTime.UtcNow.ToString("O"))

		' Apply tamper-evident signature
		Dim cert = New X509Certificate2("financial-cert.pfx", "password")
		Dim signature = New PdfSignature(cert) With {
			.SigningReason = "Financial Report Certification",
			.SigningLocation = "Corporate Finance Department",
			.IsVisible = True,
			.SignatureImage = New PdfSignatureImage("cfo-signature.png")
		}

		pdf.Sign(signature)

		' Lock document from editing
		pdf.SecuritySettings = New SecuritySettings With {
			.AllowModifyDocument = False,
			.AllowCopy = True,
			.AllowPrint = True,
			.EncryptionLevel = EncryptionLevel.AES256Bit
		}

		Return pdf.BinaryData
	End Function
End Class
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

E-Commerce: Dynamic Invoice Generation

E-commerce platforms need fast, reliable invoice generation:

public class EcommerceInvoiceService
{
    private readonly ChromePdfRenderer _renderer;

    public EcommerceInvoiceService()
    {
        _renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer
        {
            RenderingOptions = new ChromePdfRenderOptions
            {
                MarginTop = 10,
                MarginBottom = 10,
                PaperSize = PdfPaperSize.A4,
                DPI = 200 // High quality for barcodes
            }
        };
    }

    public async Task<byte[]> GenerateInvoice(Order order)
    {
        // Build invoice HTML with order details
        var html = $@"
        <html>
        <head>
            <style>
                @page {{ size: A4; margin: 0; }}
                body {{ font-family: Arial, sans-serif; }}
                .invoice-header {{ background: #f0f0f0; padding: 20px; }}
                .barcode {{ text-align: center; margin: 20px 0; }}
                table {{ width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; }}
                th, td {{ padding: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; }}
            </style>
        </head>
        <body>
            <div class='invoice-header'>
                <h1>Invoice #{order.InvoiceNumber}</h1>
                <p>Date: {order.Date:yyyy-MM-dd}</p>
            </div>

            <div class='barcode'>
                <img src='data:image/png;base64,{GenerateBarcode(order.InvoiceNumber)}' />
            </div>

            <table>
                <tr>
                    <th>Item</th>
                    <th>Quantity</th>
                    <th>Price</th>
                    <th>Total</th>
                </tr>
                {string.Join("", order.Items.Select(item => $@"
                <tr>
                    <td>{item.Name}</td>
                    <td>{item.Quantity}</td>
                    <td>${item.Price:F2}</td>
                    <td>${item.Total:F2}</td>
                </tr>"))}
                <tr>
                    <td colspan='3'><strong>Total</strong></td>
                    <td><strong>${order.Total:F2}</strong></td>
                </tr>
            </table>

            <div class='footer'>
                <p>Thank you for your business!</p>
                <p>Return policy and terms at: www.example.com/terms</p>
            </div>
        </body>
        </html>";

        var pdf = await _renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdfAsync(html);

        // Add QR code for mobile payment verification
        var qrStamper = new ImageStamper($"https://api.qrserver.com/v1/create-qr-code/?data={order.PaymentId}")
        {
            HorizontalAlignment = HorizontalAlignment.Right,
            VerticalAlignment = VerticalAlignment.Bottom,
            Width = 100,
            Height = 100
        };

        pdf.ApplyStamp(qrStamper);

        return pdf.BinaryData;
    }
}
public class EcommerceInvoiceService
{
    private readonly ChromePdfRenderer _renderer;

    public EcommerceInvoiceService()
    {
        _renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer
        {
            RenderingOptions = new ChromePdfRenderOptions
            {
                MarginTop = 10,
                MarginBottom = 10,
                PaperSize = PdfPaperSize.A4,
                DPI = 200 // High quality for barcodes
            }
        };
    }

    public async Task<byte[]> GenerateInvoice(Order order)
    {
        // Build invoice HTML with order details
        var html = $@"
        <html>
        <head>
            <style>
                @page {{ size: A4; margin: 0; }}
                body {{ font-family: Arial, sans-serif; }}
                .invoice-header {{ background: #f0f0f0; padding: 20px; }}
                .barcode {{ text-align: center; margin: 20px 0; }}
                table {{ width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; }}
                th, td {{ padding: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; }}
            </style>
        </head>
        <body>
            <div class='invoice-header'>
                <h1>Invoice #{order.InvoiceNumber}</h1>
                <p>Date: {order.Date:yyyy-MM-dd}</p>
            </div>

