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iTextSharp HTML to PDF the "Document Has No Pages" Error Solved with IronPDF

Curtis Chau
Curtis Chau
Published:

Converting HTML to PDF is a common requirement in .NET applications, but developers using iTextSharp often encounter the frustrating iTextSharp HTML to PDF "the document has no pages" error. This error appears when the PDF document generation process fails, leaving developers searching for a solution. Let's explore why this happens and how to resolve it effectively with IronPDF's HTML to PDF capabilities.

What Causes the "Document Has No Pages" Error?

The "document has no pages" exception occurs when iTextSharp's parser fails to process HTML content into a valid PDF document. This same error typically appears during the document close operation, as detailed in many Stack Overflow threads about this issue:

static void Main(string[] args)
{
    Document pdfDoc = new Document(PageSize.A4);
    FileStream stream = new FileStream("output.pdf", FileMode.Create);
    PdfWriter writer = PdfWriter.GetInstance(pdfDoc, stream);
    pdfDoc.Open();
    // HTML parsing fails silently
    var sr = new StringReader("<div>Complex HTML</div>");
    XMLWorkerHelper.GetInstance().ParseXHtml(writer, pdfDoc, sr);
    pdfDoc.Close(); // Exception: The document has no pages
    Console.WriteLine("Error: Document has no pages");
}
static void Main(string[] args)
{
    Document pdfDoc = new Document(PageSize.A4);
    FileStream stream = new FileStream("output.pdf", FileMode.Create);
    PdfWriter writer = PdfWriter.GetInstance(pdfDoc, stream);
    pdfDoc.Open();
    // HTML parsing fails silently
    var sr = new StringReader("<div>Complex HTML</div>");
    XMLWorkerHelper.GetInstance().ParseXHtml(writer, pdfDoc, sr);
    pdfDoc.Close(); // Exception: The document has no pages
    Console.WriteLine("Error: Document has no pages");
}
IRON VB CONVERTER ERROR developers@ironsoftware.com
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

Console Output

Console displaying error message

This code attempts to create a PDF file but encounters the exception because XMLWorker couldn't parse the HTML content successfully. The write operation completes, but no content gets added to the document pdfdoc, resulting in an empty file. This parsing failure is one of the most common issues developers face when working with HTML to PDF conversion in ASP.NET applications running on a server.

Why Does XMLWorker Face the Same Issue in New Documents?

While XMLWorker replaced the deprecated HTMLWorker, it still encounters the same issue with certain HTML structures. The problem persists because XMLWorker has strict parsing requirements, as documented in iText's official forums:

public static void CreatePDF(string html, string path)
{
    using (var fs = new FileStream(path, FileMode.Create))
    {
        var document = new Document();
        var writer = PdfWriter.GetInstance(document, fs);
        document.Open();
        document.Add(new Paragraph("")); // Workaround to avoid error
        // Add phrase for testing
        var phrase = new Phrase("Draft version", FontFactory.GetFont("Arial", 8));
        document.Add(phrase);
        using (var sr = new StringReader(html))
        {
            XMLWorkerHelper.GetInstance().ParseXHtml(writer, document, sr);
        }
        document.Close();
    }
}
public static void CreatePDF(string html, string path)
{
    using (var fs = new FileStream(path, FileMode.Create))
    {
        var document = new Document();
        var writer = PdfWriter.GetInstance(document, fs);
        document.Open();
        document.Add(new Paragraph("")); // Workaround to avoid error
        // Add phrase for testing
        var phrase = new Phrase("Draft version", FontFactory.GetFont("Arial", 8));
        document.Add(phrase);
        using (var sr = new StringReader(html))
        {
            XMLWorkerHelper.GetInstance().ParseXHtml(writer, document, sr);
        }
        document.Close();
    }
}
IRON VB CONVERTER ERROR developers@ironsoftware.com
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

Output PDF

PDF created with XMLWorker

Adding an empty new paragraph prevents the immediate error, but complex HTML with table elements, images, or custom fonts often fails to render correctly. The content may be missing or malformed in the resulting PDF. Developers often hit the same issue when processing HTML with embedded styles, hyperlink elements, or specific width properties. The null references and missing element rendering create additional problems that need clarification.

