USING IRONPDF

Classic ASP: Generate PDF from HTML Using IronPDF

Published:November 27, 2025

Generating PDF files from HTML content remains a crucial requirement for many Classic ASP applications still running in production environments. While legacy systems often struggle with modern PDF document generation needs, IronPDF offers a powerful solution that bridges the gap between Classic ASP generate PDF from HTML and modern PDF rendering capabilities. This tutorial demonstrates how to convert HTML files and generate PDF documents using IronPDF's advanced HTML-to-PDF conversion features directly from your Classic ASP site using COM interop.

Classic ASP: Generate PDF from HTML Using IronPDF: Image 1 - IronPDF

How Does IronPDF Work with Classic ASP?

IronPDF operates as a .NET library that exposes its functionality through COM interop, making it accessible to Classic ASP sites running VBScript. Unlike traditional Classic ASP PDF solutions that rely on outdated rendering engines (including Internet Explorer components) or limited HTML page support, IronPDF uses a Chromium-based engine that accurately renders modern HTML5, CSS styles, and JavaScript content when converting HTML to PDF directly.

The COM InterOp approach means your Classic ASP application calls IronPDF through the Windows COM interface. The .NET Framework handles the heavy lifting of HTML document rendering and PDF file generation, while your VBScript code maintains simple, straightforward syntax. This architecture provides Classic ASP applications with enterprise-grade PDF conversion capabilities, eliminating the need for a complete application rewrite or complex .NET project integration.

Classic ASP: Generate PDF from HTML Using IronPDF: Image 2 - Features

How to Set Up IronPDF for Classic ASP?

Setting up IronPDF for Classic ASP requires installing the library and registering it for COM interop. The process involves a few straightforward steps that prepare your server environment for PDF generation.

Prerequisites

Before installation, ensure your server has:

Windows Server with IIS installed to host your Classic ASP site
.NET Framework 4.6.2 or the newest version
Administrative access for COM registration
Classic ASP enabled in IIS
Note: Adobe PDF tools are not required

Installation Steps

First, download and install the latest version of IronPDF on your server. You can search and obtain the library from the official IronPDF website or through NuGet if you have Visual Studio installed on the server. Right-click to download the package or use the following code snippet:

:: Download IronPDF using NuGet CLI NuGet install IronPDF -OutputDirectory C:\IronPDF

:: Download IronPDF using NuGet CLI NuGet install IronPDF -OutputDirectory C:\IronPDF

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Or, you can also run the following code in your Package Manager Console:

Install-Package IronPdf

Classic ASP: Generate PDF from HTML Using IronPDF: Image 3 - Installation

COM Registration

After installation, register IronPDF for COM InterOp using the RegAsm.exe tool. This process follows Microsoft's COM InterOp guidelines for exposing .NET components to Classic ASP. Run the following command as an administrator:

:: For 32-bit applications
C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\RegAsm.exe "C:\IronPDF\IronPdf.dll" /codebase
:: For 64-bit applications
C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\RegAsm.exe "C:\IronPDF\IronPdf.dll" /codebase

:: For 32-bit applications
C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\RegAsm.exe "C:\IronPDF\IronPdf.dll" /codebase
:: For 64-bit applications
C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\RegAsm.exe "C:\IronPDF\IronPdf.dll" /codebase

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The /codebase parameter ensures the assembly location is registered in the registry, allowing Classic ASP to locate the DLL. After successful registration, you'll see a confirmation message indicating that the types were registered successfully.

IIS Configuration

Configure your IIS application pool to enable 32-bit applications if you registered the 32-bit version:

Open IIS Manager
Select your application pool
Click "Advanced Settings"
Set "Enable 32-Bit Applications" to True
Restart the application pool

Your Classic ASP application can now access IronPDF through COM interop.

Classic ASP: Generate PDF from HTML Using IronPDF: Image 4 - Classic ASP Generate PDF from HTML - IronPDF

How to Generate PDF Files from HTML String?

