PRODUCT COMPARISONS

IronPDF vs SelectPdf: Complete .NET Core PDF Library Comparison for HTML to PDF Conversion

Q: Can I use IronPDF for DOCX to PDF conversion?

Yes, IronPDF supports DOCX to PDF conversion through its DocxToPdfRenderer class. This feature allows you to convert Word documents to PDF without needing Microsoft Office installed, preserving document formatting seamlessly.

Jacob Mellor

Updated:January 5, 2026

Which PDF Library Should You Choose for .NET Core HTML to PDF Conversion?

When developing .NET applications that require PDF generation, selecting the right library can significantly impact your project's success. Whether you're building enterprise reporting systems, generating invoices for small businesses, or creating documentation for individual projects, your choice of PDF library affects everything from development speed to production performance.

This comprehensive comparison examines IronPDF and SelectPdf, two popular .NET PDF libraries, helping you make an informed decision based on real-world usage, features, and value.

Quick Overview: IronPDF vs SelectPdf for .NET Developers

IronPDF delivers a comprehensive PDF solution for the .NET ecosystem, offering seamless HTML to PDF conversion with full support for modern web standards. Built on a Chrome rendering engine, it ensures pixel-perfect accuracy while supporting HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript. Beyond conversion, IronPDF provides extensive PDF manipulation capabilities including editing, signing, encryption, and cross-platform deployment options.

SelectPdf specializes in HTML to PDF conversion for .NET applications, supporting both .NET Framework and .NET Core platforms. While it offers fundamental PDF generation and manipulation features, SelectPdf focuses primarily on Windows environments with limited cross-platform capabilities.

Product Comparison Overview

Feature Comparison of IronPDF and SelectPdf for .NET Development

Category	Feature/Aspect	IronPDF	SelectPdf	Winner
Core Architecture	Design Philosophy	Developer-first, intuitive APIs	Traditional PDF generation approach	IronPDF: Faster development
	API Complexity	Simple methods like `RenderHtmlAsPdf()`	Straightforward but limited API	IronPDF: More intuitive
	Learning Curve	Hours to productivity	Days for advanced features	IronPDF: Quicker adoption
Platform Support	Cross-Platform	Windows, Linux, macOS, Docker	Windows only	IronPDF: True portability
	.NET Versions	.NET 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, Core, Framework	.NET Core 2.0+, Framework 4.0+	IronPDF: Latest framework support
	Cloud Platforms	Azure, AWS, Google Cloud ready	Limited Azure support (Basic+)	IronPDF: Cloud-native
	Container Support	Native Docker support	No Docker support	IronPDF: Modern deployment
HTML to PDF Rendering	Rendering Engine	Chrome V8 engine	WebKit/Blink hybrid	IronPDF: Better accuracy
	CSS3/HTML5 Support	100% modern standards	Good but not complete	IronPDF: Full compliance
	JavaScript Execution	Full JavaScript support	Limited JavaScript support	IronPDF: Dynamic content
	Rendering Speed	Sub-second for most pages	2-3 seconds typical	IronPDF: 3x faster
PDF Security	Encryption	AES-256, custom handlers	Standard encryption	Both: Industry standard
	Digital Signatures	Simple, robust implementation	Complex, manual setup	IronPDF: Easier signing
	Permissions	Granular control	Basic permissions	IronPDF: More options
Content Editing	Redaction	Built-in redaction tools	Not supported	IronPDF: Compliance ready
	Watermarking	HTML/CSS based, full control	Template-based approach	IronPDF: More flexible
	Text/Image Stamping	Unified stamper classes	Multiple template types	IronPDF: Consistent API
File Conversions	DOCX to PDF	Native support	Not supported	IronPDF: More formats
	Image to PDF	Multiple format support	Basic image support	IronPDF: Versatile
	PDF to Images	High-quality rasterization	Supported	Both: Available
Performance	Large Documents	Optimized for scale	Performance issues reported	IronPDF: Better at scale
	Memory Usage	Efficient caching	Higher memory consumption	IronPDF: Lower footprint
	Async Support	Native async/await	Limited async support	IronPDF: Modern patterns
Developer Experience	Documentation	Extensive tutorials, examples	Basic documentation	IronPDF: Better resources
	Code Examples	100+ ready-to-use samples	Limited examples	IronPDF: More guidance
	API Design	Intuitive, fluent interface	Traditional approach	IronPDF: Developer-friendly
Licensing & Pricing	Entry Level	Lite: $799 (1 dev)	Single: $499 (1 dev)	SelectPdf: Lower entry
	Team License	Plus: $1,499 (3 devs)	5-Dev: $799 (5 devs)	SelectPdf: More devs/dollar
	Enterprise	Professional: $2,999 (10 devs)	Enterprise: $1,199 (unlimited)	SelectPdf: Lower enterprise
	Redistribution	+$2,399 royalty-free	OEM licenses available	Both: Options available
Support	Support Included	24/5 engineering support	Email support only	IronPDF: Better support
	Response Time	24-48 hours typical	Variable response times	IronPDF: Predictable SLA
	Updates	Monthly releases	Bi-annual releases	IronPDF: More frequent
Best For	Use Cases	Modern apps, cloud, cross-platform	Windows-only, simple conversions	Context-dependent
	Team Size	Any size, scalable licensing	Small to medium teams	IronPDF: More flexible

