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itext7 Extract Text From PDF vs IronPDF (Code Example Tutorial)

Whether you’re building a document-heavy enterprise solution, generating invoices in a SaaS app, or exporting reports from a .NET dashboard, one question always arises:

"Which C# PDF library should I use?"

In the .NET ecosystem, three libraries stand out: PDFsharp, iTextSharp, and IronPDF. Each has its strengths, quirks, and best-use cases. But which one is truly the best choice for modern developers working with PDF files within the .NET 6+, .NET Core, or even traditional .NET Framework?

This comprehensive guide dives deep into each library, comparing features, installation, usability, and output quality. We’ll walk through working code examples, the pros and cons of each library, and offer practical recommendations based on real-world development needs.

Let’s get started.

PDFsharp Overview

Itext7 Extract Text From Pdf 1 related to PDFsharp Overview

What is PDFsharp?

PDFsharp is an open-source library that allows developers to create and process PDF documents on the fly using C#. It supports PDF creation from scratch and the ability to modify existing PDF files. Its clean, object-oriented API is ideal for developers looking for a lightweight and easy-to-integrate solution.

Despite being community-driven, it enjoys a loyal user base and remains a go-to choice for simple PDF tasks that don’t require advanced rendering or dynamic content from HTML.

Installing PDFsharp

Installation is straightforward via NuGet:

Install-Package PDFsharp

It’s also compatible with PdfSharpCore for .NET Core environments.

Sample Code: Creating a Simple PDF

using PdfSharp.Pdf;
using PdfSharp.Drawing;

// Create a new PDF document
var document = new PdfDocument();
document.Info.Title = "Created with PDFsharp";

// Create an empty page
PdfPage page = document.AddPage();

// Get an XGraphics object for drawing
XGraphics gfx = XGraphics.FromPdfPage(page);

// Create a font
XFont font = new XFont("Verdana", 20, XFontStyle.Bold);

// Draw the text
gfx.DrawString("Hello, PDFsharp!", font, XBrushes.Black,
    new XRect(0, 0, page.Width, page.Height), XStringFormats.Center);

// Save the document
document.Save("HelloWorld.pdf");
using PdfSharp.Pdf;
using PdfSharp.Drawing;

// Create a new PDF document
var document = new PdfDocument();
document.Info.Title = "Created with PDFsharp";

// Create an empty page
PdfPage page = document.AddPage();

// Get an XGraphics object for drawing
XGraphics gfx = XGraphics.FromPdfPage(page);

// Create a font
XFont font = new XFont("Verdana", 20, XFontStyle.Bold);

// Draw the text
gfx.DrawString("Hello, PDFsharp!", font, XBrushes.Black,
    new XRect(0, 0, page.Width, page.Height), XStringFormats.Center);

// Save the document
document.Save("HelloWorld.pdf");
Imports PdfSharp.Pdf
Imports PdfSharp.Drawing

' Create a new PDF document
Private document = New PdfDocument()
document.Info.Title = "Created with PDFsharp"

' Create an empty page
Dim page As PdfPage = document.AddPage()

' Get an XGraphics object for drawing
Dim gfx As XGraphics = XGraphics.FromPdfPage(page)

' Create a font
Dim font As New XFont("Verdana", 20, XFontStyle.Bold)

' Draw the text
gfx.DrawString("Hello, PDFsharp!", font, XBrushes.Black, New XRect(0, 0, page.Width, page.Height), XStringFormats.Center)

' Save the document
document.Save("HelloWorld.pdf")
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

Output

PDFsharp PDF

Please notePDFsharp doesn't support HTML rendering or CSS parsing out of the box, so it's best used for drawing-based document generation. For HTML to PDF rendering, you need the HtmlRenderer for PDFsharp.