Creating PDF files from HTML content in Classic ASP with IronPDF requires just a few lines of VBScript code. This code snippet demonstrates the PDF conversion process to convert an HTML string to a PDF document:

<%
' Create IronPDF COM object
Dim renderer
Set renderer = Server.CreateObject("IronPdf.ChromePdfRenderer")
' Define HTML content
Dim htmlContent
htmlContent = "<h1>Invoice #12345</h1>" & _
              "<p>Date: " & Date() & "</p>" & _
              "<table border='1'>" & _
              "<tr><th>Item</th><th>Price</th></tr>" & _
              "<tr><td>Product A</td><td>$50.00</td></tr>" & _
              "<tr><td>Product B</td><td>$75.00</td></tr>" & _
              "<tr><td><strong>Total</strong></td><td><strong>$125.00</strong></td></tr>" & _
              "</table>"
' Convert HTML to PDF
Dim PDF Set PDF = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent)
' Save PDF to server
Dim filePath
filePath = Server.MapPath("/pdfs/invoice_" & Year(Date()) & Month(Date()) & Day(Date()) & ".pdf")
pdf.SaveAs(filePath)
' Clean up objects
Set PDF = Nothing
Set renderer = Nothing
Response.Write "PDF generated successfully at: " & filePath
%>

<%
' Create IronPDF COM object
Dim renderer
Set renderer = Server.CreateObject("IronPdf.ChromePdfRenderer")
' Define HTML content
Dim htmlContent
htmlContent = "<h1>Invoice #12345</h1>" & _
              "<p>Date: " & Date() & "</p>" & _
              "<table border='1'>" & _
              "<tr><th>Item</th><th>Price</th></tr>" & _
              "<tr><td>Product A</td><td>$50.00</td></tr>" & _
              "<tr><td>Product B</td><td>$75.00</td></tr>" & _
              "<tr><td><strong>Total</strong></td><td><strong>$125.00</strong></td></tr>" & _
              "</table>"
' Convert HTML to PDF
Dim PDF Set PDF = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent)
' Save PDF to server
Dim filePath
filePath = Server.MapPath("/pdfs/invoice_" & Year(Date()) & Month(Date()) & Day(Date()) & ".pdf")
pdf.SaveAs(filePath)
' Clean up objects
Set PDF = Nothing
Set renderer = Nothing
Response.Write "PDF generated successfully at: " & filePath
%>

IRON VB CONVERTER ERROR developers@ironsoftware.com

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The following code creates a ChromePdfRenderer COM object, which serves as the main interface for HTML to PDF conversion in Classic ASP. The RenderHtmlAsPdf method accepts an HTML string and returns a PDF document object. The HTML content can include standard properties, inline CSS styles, and basic formatting that you'd typically use in web pages to generate PDF output.

The SaveAs method writes the PDF file to disk at the specified URL location. Using Server.MapPath ensures the file saves to the correct physical path on the server. After saving, always release COM objects by setting them to Nothing to prevent memory leaks in your Classic ASP site.

Output

Classic ASP: Generate PDF from HTML Using IronPDF: Image 5 - PDF Output

For more complex scenarios involving converting HTML pages with images, hyperlinks, and advanced formatting, explore the IronPDF API documentation, which details all available methods for Classic ASP to generate PDF documents directly from HTML content.

How to Convert an HTML File to a PDF Document?

Real-world applications often need to convert existing HTML files or complex HTML content with external resources like images and CSS styles. IronPDF handles these scenarios elegantly, allowing you to load HTML documents and convert them to PDF files directly.

Converting HTML Files to PDF

To convert an existing HTML file instead of an HTML string, use the following code example:

<%
' Create renderer
Dim renderer
Set renderer = Server.CreateObject("IronPdf.ChromePdfRenderer")
' Convert HTML file to PDF
Dim htmlPath, pdfPath
htmlPath = Server.MapPath("/templates/report_template.html")
pdfPath = Server.MapPath("/pdfs/report_output.pdf")
' Render the HTML file
Dim PDF Set PDF = renderer.RenderHtmlFileAsPdf(htmlPath)
pdf.SaveAs(pdfPath)
' Clean up
Set PDF = Nothing
Set renderer = Nothing
Response.Write "PDF created from HTML file"
%>