Note: Comparison reflects library capabilities and pricing as of 2025. Performance metrics based on standard benchmarks with typical document workloads.

How Does Cross-Platform Compatibility Compare?

IronPDF: Built for Modern Development

IronPDF embraces modern development practices with comprehensive platform support. Whether you're deploying to traditional servers or containerized environments, IronPDF adapts to your infrastructure needs.

Supported .NET Versions:

C#, VB.NET, F#
.NET 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, Core (3.1+)
.NET Standard (2.0+)
.NET Framework (4.6.2+)

Deployment Environments:

Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, macOS
Cloud Platforms: Azure (all tiers), AWS (EC2, Lambda), Google Cloud
Containers: Docker (Windows & Linux containers)
Development Tools: Visual Studio, JetBrains Rider, VS Code

This extensive compatibility means you can develop once and deploy anywhere, crucial for teams working with microservices architectures or hybrid cloud deployments. Ready to see how IronPDF works in your environment? Download the library and test it today.

SelectPdf: Windows-Focused Solution

SelectPdf takes a more traditional approach, focusing primarily on Windows environments:

Supported .NET Versions:

.NET Framework 4.0+
.NET Core 2.1+ (through .NET Standard 2.0)
.NET 5-8 (Windows only)

Deployment Limitations:

Operating Systems: Windows only (no Linux/macOS support)
Cloud Platforms: Limited Azure support (Basic tier and above)
Containers: No Docker support
Notable Restriction: Does not work with Azure Functions or serverless architectures

According to SelectPdf's documentation, "SelectPdf currently works only on Windows systems. There is no support for Linux, Xamarin or other platforms." This limitation can be challenging for teams adopting modern DevOps practices or cloud-native architectures.

Which Library Delivers Better HTML to PDF Conversion?

HTML to PDF Conversion Quality

The core functionality of both libraries centers on HTML to PDF conversion, but their approaches and results differ significantly.

IronPDF Example:

using IronPdf;

// Instantiate Chrome-based renderer for pixel-perfect accuracy
var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

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

// Convert HTML with full CSS3, JavaScript, and web font support
var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(@"
    <html>
        <head>
            <link href='https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Roboto' rel='stylesheet'>
            <style>
                body { font-family: 'Roboto', sans-serif; }
                .chart { width: 100%; height: 400px; }
            </style>
        </head>
        <body>
            <h1>Modern Web Standards in PDF</h1>
            <canvas id='chart' class='chart'></canvas>
            <script>
                // JavaScript executes before PDF generation
                // Perfect for dynamic charts and content
            </script>
        </body>
    </html>");

// Save with professional quality
pdf.SaveAs("modern-output.pdf");

using IronPdf;

// Instantiate Chrome-based renderer for pixel-perfect accuracy
var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

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

// Convert HTML with full CSS3, JavaScript, and web font support
var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(@"
    <html>
        <head>
            <link href='https://fonts.googleapis.com/css?family=Roboto' rel='stylesheet'>
            <style>
                body { font-family: 'Roboto', sans-serif; }
                .chart { width: 100%; height: 400px; }
            </style>
        </head>
        <body>
            <h1>Modern Web Standards in PDF</h1>
            <canvas id='chart' class='chart'></canvas>
            <script>
                // JavaScript executes before PDF generation
                // Perfect for dynamic charts and content
            </script>
        </body>
    </html>");

// Save with professional quality
pdf.SaveAs("modern-output.pdf");

$vbLabelText $csharpLabel

The ChromePdfRenderer class leverages the same rendering engine as Google Chrome, ensuring your PDFs match exactly what users see in their browsers. This approach supports modern web features including CSS Grid, Flexbox, Canvas elements, and complex JavaScript frameworks like React or Angular. For detailed implementation guides, explore the HTML to PDF conversion documentation.

