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How to Create a .NET Core PDF Generator

Curtis Chau
Curtis Chau
Updated:

How to Create a .NET Core PDF Generator

IronPDF provides a Chrome-based rendering engine that converts HTML, CSS, and JavaScript into PDF documents in .NET Core applications, supporting cross-platform deployment across Windows, Linux, and Docker containers with simple NuGet installation.

What Makes a Reliable .NET Core PDF Generator?

Building PDF documents in .NET Core applications requires a PDF library that handles HTML content, maintains formatting, and supports cross-platform deployment. If you're developing ASP.NET Core web APIs or console applications, a robust .NET Core PDF generator streamlines the whole process of creating documents from various sources. It's a massive time-saver.

Start your free trial and discover why developers choose IronPDF for mission-critical PDF generation in production environments.

IronPDF stands out as a comprehensive .NET Core PDF library. It uses a Chrome rendering engine to create PDF documents with pixel-perfect accuracy. This approach means you don't need to learn complex PDF APIs or struggle with layout issues; you can leverage your existing HTML and CSS skills to generate PDF files. The library's extensive documentation and code examples make implementation straightforward.

How Does IronPDF Simplify Generating PDF Documents in .NET Core?

IronPDF transforms the traditionally complex task of PDF generation into straightforward code that any .NET developer can implement. The library uses the ChromePdfRenderer class to convert HTML strings, files, or URLs directly into PDF format. This fluent API approach provides extensive customization options while maintaining high performance across different platforms.

Why Does HTML-Based PDF Generation Matter for Developers?

The real power lies in how IronPDF handles converting HTML content into professional PDF files. Instead of manually positioning or needing to draw elements, developers write standard HTML with CSS styling, and the library handles the conversion seamlessly. The resulting PDF files aren't mere images of text; they're fully-featured documents where users can select and search for text. For containerized deployments, this approach eliminates common issues with font management and UTF-8 character encoding, crucial considerations for Docker environments.

What Advanced Editing Capabilities Are Available?

Beyond basic PDF generation, you can use IronPDF's advanced editing tools to edit PDF documents. With these, you can merge documents, add watermarks, annotations, and more. The library supports digital signatures for document authentication and PDF compression to optimize file sizes for network transfer. Check out the related tutorial to see more example source code for these tools. For DevOps teams, these features enable automated document processing workflows without external dependencies.

How Do I Install IronPDF via NuGet Package Manager?

Getting started with IronPDF in Visual Studio requires just one NuGet package installation. Open the NuGet Package Manager Console, ensure your project name is selected in the 'Default project' dropdown, and run the following command:

Install-Package IronPdf

What Does the NuGet Package Include?

This single NuGet package provides all the functionality needed to create, edit, and generate PDF files in your .NET Core applications. The installation automatically configures your project for PDF generation across Windows, Linux, and Docker environments. It also offers support for various .NET versions including .NET Framework 4.6.2+, .NET Core 3.1+, and .NET Standard 2.0+. For containerized deployments, the package includes native dependencies optimized for minimal image size. The IronPDF.Slim variant provides additional deployment flexibility for environments with strict size constraints.

How Do I Create My First PDF Document from HTML?

Let's create PDF documents using a practical invoice document example. This demonstrates how to generate PDF files from HTML content with proper formatting and data binding:

