The C# PDF Library

HTML to PDF

using IronPdf;

// Disable local disk access or cross-origin requests
Installation.EnableWebSecurity = true;

// Instantiate Renderer
var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

// Create a PDF from a HTML string using C#
var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf("<h1>Hello World</h1>");

// Export to a file or Stream
pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf");

// Advanced Example with HTML Assets
// Load external html assets: Images, CSS and JavaScript.
// An optional BasePath 'C:\site\assets\' is set as the file location to load assets from
var myAdvancedPdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf("<img src='icons/iron.png'>", @"C:\site\assets\");
myAdvancedPdf.SaveAs("html-with-assets.pdf");

using IronPdf;

// Disable local disk access or cross-origin requests
Installation.EnableWebSecurity = true;

// Instantiate Renderer
var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();

// Create a PDF from a HTML string using C#
var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf("<h1>Hello World</h1>");

// Export to a file or Stream
pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf");

// Advanced Example with HTML Assets
// Load external html assets: Images, CSS and JavaScript.
// An optional BasePath 'C:\site\assets\' is set as the file location to load assets from
var myAdvancedPdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf("<img src='icons/iron.png'>", @"C:\site\assets\");
myAdvancedPdf.SaveAs("html-with-assets.pdf");

PM >Install-Package IronPdf

Install-Package IronPdf

MIGRATION GUIDES

How to Migrate from SAP Crystal Reports to IronPDF in C#

Curtis Chau

Updated: August 1, 2026

Migrating from SAP Crystal Reports to IronPDF transforms your reporting workflow from a runtime MSI redistributable with COM-era dependencies to a modern NuGet package. This guide provides a step-by-step migration path that removes the runtime installer requirement, lifts SAP ecosystem lock-in, and unlocks .NET 6/8/9 and Linux/Docker targets that Crystal Reports for Visual Studio (CR4VS) does not support.

Why Migrate from SAP Crystal Reports to IronPDF

Understanding SAP Crystal Reports

SAP Crystal Reports is an enterprise reporting platform widely used for generating "pixel-perfect" reports, with broad data source connectivity and a long-standing designer ecosystem. The Crystal Reports Designer remains a productive tool for building complex report layouts within the SAP stack.

However, the runtime's COM-era architecture and Windows/.NET Framework-only footprint create friction for teams targeting .NET 6/8/9, Linux, or container-first deployments.

Key Reasons to Migrate

Runtime MSI Redistributable: Crystal Reports Runtime ships as an MSI installer (typically tens to a few hundred MB depending on 32/64-bit and locale) rather than a NuGet package
SAP Ecosystem Lock-in: Tied to SAP's release cycles and product roadmap; SAP has confirmed end of mainstream maintenance for CR4VS at end of 2027
Licensing: CR4VS itself is free to download and the runtime is free to redistribute, but the Crystal Reports designer family (CR 2020 / CR 2025) and BI Platform are commercial SAP SKUs
Legacy Architecture: COM-dependent runtime DLLs target .NET Framework 4.x and cannot be loaded under .NET Core / .NET 5+
No .NET Core / .NET 5+ Support: There is no roadmap for a Crystal Reports runtime targeting modern .NET; projects remain pinned to .NET Framework 4.x
32-bit Runtime Discontinued: SAP has confirmed the 32-bit CR .NET runtime is discontinued after SP 39 (December 2025); future service packs are 64-bit only
Report Designer Dependency: Requires the CR4VS Visual Studio extension or a standalone Crystal Reports designer to author .rpt files

The Hidden Costs of SAP Crystal Reports

Cost Factor	SAP Crystal Reports	IronPDF
Runtime Distribution	MSI redistributable installer	NuGet package
Installation	Runtime installer + VS extension	`dotnet add package IronPdf`
Deployment	Run MSI on target machine	xcopy / publish
64-bit Support	Yes (32-bit runtime ends after SP 39, Dec 2025)	Native
.NET Core / .NET 5+	Not supported (Framework 4.x only)	Full support (.NET 6/8/9, Framework 4.6.2+)
Cloud Deployment	Windows VMs only	Simple
Linux / Docker	Not supported (Windows-only)	Supported