SelectPdf Example:

using SelectPdf;

// Create converter instance
HtmlToPdf converter = new HtmlToPdf();

// Basic configuration options
converter.Options.PdfPageSize = PdfPageSize.A4;
converter.Options.WebPageWidth = 1024;
converter.Options.WebPageHeight = 0; // Auto-detect

// Convert HTML string
PdfDocument doc = converter.ConvertHtmlString(htmlString);

// Save document
doc.Save("output.pdf");
doc.Close();

using SelectPdf;

// Create converter instance
HtmlToPdf converter = new HtmlToPdf();

// Basic configuration options
converter.Options.PdfPageSize = PdfPageSize.A4;
converter.Options.WebPageWidth = 1024;
converter.Options.WebPageHeight = 0; // Auto-detect

// Convert HTML string
PdfDocument doc = converter.ConvertHtmlString(htmlString);

// Save document
doc.Save("output.pdf");
doc.Close();

$vbLabelText $csharpLabel

While SelectPdf's API is straightforward, developers report limitations with modern web standards. According to GitHub discussions, conversion performance can be slow, with users reporting 3-second conversion times for simple documents. The library also struggles with CSS3 features and JavaScript-heavy content.

Performance Benchmarks

Real-world performance testing reveals significant differences:

IronPDF: Sub-second conversion for standard web pages
SelectPdf: 2-3 seconds typical, with reports of 3.5-minute delays on production servers

Learn more about optimizing PDF generation performance in the IronPDF performance guide.

Modern CSS Framework Compatibility: Bootstrap, Tailwind, and Beyond

One critical consideration often overlooked during library evaluation is support for modern CSS frameworks. With Bootstrap, Tailwind CSS, and Foundation powering millions of web applications, the ability to accurately render these frameworks in PDF format can make or break your implementation.

IronPDF: Native Modern Framework Support

IronPDF's Chrome rendering engine provides seamless support for all contemporary CSS frameworks:

Bootstrap 5: Complete flexbox and CSS Grid rendering for responsive layouts
Tailwind CSS: Full utility-class support with proper spacing and typography
Foundation: Advanced CSS3 features render pixel-perfect
Real-world validation: Successfully renders the Bootstrap homepage and Bootstrap templates

Code Example: Bootstrap Alert Components

using IronPdf;

var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

string bootstrapAlerts = @"
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <link href='https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/bootstrap@5.3.0/dist/css/bootstrap.min.css' rel='stylesheet'>
</head>
<body>
    <div class='container my-5'>
        <h2 class='mb-4'>System Notifications</h2>

        <div class='alert alert-success d-flex align-items-center' role='alert'>
            <svg class='bi flex-shrink-0 me-2' width='24' height='24'>
                <use xlink:href='#check-circle-fill'/>
            </svg>
            <div>Payment processed successfully!</div>
        </div>

        <div class='alert alert-warning d-flex align-items-center' role='alert'>
            <svg class='bi flex-shrink-0 me-2' width='24' height='24'>
                <use xlink:href='#exclamation-triangle-fill'/>
            </svg>
            <div>Your subscription expires in 7 days.</div>
        </div>

        <div class='alert alert-info d-flex align-items-center' role='alert'>
            <svg class='bi flex-shrink-0 me-2' width='24' height='24'>
                <use xlink:href='#info-fill'/>
            </svg>
            <div>New features available in the dashboard.</div>
        </div>
    </div>
</body>
</html>";

var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(bootstrapAlerts);
pdf.SaveAs("bootstrap-alerts.pdf");

using IronPdf;

var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

string bootstrapAlerts = @"
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <link href='https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/bootstrap@5.3.0/dist/css/bootstrap.min.css' rel='stylesheet'>
</head>
<body>
    <div class='container my-5'>
        <h2 class='mb-4'>System Notifications</h2>

        <div class='alert alert-success d-flex align-items-center' role='alert'>
            <svg class='bi flex-shrink-0 me-2' width='24' height='24'>
                <use xlink:href='#check-circle-fill'/>
            </svg>
            <div>Payment processed successfully!</div>
        </div>

        <div class='alert alert-warning d-flex align-items-center' role='alert'>
            <svg class='bi flex-shrink-0 me-2' width='24' height='24'>
                <use xlink:href='#exclamation-triangle-fill'/>
            </svg>
            <div>Your subscription expires in 7 days.</div>
        </div>