using IronPdf;
using System.IO;
using System.Text;
// Initialize the Chrome renderer
var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
// Configure rendering options
renderer.RenderingOptions.MarginTop = 25;
renderer.RenderingOptions.MarginBottom = 25;
renderer.RenderingOptions.PaperSize = IronPdf.Rendering.PdfPaperSize.A4;
// Create HTML content for invoice
var htmlBuilder = new StringBuilder();
htmlBuilder.Append(@"
    <html>
    <head>
        <style>
            body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; }
            .invoice-header { background: #f0f0f0; padding: 20px; }
            table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; }
            th, td { padding: 10px; text-align: left; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; }
        </style>
    </head>
    <body>
        <div class='invoice-header'>
            <h1>Invoice #INV-2024-001</h1>
            <p>Date: " + DateTime.Now.ToString("MM/dd/yyyy") + @"</p>
        </div>
        <table>
            <tr><th>Item</th><th>Quantity</th><th>Price</th></tr>");
// Example of dynamically adding table rows with a for loop
for (int i = 0; i < 3; i++)
{
    htmlBuilder.Append($"<tr><td>Product #{i + 1}</td><td>{i + 1}</td><td>$25.00</td></tr>");
}
htmlBuilder.Append(@"
        </table>
        <p><strong>This is a new paragraph with a summary.</strong></p>
    </body>
    </html>");
// Generate PDF from HTML string
PdfDocument pdfObject = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlBuilder.ToString());
// Save the PDF file
pdfObject.SaveAs("invoice.pdf");
using IronPdf;
using System.IO;
using System.Text;
// Initialize the Chrome renderer
var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
// Configure rendering options
renderer.RenderingOptions.MarginTop = 25;
renderer.RenderingOptions.MarginBottom = 25;
renderer.RenderingOptions.PaperSize = IronPdf.Rendering.PdfPaperSize.A4;
// Create HTML content for invoice
var htmlBuilder = new StringBuilder();
htmlBuilder.Append(@"
    <html>
    <head>
        <style>
            body { font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; }
            .invoice-header { background: #f0f0f0; padding: 20px; }
            table { width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; }
            th, td { padding: 10px; text-align: left; border-bottom: 1px solid #ddd; }
        </style>
    </head>
    <body>
        <div class='invoice-header'>
            <h1>Invoice #INV-2024-001</h1>
            <p>Date: " + DateTime.Now.ToString("MM/dd/yyyy") + @"</p>
        </div>
        <table>
            <tr><th>Item</th><th>Quantity</th><th>Price</th></tr>");
// Example of dynamically adding table rows with a for loop
for (int i = 0; i < 3; i++)
{
    htmlBuilder.Append($"<tr><td>Product #{i + 1}</td><td>{i + 1}</td><td>$25.00</td></tr>");
}
htmlBuilder.Append(@"
        </table>
        <p><strong>This is a new paragraph with a summary.</strong></p>
    </body>
    </html>");
// Generate PDF from HTML string
PdfDocument pdfObject = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(htmlBuilder.ToString());
// Save the PDF file
pdfObject.SaveAs("invoice.pdf");
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

This code creates a professional invoice document by combining HTML markup with dynamic data. Note how we added a custom font size in the CSS and dynamically generated table rows using a for loop. We also included a new paragraph element. The RenderHtmlAsPdf method returns a PdfDocument object, which gives you full control over the generated file. For more advanced HTML to PDF scenarios, explore the HTML to PDF tutorial. The rendering options provide extensive control over margins, paper size, and viewport settings.

What Does the Generated PDF Output Look Like?

The below screenshot shows our example invoice perfectly rendered into a PDF document format.

PDF viewer displaying an invoice document with invoice number INV-2024-001, showing a table with three products priced at $25.00 each, generated from HTML using .NET Core.

How Can I Generate PDF Files from URLs and Web Pages?

IronPDF excels at converting existing web pages into PDF files. This capability proves invaluable when generating PDF documents from reporting dashboards or web-based forms:

// Create a new ChromePdfRenderer instance
var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
// Set custom page size and margins
renderer.RenderingOptions.PaperSize = IronPdf.Rendering.PdfPaperSize.A4;
renderer.RenderingOptions.PrintHtmlBackgrounds = true;
renderer.RenderingOptions.EnableJavaScript = true;
renderer.RenderingOptions.CssMediaType = IronPdf.Rendering.PdfCssMediaType.Print;
renderer.RenderingOptions.WaitFor.RenderDelay(1000);
// Convert a URL to PDF
PdfDocument pdfDocument = renderer.RenderUrlAsPdf("___PROTECTED_URL_51___");
// Save to file path
string filePath = Path.Combine(Directory.GetCurrentDirectory(), "webpage.pdf");
pdfDocument.SaveAs(filePath);
// For containerized environments, consider using environment variables
string outputPath = Environment.GetEnvironmentVariable("PDF_OUTPUT_PATH") ?? "/app/output";
pdfDocument.SaveAs(Path.Combine(outputPath, "webpage.pdf"));
// Create a new ChromePdfRenderer instance
var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
// Set custom page size and margins
renderer.RenderingOptions.PaperSize = IronPdf.Rendering.PdfPaperSize.A4;
renderer.RenderingOptions.PrintHtmlBackgrounds = true;
renderer.RenderingOptions.EnableJavaScript = true;
renderer.RenderingOptions.CssMediaType = IronPdf.Rendering.PdfCssMediaType.Print;
renderer.RenderingOptions.WaitFor.RenderDelay(1000);
// Convert a URL to PDF
PdfDocument pdfDocument = renderer.RenderUrlAsPdf("___PROTECTED_URL_51___");
// Save to file path
string filePath = Path.Combine(Directory.GetCurrentDirectory(), "webpage.pdf");
pdfDocument.SaveAs(filePath);
// For containerized environments, consider using environment variables
string outputPath = Environment.GetEnvironmentVariable("PDF_OUTPUT_PATH") ?? "/app/output";
pdfDocument.SaveAs(Path.Combine(outputPath, "webpage.pdf"));
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