SAP Crystal Reports vs IronPDF Comparison

Feature	SAP Crystal Reports	IronPDF
Primary Functionality	Enterprise reporting platform	HTML-to-PDF conversion engine and PDF manipulation
Integration	Best within SAP ecosystem	Modern .NET integration, lightweight NuGet package
Ease of Use	Complex setup and deployment	Simplified integration, supports .NET developers
Report Designer	Required	Optional (HTML/CSS)
Template Format	.rpt (binary)	HTML/CSS
HTML to PDF	No	Full Chromium
URL to PDF	No	Yes
CSS Support	No	Full CSS3
JavaScript	No	Full ES2024
PDF Manipulation	No	Full (merge, split, edit)
Digital Signatures	No	Yes
PDF/A Compliance	No	Yes
Modern Relevance	Declining, replaced by modern alternatives	Modern, well-integrated with contemporary technologies

For teams targeting modern .NET (6, 8, 9) and cross-platform deployment, IronPDF provides native support that the Crystal Reports runtime - pinned to .NET Framework 4.x - cannot offer.

Before You Start

Prerequisites

.NET Environment: .NET Framework 4.6.2+ or .NET 6 / 8 / 9
NuGet Access: Ability to install NuGet packages
IronPDF License: Obtain your license key from ironpdf.com

NuGet Package Changes

# Crystal Reports for Visual Studio is not distributed by SAP on NuGet.
# Projects typically reference the GAC-installed CrystalDecisions.*.dll
# assemblies delivered by the CR4VS / CR runtime MSI. Community-maintained
# NuGet wrappers such as CrystalReports.Engine exist for build automation
# but are not official SAP packages.

# 1. Remove direct assembly references (CrystalDecisions.*.dll) from your .csproj
# 2. If using a community NuGet wrapper, remove it:
dotnet remove package CrystalReports.Engine

# 3. Uninstall the Crystal Reports runtime MSI from build/deploy targets

# 4. Install IronPDF
dotnet add package IronPdf

# Crystal Reports for Visual Studio is not distributed by SAP on NuGet.
# Projects typically reference the GAC-installed CrystalDecisions.*.dll
# assemblies delivered by the CR4VS / CR runtime MSI. Community-maintained
# NuGet wrappers such as CrystalReports.Engine exist for build automation
# but are not official SAP packages.

# 1. Remove direct assembly references (CrystalDecisions.*.dll) from your .csproj
# 2. If using a community NuGet wrapper, remove it:
dotnet remove package CrystalReports.Engine

# 3. Uninstall the Crystal Reports runtime MSI from build/deploy targets

# 4. Install IronPDF
dotnet add package IronPdf

SHELL

License Configuration

// Add at application startup
IronPdf.License.LicenseKey = "YOUR-LICENSE-KEY";

// Add at application startup
IronPdf.License.LicenseKey = "YOUR-LICENSE-KEY";

' Add at application startup
IronPdf.License.LicenseKey = "YOUR-LICENSE-KEY"

' Add at application startup
IronPdf.License.LicenseKey = "YOUR-LICENSE-KEY"

Complete API Reference

Namespace Changes

// Before: SAP Crystal Reports
using CrystalDecisions.CrystalReports.Engine;
using CrystalDecisions.Shared;
using CrystalDecisions.ReportAppServer;

// After: IronPDF
using IronPdf;

// Before: SAP Crystal Reports
using CrystalDecisions.CrystalReports.Engine;
using CrystalDecisions.Shared;
using CrystalDecisions.ReportAppServer;

// After: IronPDF
using IronPdf;

Imports CrystalDecisions.CrystalReports.Engine
Imports CrystalDecisions.Shared
Imports CrystalDecisions.ReportAppServer

Imports IronPdf

Imports CrystalDecisions.CrystalReports.Engine
Imports CrystalDecisions.Shared
Imports CrystalDecisions.ReportAppServer

Imports IronPdf

Core API Mappings

SAP Crystal Reports	IronPDF	Notes
`ReportDocument`	`ChromePdfRenderer`	Core rendering
`ReportDocument.Load()`	`RenderHtmlAsPdf()`	Load content
`.rpt` files	HTML/CSS templates	Template format
`SetDataSource()`	HTML with data	Data binding
`SetParameterValue()`	String interpolation	Parameters
`ExportToDisk()`	`pdf.SaveAs()`	Save file
`ExportToStream()`	`pdf.BinaryData`	Get bytes
`PrintToPrinter()`	`pdf.Print()`	Printing
`Database.Tables`	C# data access	Data source
`FormulaFieldDefinitions`	C# logic	Calculations
`SummaryInfo`	`pdf.MetaData`	PDF metadata
`ExportFormatType.PortableDocFormat`	Default output	PDF native