        <div class='alert alert-info d-flex align-items-center' role='alert'>
            <svg class='bi flex-shrink-0 me-2' width='24' height='24'>
                <use xlink:href='#info-fill'/>
            </svg>
            <div>New features available in the dashboard.</div>
        </div>
    </div>
</body>
</html>";

var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(bootstrapAlerts);
pdf.SaveAs("bootstrap-alerts.pdf");

$vbLabelText $csharpLabel

SelectPdf: Limited Modern CSS Support

SelectPdf uses a WebKit/Blink hybrid engine with documented limitations for modern CSS frameworks:

Incomplete flexbox support: Bootstrap 4+ layouts may not render correctly
CSS Grid issues: Modern grid-based layouts often fail to display properly
Performance degradation: Complex Bootstrap layouts can increase conversion times significantly
Styling inconsistencies: According to developer reports, Bootstrap components often require CSS workarounds

Common Issues Reported:

Bootstrap navigation bars rendering incorrectly
Card components with flexbox displaying misaligned
Responsive grid breakpoints not respected
Custom Bootstrap themes requiring manual adjustments

Workaround Approach: Developers using SelectPdf with Bootstrap typically need to:

Create simplified, print-specific versions of layouts
Avoid flexbox in favor of table-based layouts
Test extensively with each Bootstrap component
Maintain separate CSS for PDF generation

For applications already using Bootstrap for their web interface, this workaround approach significantly increases development and maintenance costs.

For more information on CSS framework compatibility, see the Bootstrap & Flexbox CSS Guide.

How Do Security Features Compare Between Libraries?

PDF Encryption and Protection

Both libraries offer encryption capabilities, but implementation complexity varies:

IronPDF Security Implementation:

using IronPdf;
using IronPdf.Security;

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

// Apply comprehensive security settings
pdf.SecuritySettings.RemovePasswordsAndEncryption();
pdf.SecuritySettings.UserPassword = "user123";
pdf.SecuritySettings.OwnerPassword = "owner456";

// Granular permission control
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserPrinting = PdfPrintSecurity.NoPrint;
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserEditing = false;
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserCopyPasteContent = false;
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserFormData = true;
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserAnnotations = false;

// Use 256-bit AES encryption
pdf.SecuritySettings.EncryptionLevel = EncryptionLevel.AES256Bit;

pdf.SaveAs("secured.pdf");

using IronPdf;
using IronPdf.Security;

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

// Apply comprehensive security settings
pdf.SecuritySettings.RemovePasswordsAndEncryption();
pdf.SecuritySettings.UserPassword = "user123";
pdf.SecuritySettings.OwnerPassword = "owner456";

// Granular permission control
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserPrinting = PdfPrintSecurity.NoPrint;
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserEditing = false;
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserCopyPasteContent = false;
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserFormData = true;
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserAnnotations = false;

// Use 256-bit AES encryption
pdf.SecuritySettings.EncryptionLevel = EncryptionLevel.AES256Bit;

pdf.SaveAs("secured.pdf");

$vbLabelText $csharpLabel

IronPDF's SecuritySettings class provides a unified interface for all security operations. The API design follows .NET conventions, making it intuitive for developers familiar with the framework. Explore advanced security features in the PDF security documentation.

SelectPdf Security Configuration:

using SelectPdf;

PdfDocument doc = new PdfDocument();

// Set document passwords
doc.Security.OwnerPassword = "owner456";
doc.Security.UserPassword = "user123";

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

doc.Save("secured.pdf");
doc.Close();

using SelectPdf;

PdfDocument doc = new PdfDocument();

// Set document passwords
doc.Security.OwnerPassword = "owner456";
doc.Security.UserPassword = "user123";

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

doc.Save("secured.pdf");
doc.Close();

$vbLabelText $csharpLabel

Both libraries support industry-standard encryption, but IronPDF offers more granular control over print permissions and supports custom encryption handlers for specialized requirements.

Which Advanced Features Set These Libraries Apart?

PDF Content Redaction

Content redaction is crucial for compliance with privacy regulations like GDPR and HIPAA.