            <div class='barcode'>
                <img src='data:image/png;base64,{GenerateBarcode(order.InvoiceNumber)}' />
            </div>

            <table>
                <tr>
                    <th>Item</th>
                    <th>Quantity</th>
                    <th>Price</th>
                    <th>Total</th>
                </tr>
                {string.Join("", order.Items.Select(item => $@"
                <tr>
                    <td>{item.Name}</td>
                    <td>{item.Quantity}</td>
                    <td>${item.Price:F2}</td>
                    <td>${item.Total:F2}</td>
                </tr>"))}
                <tr>
                    <td colspan='3'><strong>Total</strong></td>
                    <td><strong>${order.Total:F2}</strong></td>
                </tr>
            </table>

            <div class='footer'>
                <p>Thank you for your business!</p>
                <p>Return policy and terms at: www.example.com/terms</p>
            </div>
        </body>
        </html>";

        var pdf = await _renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdfAsync(html);

        // Add QR code for mobile payment verification
        var qrStamper = new ImageStamper($"https://api.qrserver.com/v1/create-qr-code/?data={order.PaymentId}")
        {
            HorizontalAlignment = HorizontalAlignment.Right,
            VerticalAlignment = VerticalAlignment.Bottom,
            Width = 100,
            Height = 100
        };

        pdf.ApplyStamp(qrStamper);

        return pdf.BinaryData;
    }
}
Public Class EcommerceInvoiceService
	Private ReadOnly _renderer As ChromePdfRenderer

	Public Sub New()
		_renderer = New ChromePdfRenderer With {
			.RenderingOptions = New ChromePdfRenderOptions With {
				.MarginTop = 10,
				.MarginBottom = 10,
				.PaperSize = PdfPaperSize.A4,
				.DPI = 200
			}
		}
	End Sub

	Public Async Function GenerateInvoice(ByVal order As Order) As Task(Of Byte())
		' Build invoice HTML with order details
, order.InvoiceNumbstring.Format(r, order.Date, GenerateBarcode(order.InvoiceNumber), String.Join(TangibleTempVerbatimDoubleQuote, order.Items.Select(Function(item) $TangibleTempVerbatimCloseTag"ignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignore<tr><td>{item.Name}</td><td>{item.Quantity}</td><td>${item.Price:F2}</td><td>${item.Total:F2}</td></tr>")), TangibleStringInterpolationMarker) var html = $"TangibleTempVerbatimOpenTagTangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin        <html>TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin        <head>TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin            <style>TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin                @page {{ size: A4; margin: 0; }}TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin                body {{ font-family: Arial, sans-serif; }}TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin                .invoice-header {{ background: #f0f0f0; padding: 20px; }}TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin                .barcode {{ text-align: center; margin: 20px 0; }}TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin                table {{ width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; }}TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin                th, td {{ padding: 10px; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; }}TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin            </style>TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin        </head>TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin        <body>TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin            <div class='invoice-header'>TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin                <h1>Invoice #{0}</h1>TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin                <p>Date: {1:yyyy-MM-dd}</p>TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin            </div>TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoinTangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin            <div class='barcode'>TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin                <img src='data:image/png;base64,{2}' />TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin            </div>TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoinTangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin            <table>TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin                <tr>TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin                    <th>Item</th>TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin                    <th>Quantity</th>TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin                    <th>Price</th>TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin                    <th>Total</th>TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin                </tr>TangibleTempVerbatimStringLiteralLineJoin                {3}ignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignoreignore<tr><td colspan='3'><strong>Total</strong></td><td><strong>${order.Total:F2}</strong></td></tr></table><div class='footer'><p>Thank you for your business!</p><p>Return policy and terms at: www.example.com/terms</p></div></body></html>"

		Dim pdf = Await _renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdfAsync(html)

		' Add QR code for mobile payment verification
		Dim qrStamper = New ImageStamper($"https://api.qrserver.com/v1/create-qr-code/?data={order.PaymentId}") With {
			.HorizontalAlignment = HorizontalAlignment.Right,
			.VerticalAlignment = VerticalAlignment.Bottom,
			.Width = 100,
			.Height = 100
		}

		pdf.ApplyStamp(qrStamper)

		Return pdf.BinaryData
	End Function
End Class
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

Migration Strategies: Moving Between Libraries

If you're considering switching between libraries, here's a migration approach:

Migrating from EvoPdf to IronPDF

// EvoPdf pattern
HtmlToPdfConverter evoPdfConverter = new HtmlToPdfConverter();
evoPdfConverter.PdfDocumentOptions.PdfPageSize = PdfPageSize.A4;
byte[] pdfBytes = evoPdfConverter.ConvertUrl(url);

// Equivalent IronPDF pattern
var ironPdfRenderer = new ChromePdfRenderer
{
    RenderingOptions = new ChromePdfRenderOptions
    {
        PaperSize = PdfPaperSize.A4
    }
};
var pdf = ironPdfRenderer.RenderUrlAsPdf(url);
byte[] pdfBytes = pdf.BinaryData;

// Migration wrapper for gradual transition
public interface IPdfConverter
{
    byte[] ConvertHtmlToPdf(string html);
    byte[] ConvertUrlToPdf(string url);
}

public class IronPdfAdapter : IPdfConverter
{
    private readonly ChromePdfRenderer _renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

    public byte[] ConvertHtmlToPdf(string html)
    {
        return _renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html).BinaryData;
    }

    public byte[] ConvertUrlToPdf(string url)
    {
        return _renderer.RenderUrlAsPdf(url).BinaryData;
    }
}

public class EvoPdfAdapter : IPdfConverter
{
    private readonly HtmlToPdfConverter _converter = new HtmlToPdfConverter();

    public byte[] ConvertHtmlToPdf(string html)
    {
        return _converter.ConvertHtml(html, "");
    }

    public byte[] ConvertUrlToPdf(string url)
    {
        return _converter.ConvertUrl(url);
    }
}
// EvoPdf pattern
HtmlToPdfConverter evoPdfConverter = new HtmlToPdfConverter();
evoPdfConverter.PdfDocumentOptions.PdfPageSize = PdfPageSize.A4;
byte[] pdfBytes = evoPdfConverter.ConvertUrl(url);

// Equivalent IronPDF pattern
var ironPdfRenderer = new ChromePdfRenderer
{
    RenderingOptions = new ChromePdfRenderOptions
    {
        PaperSize = PdfPaperSize.A4
    }
};
var pdf = ironPdfRenderer.RenderUrlAsPdf(url);
byte[] pdfBytes = pdf.BinaryData;

// Migration wrapper for gradual transition
public interface IPdfConverter
{
    byte[] ConvertHtmlToPdf(string html);
    byte[] ConvertUrlToPdf(string url);
}

public class IronPdfAdapter : IPdfConverter
{
    private readonly ChromePdfRenderer _renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

    public byte[] ConvertHtmlToPdf(string html)
    {
        return _renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html).BinaryData;
    }

    public byte[] ConvertUrlToPdf(string url)
    {
        return _renderer.RenderUrlAsPdf(url).BinaryData;
    }
}

public class EvoPdfAdapter : IPdfConverter
{
    private readonly HtmlToPdfConverter _converter = new HtmlToPdfConverter();

    public byte[] ConvertHtmlToPdf(string html)
    {
        return _converter.ConvertHtml(html, "");
    }

    public byte[] ConvertUrlToPdf(string url)
    {
        return _converter.ConvertUrl(url);
    }
}
' EvoPdf pattern
Dim evoPdfConverter As New HtmlToPdfConverter()
evoPdfConverter.PdfDocumentOptions.PdfPageSize = PdfPageSize.A4
Dim pdfBytes() As Byte = evoPdfConverter.ConvertUrl(url)

' Equivalent IronPDF pattern
Dim ironPdfRenderer = New ChromePdfRenderer With {
	.RenderingOptions = New ChromePdfRenderOptions With {.PaperSize = PdfPaperSize.A4}
}
Dim pdf = ironPdfRenderer.RenderUrlAsPdf(url)
Dim pdfBytes() As Byte = pdf.BinaryData

' Migration wrapper for gradual transition
'INSTANT VB TODO TASK: Local functions are not converted by Instant VB:
'public interface IPdfConverter
'{
'	byte[] ConvertHtmlToPdf(string html);
'	byte[] ConvertUrlToPdf(string url);
'}

'INSTANT VB TODO TASK: Local functions are not converted by Instant VB:
'public class IronPdfAdapter : IPdfConverter
'{
'	private readonly ChromePdfRenderer _renderer = New ChromePdfRenderer();
'
'	public byte[] ConvertHtmlToPdf(string html)
'	{
'		Return _renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html).BinaryData;
'	}
'
'	public byte[] ConvertUrlToPdf(string url)
'	{
'		Return _renderer.RenderUrlAsPdf(url).BinaryData;
'	}
'}