Code Migration Examples

Example 1: HTML to PDF Conversion

Before (SAP Crystal Reports):

// NuGet: Install-Package CrystalReports.Engine
using CrystalDecisions.CrystalReports.Engine;
using CrystalDecisions.Shared;
using System;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        // Crystal Reports requires a .rpt file template
        ReportDocument reportDocument = new ReportDocument();
        reportDocument.Load("Report.rpt");
        
        // Crystal Reports doesn't directly support HTML
        // You need to bind data to the report template
        // reportDocument.SetDataSource(dataSet);
        
        ExportOptions exportOptions = reportDocument.ExportOptions;
        exportOptions.ExportDestinationType = ExportDestinationType.DiskFile;
        exportOptions.ExportFormatType = ExportFormatType.PortableDocFormat;
        
        DiskFileDestinationOptions diskOptions = new DiskFileDestinationOptions();
        diskOptions.DiskFileName = "output.pdf";
        exportOptions.DestinationOptions = diskOptions;
        
        reportDocument.Export();
        reportDocument.Close();
        reportDocument.Dispose();
    }
}

// NuGet: Install-Package CrystalReports.Engine
using CrystalDecisions.CrystalReports.Engine;
using CrystalDecisions.Shared;
using System;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        // Crystal Reports requires a .rpt file template
        ReportDocument reportDocument = new ReportDocument();
        reportDocument.Load("Report.rpt");
        
        // Crystal Reports doesn't directly support HTML
        // You need to bind data to the report template
        // reportDocument.SetDataSource(dataSet);
        
        ExportOptions exportOptions = reportDocument.ExportOptions;
        exportOptions.ExportDestinationType = ExportDestinationType.DiskFile;
        exportOptions.ExportFormatType = ExportFormatType.PortableDocFormat;
        
        DiskFileDestinationOptions diskOptions = new DiskFileDestinationOptions();
        diskOptions.DiskFileName = "output.pdf";
        exportOptions.DestinationOptions = diskOptions;
        
        reportDocument.Export();
        reportDocument.Close();
        reportDocument.Dispose();
    }
}

' NuGet: Install-Package CrystalReports.Engine
Imports CrystalDecisions.CrystalReports.Engine
Imports CrystalDecisions.Shared

Module Program
    Sub Main()
        ' Crystal Reports requires a .rpt file template
        Dim reportDocument As New ReportDocument()
        reportDocument.Load("Report.rpt")

        ' Crystal Reports doesn't directly support HTML
        ' You need to bind data to the report template
        ' reportDocument.SetDataSource(dataSet)

        Dim exportOptions As ExportOptions = reportDocument.ExportOptions
        exportOptions.ExportDestinationType = ExportDestinationType.DiskFile
        exportOptions.ExportFormatType = ExportFormatType.PortableDocFormat

        Dim diskOptions As New DiskFileDestinationOptions()
        diskOptions.DiskFileName = "output.pdf"
        exportOptions.DestinationOptions = diskOptions

        reportDocument.Export()
        reportDocument.Close()
        reportDocument.Dispose()
    End Sub
End Module

' NuGet: Install-Package CrystalReports.Engine
Imports CrystalDecisions.CrystalReports.Engine
Imports CrystalDecisions.Shared

Module Program
    Sub Main()
        ' Crystal Reports requires a .rpt file template
        Dim reportDocument As New ReportDocument()
        reportDocument.Load("Report.rpt")

        ' Crystal Reports doesn't directly support HTML
        ' You need to bind data to the report template
        ' reportDocument.SetDataSource(dataSet)

        Dim exportOptions As ExportOptions = reportDocument.ExportOptions
        exportOptions.ExportDestinationType = ExportDestinationType.DiskFile
        exportOptions.ExportFormatType = ExportFormatType.PortableDocFormat

        Dim diskOptions As New DiskFileDestinationOptions()
        diskOptions.DiskFileName = "output.pdf"
        exportOptions.DestinationOptions = diskOptions

        reportDocument.Export()
        reportDocument.Close()
        reportDocument.Dispose()
    End Sub
End Module

After (IronPDF):

// NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf
using IronPdf;
using System;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        // Create a PDF from HTML string
        var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
        
        string htmlContent = "<h1>Hello World</h1><p>This is a PDF generated from HTML.</p>";
        
        var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent);
        pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf");
        
        Console.WriteLine("PDF created successfully!");
    }
}

// NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf
using IronPdf;
using System;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        // Create a PDF from HTML string
        var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
        
        string htmlContent = "<h1>Hello World</h1><p>This is a PDF generated from HTML.</p>";
        
        var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent);
        pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf");
        