How Can Modern HTML Be Converted Without the Same Error?

Let's examine a real-world scenario: converting a styled invoice from HTML to PDF. This example demonstrates the difference between the two approaches. The sample below includes common elements that often cause issues:

<!-- Invoice HTML with modern styling -->
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>Invoice Sample</title>
    <meta name="description" content="Invoice template for testing">
</head>
<body>
    <div style="font-family: Arial; width: 100%;">
        <h1 style="color: #2e6c80;">Invoice #12345</h1>
        <p>Date: <span id="date">2025-01-15</span></p>
        <table style="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;">
            <tr>
                <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">Item</td>
                <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">Price</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">Service</td>
                <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">$100.00</td>
            </tr>
        </table>
        <a href="http://example.com">View Terms</a>
    </div>
</body>
</html>
<!-- Invoice HTML with modern styling -->
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>Invoice Sample</title>
    <meta name="description" content="Invoice template for testing">
</head>
<body>
    <div style="font-family: Arial; width: 100%;">
        <h1 style="color: #2e6c80;">Invoice #12345</h1>
        <p>Date: <span id="date">2025-01-15</span></p>
        <table style="width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;">
            <tr>
                <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">Item</td>
                <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">Price</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
                <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">Service</td>
                <td style="border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;">$100.00</td>
            </tr>
        </table>
        <a href="http://example.com">View Terms</a>
    </div>
</body>
</html>
IRON VB CONVERTER ERROR developers@ironsoftware.com
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

iTextSharp's Output

iTextSharp invoice output

IronPDF's Output

IronPDF rendered invoice output

With iTextSharp's XMLWorker, this invoice might fail due to the table styling, width properties, or font specifications. The document has no pages error often appears when these elements aren't supported. The hyperlink and other references may not render correctly either.

When working with server-side PDF generation, developers need a reliable method that can handle attachments, set proper content disposition headers for download, and process data from web forms. The details matter when creating production-ready files. Many threads on developer forums discuss these issues, with developers posting test cases showing the same problem across different scenarios.

How Does IronPDF Handle HTML to PDF Document Conversion?

IronPDF uses a Chrome-based rendering engine that processes HTML exactly as it appears in a web browser. This approach eliminates parsing errors and supports all modern HTML/CSS features. Learn more about converting HTML files to PDF or explore the ChromePdfRenderer API:

using IronPdf;
static void Main(string[] args)
{
    var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
    // Same HTML that failed with iTextSharp
    string HTML = @"<div style='font-family: Arial; width: 100%;'>
        <h1 style='color: #2e6c80;'>Invoice #12345</h1>
        <table style='width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;'>
            <tr>
                <td style='border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;'>Item</td>
                <td style='border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;'>Price</td>
            </tr>
        </table>
    </div>";
    var PDF = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html);
    pdf.SaveAs("invoice.pdf");
}
using IronPdf;
static void Main(string[] args)
{
    var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
    // Same HTML that failed with iTextSharp
    string HTML = @"<div style='font-family: Arial; width: 100%;'>
        <h1 style='color: #2e6c80;'>Invoice #12345</h1>
        <table style='width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;'>
            <tr>
                <td style='border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;'>Item</td>
                <td style='border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px;'>Price</td>
            </tr>
        </table>
    </div>";
    var PDF = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html);
    pdf.SaveAs("invoice.pdf");
}
IRON VB CONVERTER ERROR developers@ironsoftware.com
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

PDF Output

Output PDF file with IronPDF

This code successfully creates the PDF file without any exception. The method handles complex HTML and CSS automatically, eliminating the need for workarounds. The content renders pixel-perfect, matching the browser preview.

What's the Best Solution for Reliable PDF Generation?