Pros and Cons of PDFsharp

Pros:

  • Free and open source PDF library (MIT license)
  • Great for low-level drawing and simple text-based PDF documents
  • Lightweight and easy to install

Cons:

  • No native HTML to PDF support
  • Rendering capabilities are limited
  • Not actively maintained for advanced use cases

iTextSharp Detailed Analysis

Itext7 Extract Text From Pdf 3 related to iTextSharp Detailed Analysis

What is iTextSharp?

iTextSharp is the .NET port of iText, a robust Java-based PDF library. It offers advanced functionality, including digital signatures, form fields, barcodes, and more. iTextSharp is highly customizable and best suited for enterprises with legal or regulatory documentation needs.

However, it comes with a catch—licensing. iTextSharp is AGPL-licensed, which means you must open-source your project unless you purchase a commercial license.

Installing iTextSharp

Via NuGet, you install it with:

Install-Package itext

The newer versions use the iText Core namespace. Be sure to review the licensing terms before integration.

Sample Code: Basic PDF Generation

using iText.Kernel.Pdf;
using iText.Layout;
using iText.Layout.Element;

// Create a writer and initiates a PDF document
PdfWriter writer = new PdfWriter("iTextHello.pdf");
var pdf = new PdfDocument(writer);
Document document = new Document(pdf);

// Add a paragraph to the document
document.Add(new Paragraph("Hello, iTextSharp!"));

// Closing the document
document.Close();
using iText.Kernel.Pdf;
using iText.Layout;
using iText.Layout.Element;

// Create a writer and initiates a PDF document
PdfWriter writer = new PdfWriter("iTextHello.pdf");
var pdf = new PdfDocument(writer);
Document document = new Document(pdf);

// Add a paragraph to the document
document.Add(new Paragraph("Hello, iTextSharp!"));

// Closing the document
document.Close();
Imports iText.Kernel.Pdf
Imports iText.Layout
Imports iText.Layout.Element

' Create a writer and initiates a PDF document
Private writer As New PdfWriter("iTextHello.pdf")
Private pdf = New PdfDocument(writer)
Private document As New Document(pdf)

' Add a paragraph to the document
document.Add(New Paragraph("Hello, iTextSharp!"))

' Closing the document
document.Close()
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

Output

iText PDF output

TipsiTextSharp’s iText 9 version is modular. For HTML conversion or barcode generation, install additional NuGet packages, such as the paid add-on pdfHTML

Strengths and Weaknesses of iTextSharp

Strengths:

  • Powerful and enterprise-grade
  • Supports PDF/A, encryption, form filling, and digital signatures
  • Modular architecture with plugins

Weaknesses:

  • AGPL license or expensive commercial license
  • Steeper learning curve
  • Verbose syntax compared to competitors

IronPDF: The Comprehensive Choice for C#

Itext7 Extract Text From Pdf 5 related to IronPDF: The Comprehensive Choice for C#

Why IronPDF Stands Out

IronPDF is a commercial-grade, .NET library that emphasizes simplicity, rendering accuracy, and feature richness. It’s especially strong if you want to convert HTML to PDF with full CSS, JavaScript, and web-font support—making it ideal for modern, responsive PDF document generation. Whether you're looking to create PDF documents from scratch, generate PDF documents from HTML, or just need a tool that is great at manipulating PDF files, IronPDF has you covered.

With support for .NET Core, .NET Framework, Azure, and Docker, IronPDF is well-suited for both startups and enterprise-grade apps. With powerful features, good documentation, and the ability to perform within various platforms, IronPDF is a solid choice for generating PDFs.

Installing IronPDF

Install it from the NuGet Package Manager Console:

Install-Package IronPdf

Or use the Visual Studio NuGet UI. IronPDF provides a free trial and flexible licensing for commercial use without AGPL restrictions.