        Console.WriteLine("PDF created successfully!");
    }
}

' NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf
Imports IronPdf
Imports System

Module Program
    Sub Main()
        ' Create a PDF from HTML string
        Dim renderer As New ChromePdfRenderer()
        
        Dim htmlContent As String = "<h1>Hello World</h1><p>This is a PDF generated from HTML.</p>"
        
        Dim pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent)
        pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf")
        
        Console.WriteLine("PDF created successfully!")
    End Sub
End Module

' NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf
Imports IronPdf
Imports System

Module Program
    Sub Main()
        ' Create a PDF from HTML string
        Dim renderer As New ChromePdfRenderer()
        
        Dim htmlContent As String = "<h1>Hello World</h1><p>This is a PDF generated from HTML.</p>"
        
        Dim pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent)
        pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf")
        
        Console.WriteLine("PDF created successfully!")
    End Sub
End Module

This example demonstrates the fundamental paradigm difference. SAP Crystal Reports requires a pre-designed .rpt file template created in the Crystal Reports Designer, then you must configure ExportOptions, ExportDestinationType, ExportFormatType, and DiskFileDestinationOptions. The library doesn't directly support HTML content - you must bind data to the report template.

IronPDF accepts HTML strings directly: create a ChromePdfRenderer, call RenderHtmlAsPdf() with any HTML content, and SaveAs(). No designer required, no binary templates, no complex export configuration. See the HTML to PDF documentation for comprehensive examples.

Example 2: URL to PDF Conversion

Before (SAP Crystal Reports):

// NuGet: Install-Package CrystalReports.Engine
using CrystalDecisions.CrystalReports.Engine;
using CrystalDecisions.Shared;
using System;
using System.Net;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        // Crystal Reports cannot directly convert URLs to PDF
        // You need to create a report template first
        
        // Download HTML content
        WebClient client = new WebClient();
        string htmlContent = client.DownloadString("https://example.com");
        
        // Crystal Reports requires .rpt template and data binding
        // This approach is not straightforward for URL conversion
        ReportDocument reportDocument = new ReportDocument();
        reportDocument.Load("WebReport.rpt");
        
        // Manual data extraction and binding required
        // reportDocument.SetDataSource(extractedData);
        
        reportDocument.ExportToDisk(ExportFormatType.PortableDocFormat, "output.pdf");
        reportDocument.Close();
        reportDocument.Dispose();
    }
}

// NuGet: Install-Package CrystalReports.Engine
using CrystalDecisions.CrystalReports.Engine;
using CrystalDecisions.Shared;
using System;
using System.Net;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        // Crystal Reports cannot directly convert URLs to PDF
        // You need to create a report template first
        
        // Download HTML content
        WebClient client = new WebClient();
        string htmlContent = client.DownloadString("https://example.com");
        
        // Crystal Reports requires .rpt template and data binding
        // This approach is not straightforward for URL conversion
        ReportDocument reportDocument = new ReportDocument();
        reportDocument.Load("WebReport.rpt");
        
        // Manual data extraction and binding required
        // reportDocument.SetDataSource(extractedData);
        
        reportDocument.ExportToDisk(ExportFormatType.PortableDocFormat, "output.pdf");
        reportDocument.Close();
        reportDocument.Dispose();
    }
}

' NuGet: Install-Package CrystalReports.Engine
Imports CrystalDecisions.CrystalReports.Engine
Imports CrystalDecisions.Shared
Imports System
Imports System.Net

Module Program
    Sub Main()
        ' Crystal Reports cannot directly convert URLs to PDF
        ' You need to create a report template first

        ' Download HTML content
        Dim client As New WebClient()
        Dim htmlContent As String = client.DownloadString("https://example.com")

        ' Crystal Reports requires .rpt template and data binding
        ' This approach is not straightforward for URL conversion
        Dim reportDocument As New ReportDocument()
        reportDocument.Load("WebReport.rpt")

        ' Manual data extraction and binding required
        ' reportDocument.SetDataSource(extractedData)

        reportDocument.ExportToDisk(ExportFormatType.PortableDocFormat, "output.pdf")
        reportDocument.Close()
        reportDocument.Dispose()
    End Sub
End Module

' NuGet: Install-Package CrystalReports.Engine
Imports CrystalDecisions.CrystalReports.Engine
Imports CrystalDecisions.Shared
Imports System
Imports System.Net