<%
' Create renderer
Dim renderer
Set renderer = Server.CreateObject("IronPdf.ChromePdfRenderer")
' Convert HTML file to PDF
Dim htmlPath, pdfPath
htmlPath = Server.MapPath("/templates/report_template.html")
pdfPath = Server.MapPath("/pdfs/report_output.pdf")
' Render the HTML file
Dim PDF Set PDF = renderer.RenderHtmlFileAsPdf(htmlPath)
pdf.SaveAs(pdfPath)
' Clean up
Set PDF = Nothing
Set renderer = Nothing
Response.Write "PDF created from HTML file"
%>

IRON VB CONVERTER ERROR developers@ironsoftware.com

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The RenderHtmlFileAsPdf method reads the HTML file from disk and converts it to PDF. This approach works well for template-based PDF generation where you have pre-designed HTML pages stored as files. The converted PDF document preserves all formatting, background color, and standard properties from the original HTML file. This solution is ideal for Classic ASP sites that need to process existing HTML templates and create PDF output for download or email.

Handling CSS Styles and Formatting

IronPDF fully supports CSS styles, including external stylesheets. This capability enables Classic ASP developers to generate PDF files from HTML pages with rich formatting. The rendering process preserves all CSS styles when converting HTML content to PDF documents:

<%
Dim renderer, PDF Set renderer = Server.CreateObject("IronPdf.ChromePdfRenderer")
' HTML with CSS styling
Dim styledHtml
styledHtml = "<!DOCTYPE html>" & _
             "<html><head>" & _
             "<style>" & _
             "body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 40px; }" & _
             ".header { color: #2c3e50; border-bottom: 2px solid #3498db; }" & _
             ".content { margin-top: 20px; line-height: 1.6; }" & _
             "</style></head>" & _
             "<body>" & _
             "<h1 class='header'>Styled Document</h1>" & _
             "<div class='content'>This PDF preserves all CSS styling.</div>" & _
             "</body></html>"
Set PDF = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(styledHtml)
pdf.SaveAs(Server.MapPath("/pdfs/styled_document.pdf"))
Set PDF = Nothing
Set renderer = Nothing
%>

<%
Dim renderer, PDF Set renderer = Server.CreateObject("IronPdf.ChromePdfRenderer")
' HTML with CSS styling
Dim styledHtml
styledHtml = "<!DOCTYPE html>" & _
             "<html><head>" & _
             "<style>" & _
             "body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 40px; }" & _
             ".header { color: #2c3e50; border-bottom: 2px solid #3498db; }" & _
             ".content { margin-top: 20px; line-height: 1.6; }" & _
             "</style></head>" & _
             "<body>" & _
             "<h1 class='header'>Styled Document</h1>" & _
             "<div class='content'>This PDF preserves all CSS styling.</div>" & _
             "</body></html>"
Set PDF = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(styledHtml)
pdf.SaveAs(Server.MapPath("/pdfs/styled_document.pdf"))
Set PDF = Nothing
Set renderer = Nothing
%>

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The CSS styles are preserved in the PDF output exactly as they appear in a web browser. IronPDF's Chromium engine ensures accurate rendering of modern CSS properties, including flexbox, grid layouts, and CSS3 effects. This makes it the ideal solution for converting HTML pages with complex formatting into professional PDF documents. The generated PDF files maintain the same visual fidelity as the original HTML document viewed in the latest version of the Chrome browser.

Output

Classic ASP: Generate PDF from HTML Using IronPDF: Image 6 - Formatted PDF Output

Working with Images in HTML to PDF Conversion

Embedding images in your PDF files requires specifying the base path for resource resolution. This is a common topic in Classic ASP forums on Stack Overflow where developers search for solutions to convert HTML pages with images. The following code shows how to handle images when converting HTML content to PDF documents:

<%
Dim renderer, PDF Set renderer = Server.CreateObject("IronPdf.ChromePdfRenderer")
' Set the base path for images
renderer.RenderingOptions.BaseUrl = "http://" & Request.ServerVariables("SERVER_NAME")
' HTML with image reference
Dim htmlWithImage
htmlWithImage = "<html><body>" & _
                "<h1>Product Catalog</h1>" & _
                "<img src='/images/product1.jpg' width='200' />" & _
                "<p>Premium Product Description</p>" & _
                "</body></html>"
Set PDF = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlWithImage)
pdf.SaveAs(Server.MapPath("/pdfs/catalog.pdf"))
Set PDF = Nothing
Set renderer = Nothing
%>