IronPDF Redaction:

using IronPdf;

// Load document containing sensitive information
PdfDocument pdf = PdfDocument.FromFile("confidential-report.pdf");

// Redact specific content across all pages
pdf.RedactTextOnAllPages("Social Security Number: [0-9]{3}-[0-9]{2}-[0-9]{4}");
pdf.RedactTextOnAllPages("Credit Card: [0-9]{4}-[0-9]{4}-[0-9]{4}-[0-9]{4}");

// Redact content on specific pages
pdf.RedactTextOnPage(2, "CONFIDENTIAL");

// Save with redactions permanently applied
pdf.SaveAs("redacted-report.pdf");

using IronPdf;

// Load document containing sensitive information
PdfDocument pdf = PdfDocument.FromFile("confidential-report.pdf");

// Redact specific content across all pages
pdf.RedactTextOnAllPages("Social Security Number: [0-9]{3}-[0-9]{2}-[0-9]{4}");
pdf.RedactTextOnAllPages("Credit Card: [0-9]{4}-[0-9]{4}-[0-9]{4}-[0-9]{4}");

// Redact content on specific pages
pdf.RedactTextOnPage(2, "CONFIDENTIAL");

// Save with redactions permanently applied
pdf.SaveAs("redacted-report.pdf");

$vbLabelText $csharpLabel

IronPDF's redaction feature permanently removes content from PDFs, ensuring sensitive information cannot be recovered. This is essential for legal and healthcare industries. Learn more in the redaction guide.

SelectPdf: Does not offer built-in redaction capabilities, requiring manual workarounds or third-party tools for compliance needs.

Digital Signatures

IronPDF Digital Signature Implementation:

using IronPdf;
using IronPdf.Signing;
using System.Security.Cryptography.X509Certificates;

// Create renderer and generate PDF
ChromePdfRenderer renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
PdfDocument pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf("<h1>Contract Agreement</h1>");

// Load certificate with private key
X509Certificate2 cert = new X509Certificate2("certificate.pfx", "password", 
    X509KeyStorageFlags.Exportable);

// Create and configure signature
var signature = new PdfSignature(cert)
{
    SigningContact = "legal@company.com",
    SigningLocation = "New York, NY",
    SigningReason = "Contract Approval"
};

// Apply signature with timestamp
pdf.Sign(signature);
pdf.SaveAs("signed-contract.pdf");

using IronPdf;
using IronPdf.Signing;
using System.Security.Cryptography.X509Certificates;

// Create renderer and generate PDF
ChromePdfRenderer renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
PdfDocument pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf("<h1>Contract Agreement</h1>");

// Load certificate with private key
X509Certificate2 cert = new X509Certificate2("certificate.pfx", "password", 
    X509KeyStorageFlags.Exportable);

// Create and configure signature
var signature = new PdfSignature(cert)
{
    SigningContact = "legal@company.com",
    SigningLocation = "New York, NY",
    SigningReason = "Contract Approval"
};

// Apply signature with timestamp
pdf.Sign(signature);
pdf.SaveAs("signed-contract.pdf");

$vbLabelText $csharpLabel

IronPDF simplifies digital signing with automatic signature field creation and timestamp server support. Explore more in the digital signatures tutorial.

SelectPdf Digital Signature:

using SelectPdf;

PdfDocument doc = new PdfDocument();
PdfPage page = doc.AddPage();

// Manual signature field setup required
string certFile = "certificate.pfx";
PdfDigitalCertificatesCollection certificates = 
    PdfDigitalCertificatesStore.GetCertificates(certFile, "password");
PdfDigitalCertificate certificate = certificates[0];

// Create signature element with positioning
PdfDigitalSignatureElement signature = 
    new PdfDigitalSignatureElement(new RectangleF(100, 100, 200, 50), certificate);
signature.Reason = "Contract Approval";
signature.ContactInfo = "legal@company.com";
signature.Location = "New York, NY";

page.Add(signature);
doc.Save("signed.pdf");
doc.Close();

using SelectPdf;

PdfDocument doc = new PdfDocument();
PdfPage page = doc.AddPage();

// Manual signature field setup required
string certFile = "certificate.pfx";
PdfDigitalCertificatesCollection certificates = 
    PdfDigitalCertificatesStore.GetCertificates(certFile, "password");
PdfDigitalCertificate certificate = certificates[0];

// Create signature element with positioning
PdfDigitalSignatureElement signature = 
    new PdfDigitalSignatureElement(new RectangleF(100, 100, 200, 50), certificate);
signature.Reason = "Contract Approval";
signature.ContactInfo = "legal@company.com";
signature.Location = "New York, NY";

page.Add(signature);
doc.Save("signed.pdf");
doc.Close();

$vbLabelText $csharpLabel

SelectPdf requires manual signature field positioning and more complex setup, making it less suitable for automated signing workflows.