Module Program
    Sub Main()
        ' Crystal Reports cannot directly convert URLs to PDF
        ' You need to create a report template first

        ' Download HTML content
        Dim client As New WebClient()
        Dim htmlContent As String = client.DownloadString("https://example.com")

        ' Crystal Reports requires .rpt template and data binding
        ' This approach is not straightforward for URL conversion
        Dim reportDocument As New ReportDocument()
        reportDocument.Load("WebReport.rpt")

        ' Manual data extraction and binding required
        ' reportDocument.SetDataSource(extractedData)

        reportDocument.ExportToDisk(ExportFormatType.PortableDocFormat, "output.pdf")
        reportDocument.Close()
        reportDocument.Dispose()
    End Sub
End Module

After (IronPDF):

// NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf
using IronPdf;
using System;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        // Create a PDF from a URL
        var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
        
        var pdf = renderer.RenderUrlAsPdf("https://example.com");
        pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf");
        
        Console.WriteLine("PDF created from URL successfully!");
    }
}

// NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf
using IronPdf;
using System;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        // Create a PDF from a URL
        var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
        
        var pdf = renderer.RenderUrlAsPdf("https://example.com");
        pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf");
        
        Console.WriteLine("PDF created from URL successfully!");
    }
}

' NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf
Imports IronPdf
Imports System

Module Program
    Sub Main()
        ' Create a PDF from a URL
        Dim renderer As New ChromePdfRenderer()
        
        Dim pdf = renderer.RenderUrlAsPdf("https://example.com")
        pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf")
        
        Console.WriteLine("PDF created from URL successfully!")
    End Sub
End Module

' NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf
Imports IronPdf
Imports System

Module Program
    Sub Main()
        ' Create a PDF from a URL
        Dim renderer As New ChromePdfRenderer()
        
        Dim pdf = renderer.RenderUrlAsPdf("https://example.com")
        pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf")
        
        Console.WriteLine("PDF created from URL successfully!")
    End Sub
End Module

SAP Crystal Reports cannot directly convert URLs to PDF. You would need to download the HTML content manually with WebClient, then somehow extract and bind that data to a pre-designed .rpt template - a process that's not straightforward and requires significant manual work.

IronPDF's RenderUrlAsPdf() method captures the fully rendered webpage with all CSS, JavaScript, and images in a single call. Learn more in our tutorials.

Example 3: Headers and Footers with Page Numbers

Before (SAP Crystal Reports):

// NuGet: Install-Package CrystalReports.Engine
using CrystalDecisions.CrystalReports.Engine;
using CrystalDecisions.Shared;
using System;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        // Crystal Reports requires design-time configuration
        ReportDocument reportDocument = new ReportDocument();
        reportDocument.Load("Report.rpt");
        
        // Headers and footers must be designed in the .rpt file
        // using Crystal Reports designer
        // You can set parameter values programmatically
        reportDocument.SetParameterValue("HeaderText", "Company Name");
        reportDocument.SetParameterValue("FooterText", "Page ");
        
        // Crystal Reports handles page numbers through formula fields
        // configured in the designer
        
        reportDocument.ExportToDisk(ExportFormatType.PortableDocFormat, "output.pdf");
        reportDocument.Close();
        reportDocument.Dispose();
    }
}

// NuGet: Install-Package CrystalReports.Engine
using CrystalDecisions.CrystalReports.Engine;
using CrystalDecisions.Shared;
using System;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        // Crystal Reports requires design-time configuration
        ReportDocument reportDocument = new ReportDocument();
        reportDocument.Load("Report.rpt");
        
        // Headers and footers must be designed in the .rpt file
        // using Crystal Reports designer
        // You can set parameter values programmatically
        reportDocument.SetParameterValue("HeaderText", "Company Name");
        reportDocument.SetParameterValue("FooterText", "Page ");
        
        // Crystal Reports handles page numbers through formula fields
        // configured in the designer
        
        reportDocument.ExportToDisk(ExportFormatType.PortableDocFormat, "output.pdf");
        reportDocument.Close();
        reportDocument.Dispose();
    }
}

' NuGet: Install-Package CrystalReports.Engine
Imports CrystalDecisions.CrystalReports.Engine
Imports CrystalDecisions.Shared
Imports System

Module Program
    Sub Main()
        ' Crystal Reports requires design-time configuration
        Dim reportDocument As New ReportDocument()
        reportDocument.Load("Report.rpt")