<%
Dim renderer, PDF Set renderer = Server.CreateObject("IronPdf.ChromePdfRenderer")
' Set the base path for images
renderer.RenderingOptions.BaseUrl = "http://" & Request.ServerVariables("SERVER_NAME")
' HTML with image reference
Dim htmlWithImage
htmlWithImage = "<html><body>" & _
                "<h1>Product Catalog</h1>" & _
                "<img src='/images/product1.jpg' width='200' />" & _
                "<p>Premium Product Description</p>" & _
                "</body></html>"
Set PDF = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlWithImage)
pdf.SaveAs(Server.MapPath("/pdfs/catalog.pdf"))
Set PDF = Nothing
Set renderer = Nothing
%>

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Setting the BaseUrl property tells IronPDF where to find relative image paths and load resources via HTTP or HTTPS. This ensures images load correctly whether they're stored locally on your web server or on a CDN. The renderer handles various image formats, including JPEG, PNG, GIF, and SVG when converting HTML to PDF. The created PDF file will contain all images embedded directly in the document, making it a complete, self-contained file that users can download and save.

What About Error Handling and Best Practices for PDF Generation?

Robust error handling ensures your Classic ASP PDF generation process doesn't crash your website or application. When converting HTML to PDF documents, proper error management is essential. Here's how to implement error handling for HTML to PDF conversion in VBScript:

<%
On Error Resume Next
Dim renderer, pdf, errorMessage
Set renderer = Server.CreateObject("IronPdf.ChromePdfRenderer")
If Err.Number <> 0 Then
    errorMessage = "Failed to create PDF renderer: " & Err.Description
    Response.Write errorMessage
    Err.Clear
Else
    ' Proceed with PDF generation
    Set PDF = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf("<h1>Test Document</h1>")
    If Err.Number <> 0 Then
        errorMessage = "PDF generation failed: " & Err.Description
        Response.Write errorMessage
        Err.Clear
    Else
        pdf.SaveAs(Server.MapPath("/pdfs/test.pdf"))
        Response.Write "PDF generated successfully"
    End If
    ' Always clean up objects
    If Not PDF Is Nothing Then
        Set PDF = Nothing
    End If
End If
If Not renderer Is Nothing Then
    Set renderer = Nothing
End If
On Error GoTo 0
%>

<%
On Error Resume Next
Dim renderer, pdf, errorMessage
Set renderer = Server.CreateObject("IronPdf.ChromePdfRenderer")
If Err.Number <> 0 Then
    errorMessage = "Failed to create PDF renderer: " & Err.Description
    Response.Write errorMessage
    Err.Clear
Else
    ' Proceed with PDF generation
    Set PDF = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf("<h1>Test Document</h1>")
    If Err.Number <> 0 Then
        errorMessage = "PDF generation failed: " & Err.Description
        Response.Write errorMessage
        Err.Clear
    Else
        pdf.SaveAs(Server.MapPath("/pdfs/test.pdf"))
        Response.Write "PDF generated successfully"
    End If
    ' Always clean up objects
    If Not PDF Is Nothing Then
        Set PDF = Nothing
    End If
End If
If Not renderer Is Nothing Then
    Set renderer = Nothing
End If
On Error GoTo 0
%>

IRON VB CONVERTER ERROR developers@ironsoftware.com

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Output

Classic ASP: Generate PDF from HTML Using IronPDF: Image 7 - Error Handling Output

Memory Management Tips for Classic ASP PDF Files

COM objects must be properly released to prevent memory leaks when generating PDF files. Always set objects to Nothing after use, especially in loops or high-traffic Classic ASP sites. Consider implementing a wrapper function for PDF generation that handles object lifecycle automatically. This approach ensures your PDF conversion process remains stable even when processing multiple HTML documents or when users download many PDF files simultaneously.