Document Format Conversion

IronPDF DOCX to PDF Conversion:

using IronPdf;

// Direct DOCX to PDF conversion
DocxToPdfRenderer renderer = new DocxToPdfRenderer();

// Convert with formatting preservation
PdfDocument pdf = renderer.RenderDocxAsPdf("report.docx");

// Optional: Apply post-conversion modifications
pdf.AddWatermark("<h2 style='color:red;opacity:0.5'>DRAFT</h2>");
pdf.CompressImages(90);

pdf.SaveAs("converted-report.pdf");

using IronPdf;

// Direct DOCX to PDF conversion
DocxToPdfRenderer renderer = new DocxToPdfRenderer();

// Convert with formatting preservation
PdfDocument pdf = renderer.RenderDocxAsPdf("report.docx");

// Optional: Apply post-conversion modifications
pdf.AddWatermark("<h2 style='color:red;opacity:0.5'>DRAFT</h2>");
pdf.CompressImages(90);

pdf.SaveAs("converted-report.pdf");

$vbLabelText $csharpLabel

IronPDF's native DOCX support eliminates the need for Microsoft Office dependencies. This feature is particularly valuable for server environments where Office installation isn't feasible. Learn more about DOCX to PDF conversion.

SelectPdf: Does not support DOCX to PDF conversion, limiting document processing capabilities.

Watermarking and Stamping

IronPDF Advanced Watermarking:

using IronPdf;

var pdf = PdfDocument.FromFile("document.pdf");

// HTML-based watermark with CSS styling
string watermarkHtml = @"
    <div style='
        font-size: 48px;
        color: rgba(255, 0, 0, 0.3);
        transform: rotate(-45deg);
        text-align: center;
        font-weight: bold;
    '>CONFIDENTIAL</div>";

pdf.ApplyWatermark(watermarkHtml, 50, VerticalAlignment.Middle, HorizontalAlignment.Center);

// Add page numbers with custom formatting
pdf.AddHtmlFooters(new HtmlHeaderFooter
{
    HtmlFragment = "<div style='text-align:center'>Page {page} of {total-pages}</div>",
    DrawDividerLine = true
});

pdf.SaveAs("watermarked.pdf");

using IronPdf;

var pdf = PdfDocument.FromFile("document.pdf");

// HTML-based watermark with CSS styling
string watermarkHtml = @"
    <div style='
        font-size: 48px;
        color: rgba(255, 0, 0, 0.3);
        transform: rotate(-45deg);
        text-align: center;
        font-weight: bold;
    '>CONFIDENTIAL</div>";

pdf.ApplyWatermark(watermarkHtml, 50, VerticalAlignment.Middle, HorizontalAlignment.Center);

// Add page numbers with custom formatting
pdf.AddHtmlFooters(new HtmlHeaderFooter
{
    HtmlFragment = "<div style='text-align:center'>Page {page} of {total-pages}</div>",
    DrawDividerLine = true
});

pdf.SaveAs("watermarked.pdf");

$vbLabelText $csharpLabel

IronPDF's HTML-based approach to watermarking provides unlimited customization options using familiar web technologies. For more examples, visit the watermarking guide.

What Are the Real Costs of Each Solution?

IronPDF Licensing Structure

IronPDF's transparent pricing offers flexibility for teams of all sizes (pricing as of 2025):

Lite License: $799 - 1 developer, 1 location, 1 project
Plus License: $1,199 - 3 developers, 3 locations, 3 projects
Professional License: $2,399 - 10 developers, 10 locations, 10 projects
Unlimited License: $4,799 - Unlimited developers and projects

Value-Added Options:

Royalty-free redistribution: +$2,399
Extended support and updates: $1,199/year
Iron Suite: $1,498 - Access to 9 Iron Software products

All licenses include:

30-day money-back guarantee
Perpetual license (one-time payment)
1 year of support and updates
Development, staging, and production use

Ready to evaluate IronPDF in your environment? Start your free 30-day trial with full functionality and no watermarks.

SelectPdf Pricing Analysis

Based on SelectPdf's current pricing:

Single Developer: $499 - 1 developer, 1 deployment
Single Developer OEM: $799 - 1 developer, unlimited deployments
5-Developers: $799 - Up to 5 developers, 10 deployments
5-Developers OEM: $1,099 - Up to 5 developers, unlimited deployments deployments
Enterprise: $1,199 - Unlimited developers, 100 deployments
Enterprise OEM: $1,599 - Unlimited developers, unlimited deployments

Important Limitations:

Community Edition limited to 5-page PDFs
Annual maintenance renewal required for updates
No suite options for multiple products
Limited refund policy

Total Cost of Ownership Comparison

Consider these factors beyond initial licensing:

Development Time: IronPDF's intuitive API and extensive documentation reduce development time by an estimated 40-60% compared to SelectPdf, based on developer feedback.