        ' Headers and footers must be designed in the .rpt file
        ' using Crystal Reports designer
        ' You can set parameter values programmatically
        reportDocument.SetParameterValue("HeaderText", "Company Name")
        reportDocument.SetParameterValue("FooterText", "Page ")

        ' Crystal Reports handles page numbers through formula fields
        ' configured in the designer

        reportDocument.ExportToDisk(ExportFormatType.PortableDocFormat, "output.pdf")
        reportDocument.Close()
        reportDocument.Dispose()
    End Sub
End Module

' NuGet: Install-Package CrystalReports.Engine
Imports CrystalDecisions.CrystalReports.Engine
Imports CrystalDecisions.Shared
Imports System

Module Program
    Sub Main()
        ' Crystal Reports requires design-time configuration
        Dim reportDocument As New ReportDocument()
        reportDocument.Load("Report.rpt")

        ' Headers and footers must be designed in the .rpt file
        ' using Crystal Reports designer
        ' You can set parameter values programmatically
        reportDocument.SetParameterValue("HeaderText", "Company Name")
        reportDocument.SetParameterValue("FooterText", "Page ")

        ' Crystal Reports handles page numbers through formula fields
        ' configured in the designer

        reportDocument.ExportToDisk(ExportFormatType.PortableDocFormat, "output.pdf")
        reportDocument.Close()
        reportDocument.Dispose()
    End Sub
End Module

After (IronPDF):

// NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf
using IronPdf;
using System;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
        
        // Configure headers and footers
        renderer.RenderingOptions.TextHeader.CenterText = "Company Name";
        renderer.RenderingOptions.TextHeader.FontSize = 12;
        
        renderer.RenderingOptions.TextFooter.LeftText = "Confidential";
        renderer.RenderingOptions.TextFooter.RightText = "Page {page} of {total-pages}";
        renderer.RenderingOptions.TextFooter.FontSize = 10;
        
        string htmlContent = "<h1>Document Title</h1><p>Document content goes here.</p>";
        
        var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent);
        pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf");
        
        Console.WriteLine("PDF with headers and footers created!");
    }
}

// NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf
using IronPdf;
using System;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
        
        // Configure headers and footers
        renderer.RenderingOptions.TextHeader.CenterText = "Company Name";
        renderer.RenderingOptions.TextHeader.FontSize = 12;
        
        renderer.RenderingOptions.TextFooter.LeftText = "Confidential";
        renderer.RenderingOptions.TextFooter.RightText = "Page {page} of {total-pages}";
        renderer.RenderingOptions.TextFooter.FontSize = 10;
        
        string htmlContent = "<h1>Document Title</h1><p>Document content goes here.</p>";
        
        var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent);
        pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf");
        
        Console.WriteLine("PDF with headers and footers created!");
    }
}

' NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf
Imports IronPdf
Imports System

Module Program
    Sub Main()
        Dim renderer = New ChromePdfRenderer()

        ' Configure headers and footers
        renderer.RenderingOptions.TextHeader.CenterText = "Company Name"
        renderer.RenderingOptions.TextHeader.FontSize = 12

        renderer.RenderingOptions.TextFooter.LeftText = "Confidential"
        renderer.RenderingOptions.TextFooter.RightText = "Page {page} of {total-pages}"
        renderer.RenderingOptions.TextFooter.FontSize = 10

        Dim htmlContent As String = "<h1>Document Title</h1><p>Document content goes here.</p>"

        Dim pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent)
        pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf")

        Console.WriteLine("PDF with headers and footers created!")
    End Sub
End Module

' NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf
Imports IronPdf
Imports System

Module Program
    Sub Main()
        Dim renderer = New ChromePdfRenderer()

        ' Configure headers and footers
        renderer.RenderingOptions.TextHeader.CenterText = "Company Name"
        renderer.RenderingOptions.TextHeader.FontSize = 12

        renderer.RenderingOptions.TextFooter.LeftText = "Confidential"
        renderer.RenderingOptions.TextFooter.RightText = "Page {page} of {total-pages}"
        renderer.RenderingOptions.TextFooter.FontSize = 10

        Dim htmlContent As String = "<h1>Document Title</h1><p>Document content goes here.</p>"

        Dim pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent)
        pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf")

        Console.WriteLine("PDF with headers and footers created!")
    End Sub
End Module

SAP Crystal Reports requires design-time configuration for headers and footers. You must design them in the .rpt file using the Crystal Reports Designer, then pass parameter values like "HeaderText" and "FooterText" at runtime. Page numbers must be configured through formula fields in the designer.