IronPDF Sample Code: HTML to PDF in 5 Lines

using IronPdf;

var Renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
// Render a simple HTML string as a PDF document
var pdf = Renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf("<h1>Hello from IronPDF!</h1><p>This was rendered using Chrome.</p>");
// Save the PDF document as a file
pdf.SaveAs("IronPdfHello.pdf");
using IronPdf;

var Renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
// Render a simple HTML string as a PDF document
var pdf = Renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf("<h1>Hello from IronPDF!</h1><p>This was rendered using Chrome.</p>");
// Save the PDF document as a file
pdf.SaveAs("IronPdfHello.pdf");
Imports IronPdf

Private Renderer = New ChromePdfRenderer()
' Render a simple HTML string as a PDF document
Private pdf = Renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf("<h1>Hello from IronPDF!</h1><p>This was rendered using Chrome.</p>")
' Save the PDF document as a file
pdf.SaveAs("IronPdfHello.pdf")
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

Output

IronPDF Output

This simple example uses the full power of a headless Chromium engine to render HTML/CSS exactly as a browser would—something PDFsharp and iTextSharp struggle with.

Performance and Developer Experience

IronPDF is widely regarded for its:

  • Accuracy: Pixel-perfect rendering using a Chromium engine for generating PDFs
  • Ease of Use: No need to manage page sizes, margins, or fonts manually
  • Speed: Fast generation with multithreading support
  • Support: Active documentation, samples, and customer support

Benchmarks show that IronPDF can generate a complex HTML invoice with images, CSS, and JavaScript in under 2 seconds on a standard machine—far outperforming iTextSharp’s HTML add-ons or PDFsharp’s manual drawing methods.

Why Choose IronPDF?

IronPDF delivers a modern development experience, complete with key features such as:

  • Full HTML5, CSS3, JS, Bootstrap, and responsive design support for PDF conversion with accurate rendering
  • Have access to advanced features such as PDF/A, digital signatures, watermarking, merging, and splitting
  • Licensing suited to commercial products—no AGPL worries
  • Superior documentation and sample-rich support
  • Extract data from PDF documents with minimal effort
  • Isn't limited to just the C# programming language, IronPDF also offers Java, Node.js, and Python versions

Whether you're building an invoice generator, report engine, or browser-based documentation system, IronPDF makes it simple and professional.

Final Thoughts: Which C# PDF Library Should You Choose?

The world of C# PDF libraries is diverse, and each tool we’ve explored—PDFsharp, iTextSharp, and IronPDF—brings its own strengths, weaknesses, and ideal use cases. So which one should you choose for your .NET applications?

PDFsharp: Lightweight and DIY

If you’re building a small-scale application, have basic document rendering needs, and prefer full control over PDF drawing operations, PDFsharp is a reliable starting point. Its open-source nature and low overhead make it ideal for projects where licensing and simplicity are key. However, the trade-off is manual effort: no HTML support, no modern web rendering, and limited active development.

Use PDFsharp if:

  • You’re looking to create PDF files programmatically with lines, text, and simple layout.
  • Your app doesn’t require HTML to PDF, CSS styling, or JavaScript.
  • Open-source compatibility (MIT license) is essential.

iTextSharp: Powerful but Complex

iTextSharp sits at the enterprise end of the spectrum. It’s powerful, secure, and well-suited for complex PDF manipulation such as:

  • Filling out forms
  • Generating barcodes
  • Securing files with digital signatures
  • Compliance with formats like PDF/A and PDF/UA

However, its AGPL license can be restrictive unless you're prepared to either open-source your code or pay for a commercial license—which isn’t cheap. Additionally, the learning curve is steeper, and HTML rendering is an add-on rather than a core feature.

Use iTextSharp if:

  • You're building government or regulatory systems with form filling or secure PDFs.
  • You need granular control over low-level PDF operations.
  • You have the budget for commercial licensing.

IronPDF: Modern, Intuitive, and Feature-Rich

In contrast, IronPDF is designed to solve real-world problems with elegance and speed. It combines the familiarity of web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) with the power of Chromium rendering, enabling developers to convert complex layouts into beautiful PDFs effortlessly.