Classic ASP: Generate PDF from HTML Using IronPDF: Image 8 - Cross-platform compatibility

Complete Example: Converting HTML Form Data to PDF

Here's a practical example showing how to process form data and create a PDF document in Classic ASP:

<%
' Process form data from POST request
Dim customerName, orderNumber
customerName = Request.Form("customer")
orderNumber = Request.Form("order")
' Create renderer and set default properties
Dim renderer, PDF Set renderer = Server.CreateObject("IronPdf.ChromePdfRenderer")
' Build HTML string with form data
Dim htmlContent
htmlContent = "<!DOCTYPE html>" & _
              "<html><head>" & _
              "<style>body { font-family: Arial; } " & _
              ".header { background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 20px; }</style>" & _
              "</head><body>" & _
              "<div class='header'><h1>Order Confirmation</h1></div>" & _
              "<p>Customer: " & customerName & "</p>" & _
              "<p>Order #: " & orderNumber & "</p>" & _
              "<p>Date: " & Date() & "</p>" & _
              "</body></html>"
' Convert HTML string to PDF document
Set PDF = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent)
' Save the generated PDF file
Dim outputPath
outputPath = Server.MapPath("/pdfs/order_" & orderNumber & ".pdf")
pdf.SaveAs(outputPath)
' Clean up
Set PDF = Nothing
Set renderer = Nothing
' Redirect user to download link
Response.Redirect "/pdfs/order_" & orderNumber & ".pdf"
%>

<%
' Process form data from POST request
Dim customerName, orderNumber
customerName = Request.Form("customer")
orderNumber = Request.Form("order")
' Create renderer and set default properties
Dim renderer, PDF Set renderer = Server.CreateObject("IronPdf.ChromePdfRenderer")
' Build HTML string with form data
Dim htmlContent
htmlContent = "<!DOCTYPE html>" & _
              "<html><head>" & _
              "<style>body { font-family: Arial; } " & _
              ".header { background-color: #f0f0f0; padding: 20px; }</style>" & _
              "</head><body>" & _
              "<div class='header'><h1>Order Confirmation</h1></div>" & _
              "<p>Customer: " & customerName & "</p>" & _
              "<p>Order #: " & orderNumber & "</p>" & _
              "<p>Date: " & Date() & "</p>" & _
              "</body></html>"
' Convert HTML string to PDF document
Set PDF = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent)
' Save the generated PDF file
Dim outputPath
outputPath = Server.MapPath("/pdfs/order_" & orderNumber & ".pdf")
pdf.SaveAs(outputPath)
' Clean up
Set PDF = Nothing
Set renderer = Nothing
' Redirect user to download link
Response.Redirect "/pdfs/order_" & orderNumber & ".pdf"
%>

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This code snippet demonstrates a complete workflow for converting HTML form submissions into PDF files. The process includes handling POST data, building dynamic HTML content with CSS styles, converting the HTML string to a PDF document, and providing a download link for the user. This approach is commonly used in Classic ASP sites for generating invoices, reports, and other documents that users can download and save.

Conclusion

IronPDF brings modern PDF generation capabilities to Classic ASP sites through seamless COM InterOp integration. Its Chromium-based rendering engine ensures accurate HTML to PDF conversion while maintaining the simplicity Classic ASP developers expect. Whether you're maintaining legacy systems or building new features for existing applications, IronPDF provides the tools needed to generate PDF files professionally from HTML documents, HTML strings, and HTML pages in Classic ASP.

The combination of Classic ASP's familiar VBScript syntax and IronPDF's powerful rendering engine offers an ideal solution for organizations maintaining legacy systems while meeting modern document generation requirements. With support for CSS styles, JavaScript rendering, images, hyperlinks, and cross-platform deployment options, IronPDF future-proofs your Classic ASP investment. The library handles complex HTML content, preserves formatting, including background color and standard properties, and creates professional PDF output that users can easily download and save.

Unlike solutions requiring Adobe products or outdated Internet Explorer components, IronPDF uses the newest version of Chromium to ensure your converted PDF documents render exactly as they would in a modern browser. This makes it the perfect answer for developers who need to convert HTML files to PDF format in their .NET projects while supporting Classic ASP through COM interop.

Start your free trial today and transform your Classic ASP application's document generation capabilities. For production deployments, explore our flexible licensing options designed for enterprise needs. Need help getting started? Check our comprehensive tutorials for step-by-step guidance.

Classic ASP: Generate PDF from HTML Using IronPDF: Image 9 - Licensing

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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