IronPDF provides programmatic header/footer configuration with TextHeader and TextFooter properties. Set CenterText, LeftText, RightText, and FontSize directly in code. Page numbers use the {page} and {total-pages} placeholders - no designer required.

Common Migration Issues

Issue 1: .rpt File Conversion

SAP Crystal Reports: Binary .rpt files with embedded layout, data, formulas.

Solution: Cannot directly convert - must recreate as HTML:

Open .rpt in Crystal Reports designer
Document layout, fonts, colors
Note all formula fields
Recreate in HTML/CSS
Convert formulas to C# code

Issue 2: Database Connections

SAP Crystal Reports: Embedded connection strings and ODBC.

Solution: Use your application's data layer:

// Instead of Crystal's database integration
var data = await _dbContext.Orders
    .Where(o => o.Date >= startDate && o.Date <= endDate)
    .ToListAsync();

// Bind to HTML template
var html = GenerateReportHtml(data);

// Instead of Crystal's database integration
var data = await _dbContext.Orders
    .Where(o => o.Date >= startDate && o.Date <= endDate)
    .ToListAsync();

// Bind to HTML template
var html = GenerateReportHtml(data);

Option Strict On
Option Infer On

' Instead of Crystal's database integration
Dim data = Await _dbContext.Orders _
    .Where(Function(o) o.Date >= startDate AndAlso o.Date <= endDate) _
    .ToListAsync()

' Bind to HTML template
Dim html = GenerateReportHtml(data)

Option Strict On
Option Infer On

' Instead of Crystal's database integration
Dim data = Await _dbContext.Orders _
    .Where(Function(o) o.Date >= startDate AndAlso o.Date <= endDate) _
    .ToListAsync()

' Bind to HTML template
Dim html = GenerateReportHtml(data)

Issue 3: Runtime Dependencies

SAP Crystal Reports: Requires Crystal Reports Runtime installation (500MB+).

Solution: IronPDF is self-contained:

# Just add the NuGet package
dotnet add package IronPdf
# That's it - no additional installs needed

# Just add the NuGet package
dotnet add package IronPdf
# That's it - no additional installs needed

SHELL

Issue 4: 32-bit/64-bit and .NET Framework Lock-in

SAP Crystal Reports: The Crystal Reports runtime is COM-dependent and ships in separate 32-bit and 64-bit MSIs. SAP has confirmed the 32-bit CR .NET runtime is discontinued after SP 39 (December 2025); future service packs are 64-bit only. The runtime targets .NET Framework 4.x and cannot be loaded under .NET Core / .NET 5+.

Solution: IronPDF runs on .NET Framework 4.6.2+, .NET 6, .NET 8, and .NET 9 - including Linux and Docker. No special configuration is required for 64-bit or AnyCPU.

New Capabilities After Migration

After migrating to IronPDF, you gain capabilities that SAP Crystal Reports cannot provide:

PDF Merging

var pdf1 = PdfDocument.FromFile("report1.pdf");
var pdf2 = PdfDocument.FromFile("report2.pdf");
var merged = PdfDocument.Merge(pdf1, pdf2);
merged.SaveAs("complete_report.pdf");

var pdf1 = PdfDocument.FromFile("report1.pdf");
var pdf2 = PdfDocument.FromFile("report2.pdf");
var merged = PdfDocument.Merge(pdf1, pdf2);
merged.SaveAs("complete_report.pdf");

Dim pdf1 = PdfDocument.FromFile("report1.pdf")
Dim pdf2 = PdfDocument.FromFile("report2.pdf")
Dim merged = PdfDocument.Merge(pdf1, pdf2)
merged.SaveAs("complete_report.pdf")

Dim pdf1 = PdfDocument.FromFile("report1.pdf")
Dim pdf2 = PdfDocument.FromFile("report2.pdf")
Dim merged = PdfDocument.Merge(pdf1, pdf2)
merged.SaveAs("complete_report.pdf")

PDF Security

var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(reportHtml);

pdf.MetaData.Title = "Quarterly Sales Report";
pdf.MetaData.Author = "Finance Department";

pdf.SecuritySettings.OwnerPassword = "admin123";
pdf.SecuritySettings.UserPassword = "view123";
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserPrinting = PdfPrintSecurity.FullPrintRights;
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserCopyPasteContent = false;

pdf.SaveAs("secure_report.pdf");

var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(reportHtml);

pdf.MetaData.Title = "Quarterly Sales Report";
pdf.MetaData.Author = "Finance Department";

pdf.SecuritySettings.OwnerPassword = "admin123";
pdf.SecuritySettings.UserPassword = "view123";
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserPrinting = PdfPrintSecurity.FullPrintRights;
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserCopyPasteContent = false;

pdf.SaveAs("secure_report.pdf");