When comparing the two libraries for HTML to PDF conversion, consider these key differences:

| Feature | iTextSharp with XMLWorker | IronPDF | | --- | --- | --- | | Modern HTML/CSS Support | Limited | Full | | JavaScript Execution | No | Yes | | Error Handling | Parse exceptions common | Reliable rendering | | Complex Tables | Often fails | Full support | | Custom Fonts | Requires font embedding | Automatic handling | | Learning Curve | Steep | Simple API |

For developers experiencing the "document has no pages" error, migrating to IronPDF provides an immediate solution. The conversion process is straightforward:

// Before (iTextSharp)
var document = new Document();
PdfWriter.GetInstance(document, stream);
// Complex parsing code...
// After (IronPDF)
var PDF = new ChromePdfRenderer().RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent);
pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf");
// Before (iTextSharp)
var document = new Document();
PdfWriter.GetInstance(document, stream);
// Complex parsing code...
// After (IronPDF)
var PDF = new ChromePdfRenderer().RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent);
pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf");
IRON VB CONVERTER ERROR developers@ironsoftware.com
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

The simplified API means less code to maintain and no parsing errors to debug. This answer to the problem has been appreciated by developers who need reliable PDF generation.

NuGet Install with NuGet

PM >  Install-Package IronPdf

Check out IronPDF on NuGet for quick installation. With over 10 million downloads, it’s transforming PDF development with C#. You can also download the DLL or Windows installer.

Start your free trial to experience error-free HTML to PDF conversion.

Conclusion

The "document has no pages" error stems from fundamental parsing limitations that persist even with XMLWorker. While workarounds exist, they don't solve the underlying issue with complex HTML processing. IronPDF's Chrome-based rendering provides a reliable solution that handles modern web content without parsing exceptions.

For production applications requiring consistent PDF generation from HTML, IronPDF eliminates the frustration of debugging parser errors and delivers professional results. The system handles all HTML elements, CSS styles, and even JavaScript, ensuring your documents render correctly every time. Whether you're creating invoices, reports, or any document with text, tables, and images, IronPDF provides the answer developers have been seeking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes the iTextSharp HTML to PDF 'the document has no pages' error?

The 'the document has no pages' error in iTextSharp occurs when the parsing process fails during the conversion of HTML to PDF, often due to issues with the HTML content or unsupported features.

Is there an alternative to iTextSharp for HTML to PDF conversion?

Yes, IronPDF offers a reliable solution for HTML to PDF conversion in .NET applications, overcoming many limitations found in iTextSharp.

How does IronPDF handle HTML to PDF conversion differently than iTextSharp?

IronPDF provides more robust parsing capabilities and supports a wider range of HTML and CSS features, reducing the likelihood of conversion errors such as the 'no pages' error.

Can IronPDF convert complex HTML documents to PDF?

IronPDF is designed to handle complex HTML documents, including those with advanced CSS, JavaScript, and multimedia elements, ensuring accurate PDF output.

Why should developers consider using IronPDF over iTextSharp?

Developers might prefer IronPDF over iTextSharp due to its ease of use, comprehensive support for HTML and CSS, and its ability to produce high-quality PDFs without common errors.

Does IronPDF support JavaScript and CSS during the PDF conversion process?

Yes, IronPDF fully supports JavaScript, CSS, and modern HTML5, ensuring that the visual integrity of the original HTML is maintained in the PDF output.

How can I get started with IronPDF for HTML to PDF conversion?

To get started with IronPDF, you can explore their detailed tutorials and documentation available on their website, which provide step-by-step guides for implementation.

What are the benefits of using IronPDF for .NET developers?

IronPDF offers .NET developers a robust and flexible tool for PDF generation, with advantages such as support for complex HTML content, ease of integration, and reliable performance.

Does IronPDF offer any support for troubleshooting PDF conversion errors?

Yes, IronPDF provides extensive support resources, including documentation and a support team, to help troubleshoot and resolve any issues encountered during PDF conversion.

Is there a way to test IronPDF's capabilities before purchasing?

IronPDF offers a free trial version that allows developers to test its features and evaluate its performance before making a purchase decision.

Curtis Chau
Curtis Chau
  Chat with engineering team now
Technical Writer

Curtis Chau holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (Carleton University) and specializes in front-end development with expertise in Node.js, TypeScript, JavaScript, and React. Passionate about crafting intuitive and aesthetically pleasing user interfaces, Curtis enjoys working with modern frameworks and creating well-structured, visually appealing manuals.

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