It handles:

  • Pixel-perfect HTML to PDF rendering
  • JavaScript execution (great for charts and dynamic data)
  • PDF merging, splitting, watermarking, signing, and other various options for PDF document manipulation
  • Integration with .NET 6, 7, and beyond
  • Easy deployment to Azure, Docker, and CI/CD pipelines

Most importantly, IronPDF focuses on developer experience: clean syntax, rapid rendering, rich documentation, and responsive support.

Choose IronPDF if:

  • You want a valuable tool for HTML-to-PDF rendering that looks like a browser print preview.
  • Your documents rely on web styling (Bootstrap, Flexbox, Google Fonts).
  • You need a commercial license with flexibility, support, and updates.
  • You value time-to-market and developer productivity.

Verdict: IronPDF Wins for Most .NET Developers

While PDFsharp is a great option for barebones use, and iTextSharp serves niche compliance-heavy industries, IronPDF stands out as the all-in-one PDF solution for modern C# developers. It strikes a perfect balance between power, simplicity, and real-world usability.

Whether you're rendering dynamic reports, generating client invoices from web templates, or exporting rich documentation, IronPDF lets you focus on your application—not the nuances of PDF rendering.

Ready to Try It Out?

Don’t take our word for it—explore IronPDF for yourself:

With IronPDF, you're not just generating PDFs—you’re building polished, professional, production-ready documents that look exactly the way you designed them. Cut development time, eliminate rendering headaches, and ship faster.

Please notePDFsharp and iTextSharp are registered trademarks of their respective owners. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by PDFsharp or iTextSharp. 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 extract text from a PDF using iText7 in C#?

To extract text from a PDF using iText7, you can create a PDF reader instance and use the `PdfTextExtractor` class. However, due to its complex syntax and licensing restrictions, developers might prefer alternatives like IronPDF for simpler implementation.

What makes IronPDF a preferable choice for converting HTML to PDF?

IronPDF is preferred for HTML to PDF conversion due to its Chromium-based rendering engine, which ensures pixel-perfect accuracy and full support for HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.

What are the differences in licensing between iText7 and IronPDF?

iText7 requires an AGPL license for open-source projects unless a commercial license is purchased, whereas IronPDF offers a more flexible licensing model appealing to both commercial and individual developers.

What are common use cases for IronPDF?

IronPDF is commonly used for generating PDFs from HTML content, creating reports, invoices, and documentation in .NET applications due to its ease of use and robust feature set.

Which library is more suitable for enterprise-level PDF tasks?

iText7 is often chosen for enterprise-level tasks due to its advanced functionalities, such as digital signatures and form fields. However, IronPDF provides a simpler, more cost-effective solution with comprehensive features for most PDF generation needs.

How does IronPDF ensure accurate rendering of PDFs?

IronPDF ensures accurate rendering of PDFs by leveraging a Chromium-based engine, which supports modern web standards and delivers high-fidelity conversion of web content to PDF.

What are the main benefits of using IronPDF for developers?

Developers benefit from IronPDF's straightforward API, extensive documentation, and rapid rendering capabilities, making it an excellent choice for C# developers handling PDF generation and manipulation.

Can IronPDF be used in cloud-based applications?

Yes, IronPDF can be seamlessly integrated into cloud-based applications, supporting deployment on Azure and Docker, which enhances its versatility for modern software development environments.

How does IronPDF's output quality compare to other PDF libraries?

IronPDF's output quality is superior due to its advanced rendering engine, ensuring that PDFs generated from HTML are visually consistent and accurate, making it a reliable choice for professional document creation.

What is the recommended library for developers new to PDF generation in C#?

IronPDF is recommended for developers new to PDF generation in C# due to its user-friendly syntax and comprehensive support, allowing for easy integration and quick learning curves.

Chipego
Software Engineer
Chipego has a natural skill for listening that helps him to comprehend customer issues, and offer intelligent solutions. He joined the Iron Software team in 2023, after studying a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. IronPDF and IronOCR are the two products Chipego has been focusing on, but his knowledge of ...Read More