Platform Limitations: SelectPdf's Windows-only restriction may require additional infrastructure costs for cross-platform deployments.

Support Costs: IronPDF includes 24/5 engineering support, while SelectPdf offers email-only support, potentially increasing resolution times for critical issues.

How Does Documentation and Support Compare?

IronPDF: Comprehensive Developer Resources

IronPDF prioritizes developer success with extensive resources:

Documentation Library: 200+ articles covering every feature
Code Examples: 100+ ready-to-run samples in C# and VB.NET
Video Tutorials: Step-by-step visual guides
API Reference: Complete class and method documentation
24/5 Engineering Support: Direct access to the development team
Community Forum: Active developer community

The documentation follows a task-oriented approach, helping developers find solutions quickly. Each feature includes working examples, best practices, and troubleshooting guides.

SelectPdf: Basic Documentation

SelectPdf provides:

Standard API documentation
Limited code examples
Email support during business hours
Basic troubleshooting guides

According to developer reviews on Stack Overflow, users often struggle with performance issues and limited documentation for advanced scenarios.

What Do Real Developers Say?

Performance Feedback

Stack Overflow discussions reveal common SelectPdf issues:

"It takes 3 seconds to convert html to pdf on .NET Core"
"Can have a big hit on your build time and deploy package size"
"The same conversion takes about 3.5 minutes on the web server"

In contrast, IronPDF users report consistent sub-second conversion times and efficient resource usage.

Developer Experience

From GitHub issues, SelectPdf users note:

Limited modern CSS support
Performance degradation with complex HTML
5-page limitation in free version discovered after implementation

IronPDF consistently receives praise for:

Intuitive API design
Excellent rendering quality
Responsive support team
Regular updates and improvements

Want to experience the difference yourself? Book a personalized demo with our engineering team.

Which Library Handles Enterprise Requirements Better?

Compliance and Security

IronPDF provides enterprise-grade features:

GDPR-compliant redaction tools
HIPAA-ready encryption
SOC 2 Type II compliance
Digital signature validation
Audit trail support

SelectPdf offers basic security but lacks:

Content redaction
Advanced signature validation
Compliance-specific features
Audit logging capabilities

Scalability and Performance

Enterprise applications demand consistent performance at scale. Performance testing shows:

IronPDF:

Handles 1000+ page documents efficiently
Native async/await support for high concurrency
Optimized memory management
Thread-safe operations

SelectPdf:

Performance issues with large documents
Limited async support
Higher memory consumption
Threading limitations reported

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your PDF Needs

Both IronPDF and SelectPdf serve the .NET PDF generation market, but they target different use cases and development scenarios.

Choose IronPDF when you need:

Cross-platform deployment (Linux, macOS, Docker)
Modern web standards support (CSS3, JavaScript frameworks)
Advanced features (redaction, DOCX conversion, digital signatures)
Enterprise compliance requirements
Professional support and regular updates
Cloud-native architecture support

Consider SelectPdf for:

Windows-only environments
Simple HTML to PDF conversion
Budget-conscious projects with basic requirements
Small documents (under 5 pages for free version)

IronPDF stands out as the more versatile and comprehensive solution, offering superior rendering quality, extensive features, and true cross-platform support. Its modern architecture and developer-friendly API make it ideal for teams building scalable, production-ready applications.

While SelectPdf may have a lower entry price point, the limitations in platform support, features, and performance often result in higher total costs through increased development time and infrastructure constraints.

Take the Next Step

Ready to elevate your PDF generation capabilities? IronPDF offers multiple ways to get started:

Download IronPDF and integrate it into your project today
Explore the comprehensive documentation library for implementation guides
Start your 30-day free trial with full functionality and no watermarks
Schedule a personalized demo with our engineering team

Transform your PDF generation workflow with a library built for modern .NET development. Join thousands of developers who've already made the switch to IronPDF.

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

First Step:

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do IronPDF and SelectPdf differ in platform compatibility?

IronPDF supports multiple platforms including Windows, Linux, macOS, and Docker, while SelectPdf is limited to Windows environments. This makes IronPDF a more versatile option for projects requiring cross-platform support.

What are the performance differences between IronPDF and SelectPdf for HTML to PDF conversion?

Performance benchmarks indicate that IronPDF converts pages in sub-second times thanks to its optimized memory management and Chrome-based rendering engine. In contrast, SelectPdf typically averages 2-3 seconds per page, especially with complex documents.