'INSTANT VB TODO TASK: Local functions are not converted by Instant VB:
'public class EvoPdfAdapter : IPdfConverter
'{
'	private readonly HtmlToPdfConverter _converter = New HtmlToPdfConverter();
'
'	public byte[] ConvertHtmlToPdf(string html)
'	{
'		Return _converter.ConvertHtml(html, "");
'	}
'
'	public byte[] ConvertUrlToPdf(string url)
'	{
'		Return _converter.ConvertUrl(url);
'	}
'}
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Project

Both IronPDF and EvoPdf serve important roles in the .NET PDF library ecosystem, but they target different use cases and development philosophies.

Choose IronPDF when you need:

  • Modern web standard support (CSS3, JavaScript frameworks)
  • Comprehensive PDF manipulation beyond just generation
  • Enterprise security features and compliance tools
  • Cross-platform deployment flexibility
  • Extensive documentation and direct engineering support
  • Integration with other document processing tools

Choose EvoPdf when you need:

  • Simple HTML to PDF conversion at lower cost
  • Basic PDF generation for straightforward documents
  • Unlimited developer licenses for large teams
  • Faster processing of simple HTML content
  • Windows-centric deployment environment

The decision ultimately depends on your specific requirements, budget constraints, and long-term scalability needs. For most modern applications requiring robust PDF capabilities, IronPDF's comprehensive feature set and superior rendering engine justify the investment. However, EvoPdf remains a viable option for simpler use cases where cost is the primary concern.

Consider starting with the 30-day free trial of IronPDF to evaluate its capabilities in your specific use case. The trial includes all features without limitations, allowing you to make an informed decision based on actual performance in your environment.

Remember that the true cost of a PDF library extends beyond the license price—factor in development time, maintenance overhead, and the potential need for additional features as your application grows. Choose the library that not only meets your current needs but can scale with your future requirements.

Please noteEvoPdf is a registered trademark of its respective owner. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by EvoPdf. 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 can I convert HTML to PDF in C# using a .NET library?

You can use IronPDF's RenderHtmlAsPdf method to convert HTML strings into PDFs. You can also convert HTML files into PDFs using RenderHtmlFileAsPdf.

What is the best .NET PDF library for handling complex JavaScript and CSS?

IronPDF is the best choice for handling complex JavaScript and CSS as it uses a full Chrome V8 rendering engine, providing 98%+ browser fidelity with support for modern frameworks like React and Angular.

Which .NET PDF library offers better cross-platform support?

IronPDF offers superior cross-platform support with native compatibility for Windows, Linux, macOS, and Docker containers, allowing zero-configuration deployment.

What are the key features of IronPDF for security and compliance?

IronPDF provides comprehensive security features including AES-256 encryption, 15+ granular permission settings, visual digital signatures, and true content redaction using the RedactTextOnAllPages() method.

How do I perform batch PDF processing efficiently in .NET?

IronPDF excels in batch PDF processing by offering native async/await optimization and better memory management, making it suitable for processing large documents efficiently.

Which library provides better support and documentation for developers?

IronPDF provides extensive support and documentation with 24/5 engineering support, comprehensive API documentation, 100+ code examples, and video tutorials, significantly reducing development time.

Can I convert DOCX files to PDF using a .NET library?

Yes, IronPDF includes built-in DOCX to PDF conversion through its DocxToPdfRenderer class, allowing you to convert Word documents while preserving formatting.

What are the advantages of using IronPDF for modern web applications?

IronPDF is ideal for modern web applications due to its Chrome-based rendering engine, comprehensive PDF manipulation features, and cross-platform compatibility, making it suitable for dynamic content generation and complex document processing.

How does IronPDF handle PDF redaction for compliance requirements?

IronPDF offers comprehensive redaction capabilities, including regex-based content removal and OCR-based redaction, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations like GDPR and HIPAA.

What makes IronPDF a good choice for SaaS and e-commerce platforms?

IronPDF is well-suited for SaaS and e-commerce platforms due to its ability to generate dynamic invoices, support digital signatures, and provide seamless integration with modern web technologies.

Jacob Mellor, Chief Technology Officer @ Team Iron
Jacob Mellor
  Chat with engineering team now
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, ...Read More

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