Dim renderer As New ChromePdfRenderer()
Dim pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(reportHtml)

pdf.MetaData.Title = "Quarterly Sales Report"
pdf.MetaData.Author = "Finance Department"

pdf.SecuritySettings.OwnerPassword = "admin123"
pdf.SecuritySettings.UserPassword = "view123"
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserPrinting = PdfPrintSecurity.FullPrintRights
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserCopyPasteContent = False

pdf.SaveAs("secure_report.pdf")

Dim renderer As New ChromePdfRenderer()
Dim pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(reportHtml)

pdf.MetaData.Title = "Quarterly Sales Report"
pdf.MetaData.Author = "Finance Department"

pdf.SecuritySettings.OwnerPassword = "admin123"
pdf.SecuritySettings.UserPassword = "view123"
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserPrinting = PdfPrintSecurity.FullPrintRights
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserCopyPasteContent = False

pdf.SaveAs("secure_report.pdf")

Digital Signatures

var signature = new PdfSignature("certificate.pfx", "password");
pdf.Sign(signature);

var signature = new PdfSignature("certificate.pfx", "password");
pdf.Sign(signature);

Dim signature = New PdfSignature("certificate.pfx", "password")
pdf.Sign(signature)

Dim signature = New PdfSignature("certificate.pfx", "password")
pdf.Sign(signature)

Watermarks

using IronPdf.Editing;

pdf.ApplyWatermark("<h1 style='color:red; opacity:0.3;'>DRAFT</h1>");

using IronPdf.Editing;

pdf.ApplyWatermark("<h1 style='color:red; opacity:0.3;'>DRAFT</h1>");

Imports IronPdf.Editing

pdf.ApplyWatermark("<h1 style='color:red; opacity:0.3;'>DRAFT</h1>")

Imports IronPdf.Editing

pdf.ApplyWatermark("<h1 style='color:red; opacity:0.3;'>DRAFT</h1>")

Feature Comparison Summary

Feature	SAP Crystal Reports	IronPDF
:Installation:		Runtime Distribution MSI redistributable NuGet
Installation Method	MSI + Visual Studio extension	NuGet
Deployment	Run MSI on target machine	xcopy / publish
:Platform Support:		.NET Framework 4.x Yes Yes (4.6.2+)
.NET Core / .NET 5+	Not supported	Yes (.NET 6/8/9)
64-bit Native	Yes (32-bit ends after SP 39, Dec 2025)	Yes
Linux / Docker	Not supported (Windows-only)	Yes
Azure / AWS	Windows VMs only	Simple
:Development:		Report Designer Required Optional (HTML)
Template Format	.rpt (binary)	HTML/CSS
Learning Curve	Crystal syntax	Web standards
IntelliSense	No	Full C#
:Rendering:		HTML to PDF No Full Chromium
URL to PDF	No	Yes
CSS Support	No	Full CSS3
JavaScript	No	Full ES2024
:PDF Features:		Merge PDFs No Yes
Split PDFs	No	Yes
Watermarks	Limited	Full HTML
Digital Signatures	No	Yes
PDF/A	No	Yes

Migration Checklist

Pre-Migration

Inventory all .rpt files
Screenshot each report layout for reference
Document formula fields and calculations
List all data sources and parameters
Identify printing requirements
Obtain IronPDF license key from ironpdf.com

Code Updates

Remove Crystal Reports packages (CrystalDecisions.CrystalReports.Engine, etc.)
Remove runtime installation from deployment
Install IronPdf NuGet package
Convert .rpt layouts to HTML/CSS templates
Convert Crystal formulas to C# code
Update data binding from SetDataSource() to HTML string interpolation
Update printing code from PrintToPrinter() to pdf.Print()
Add license initialization at application startup

Infrastructure

Remove Crystal Runtime from servers
Update deployment scripts
Remove 32-bit compatibility mode
Update Docker images (if applicable)

Testing

Compare PDF output to original reports
Verify all calculations
Test all parameters
Test printing functionality
Performance testing
64-bit testing

Please note: SAP Crystal Reports is a registered trademark of its respective owner. This site is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by SAP. 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.

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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