Can I use IronPDF for DOCX to PDF conversion?

Yes, IronPDF supports DOCX to PDF conversion through its DocxToPdfRenderer class. This feature allows you to convert Word documents to PDF without needing Microsoft Office installed, preserving document formatting seamlessly.

How does IronPDF handle JavaScript and CSS in HTML to PDF conversion?

IronPDF's Chrome V8 rendering engine fully supports JavaScript execution and CSS3, effectively handling modern frameworks like React and Angular, as well as advanced CSS features such as Grid and Flexbox.

What security features does IronPDF offer for PDF documents?

IronPDF provides robust security features including AES-256 encryption, password protection, digital signatures, and detailed permission settings through its SecuritySettings class, offering comprehensive document protection.

How can IronPDF assist with GDPR and HIPAA compliance?

IronPDF supports content redaction, which is crucial for GDPR and HIPAA compliance. Using the RedactTextOnAllPages() method, you can permanently remove sensitive information from PDFs based on regex patterns.

Are watermarks and stamps supported in IronPDF?

Yes, IronPDF allows for the addition of watermarks and stamps using HTML/CSS. The ApplyWatermark() method provides full control over watermark opacity, rotation, and positioning, making it easy to customize document branding.

What kind of support can developers expect from IronPDF?

IronPDF offers 24/5 engineering support, providing direct access to its development team, comprehensive documentation, 100+ code examples, and video tutorials. Support channels include chat and screen sharing for professional licenses.

Is there a trial version available for IronPDF?

IronPDF provides a fully-functional 30-day free trial with no watermarks or limitations. This trial allows developers to thoroughly evaluate all features in production environments and includes access to documentation and support.

How does IronPDF's cost compare to SelectPdf for commercial use?

IronPDF starts at $749 for a single developer license, with prices up to $2,999 for 10 developers. In contrast, SelectPdf begins at $499 for one developer. Although SelectPdf has lower entry costs, IronPDF offers more features and 24/5 support.

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, ...

A Comparison between IronPDF and Devexpress PDF Viewer

IronPDF vs EvoPdf: Which .NET PDF L...

IronPDF vs SelectPdf: Complete .NET Core PDF Library Comparison for HTML to PDF Conversion

Which PDF Library Should You Choose for .NET Core HTML to PDF Conversion?

Quick Overview: IronPDF vs SelectPdf for .NET Developers

How Does Cross-Platform Compatibility Compare?

IronPDF: Built for Modern Development

SelectPdf: Windows-Focused Solution

Which Library Delivers Better HTML to PDF Conversion?

HTML to PDF Conversion Quality

Performance Benchmarks

Modern CSS Framework Compatibility: Bootstrap, Tailwind, and Beyond

IronPDF: Native Modern Framework Support

SelectPdf: Limited Modern CSS Support

How Do Security Features Compare Between Libraries?

PDF Encryption and Protection

Which Advanced Features Set These Libraries Apart?

PDF Content Redaction

Digital Signatures

Document Format Conversion

Watermarking and Stamping

What Are the Real Costs of Each Solution?

IronPDF Licensing Structure

SelectPdf Pricing Analysis

Total Cost of Ownership Comparison

How Does Documentation and Support Compare?

IronPDF: Comprehensive Developer Resources

SelectPdf: Basic Documentation

What Do Real Developers Say?

Performance Feedback

Developer Experience

Which Library Handles Enterprise Requirements Better?

Compliance and Security

Scalability and Performance

Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your PDF Needs

Take the Next Step

Frequently Asked Questions

How do IronPDF and SelectPdf differ in platform compatibility?

What are the performance differences between IronPDF and SelectPdf for HTML to PDF conversion?

Can I use IronPDF for DOCX to PDF conversion?

How does IronPDF handle JavaScript and CSS in HTML to PDF conversion?

What security features does IronPDF offer for PDF documents?

How can IronPDF assist with GDPR and HIPAA compliance?

Are watermarks and stamps supported in IronPDF?

What kind of support can developers expect from IronPDF?

Is there a trial version available for IronPDF?

How does IronPDF's cost compare to SelectPdf for commercial use?

Related Articles

Generate PDF Using iTextSharp in MVC vs IronPDF: A Complete Comparison

Ghostscript GPL vs IronPDF: Technical Comparison Guide

Which ASP.NET PDF Library Offers the Best Value for .NET Core Development?

Get your FREE

Next step: Start free 30-day Trial

Next step: Start free 30-day Trial

Trusted by Millions of Engineers Worldwide