Why Is JavaScript Support Important for URL Conversion?

The library handles JavaScript execution, loads external resources like images and stylesheets, and maintains responsive layout during conversion. This makes it perfect for creating reports from existing web applications. The WaitFor configuration ensures all dynamic content loads before rendering. For sites requiring authentication, IronPDF supports cookies, HTTP headers, and TLS website logins. Learn more about converting URLs to PDF in the detailed guide.

Screenshot of Wikipedia homepage converted to PDF format, showing the main page layout with featured articles, news sections, and navigation elements

What Advanced PDF Features Support Complex Reports?

Professional PDF documents often require additional elements beyond basic content. IronPDF provides methods to enhance your PDF documents with headers, footers, and watermarks. The headers and footers API offers complete control over document presentation:

// Create renderer with advanced options
var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
// Add headers and footers
renderer.RenderingOptions.HtmlHeader = new HtmlHeaderFooter
{
    MaxHeight = 25,
    HtmlFragment = "<div style='text-align:center'>Company Report</div>"
};
renderer.RenderingOptions.HtmlFooter = new HtmlHeaderFooter
{
    MaxHeight = 25,
    HtmlFragment = "<div>Page {page} of {total-pages}</div>"
};
// Generate PDF with form fields
renderer.RenderingOptions.CreatePdfFormsFromHtml = true;
string formHtml = @"
    <form>
        <label>Name: <input type='text' name='name' /></label>
        <label>Email: <input type='email' name='email' /></label>
        <button type='submit'>Submit</button>
    </form>";
PdfDocument formDocument = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(formHtml);
// Add metadata for document management systems
formDocument.MetaData.Author = "Automated System";
formDocument.MetaData.CreationDate = DateTime.Now;
formDocument.SaveAs("form-document.pdf");
// Create renderer with advanced options
var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
// Add headers and footers
renderer.RenderingOptions.HtmlHeader = new HtmlHeaderFooter
{
    MaxHeight = 25,
    HtmlFragment = "<div style='text-align:center'>Company Report</div>"
};
renderer.RenderingOptions.HtmlFooter = new HtmlHeaderFooter
{
    MaxHeight = 25,
    HtmlFragment = "<div>Page {page} of {total-pages}</div>"
};
// Generate PDF with form fields
renderer.RenderingOptions.CreatePdfFormsFromHtml = true;
string formHtml = @"
    <form>
        <label>Name: <input type='text' name='name' /></label>
        <label>Email: <input type='email' name='email' /></label>
        <button type='submit'>Submit</button>
    </form>";
PdfDocument formDocument = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(formHtml);
// Add metadata for document management systems
formDocument.MetaData.Author = "Automated System";
formDocument.MetaData.CreationDate = DateTime.Now;
formDocument.SaveAs("form-document.pdf");
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

How Do Headers and Forms Enhance Professional Documents?

This example demonstrates how to add consistent headers across all pages and create interactive form fields within the PDF document. The system automatically handles page numbering and form field rendering. For complex forms, you can also fill existing PDF forms programmatically. The metadata properties enable integration with document management systems.

PDF document showing a simple form with 'Company Report' header and input fields for Name and Email with a Submit button

How Do I Optimize Performance with Async Operations in ASP.NET Core?

For web applications handling multiple PDF generation requests, async operations improve responsiveness:

public async Task<byte[]> GeneratePdfAsync(string htmlContent)
{
    var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
    // Configure for optimal performance
    renderer.RenderingOptions.CssMediaType = IronPdf.Rendering.PdfCssMediaType.Print;
    // Generate PDF asynchronously
    PdfDocument pdf = await renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdfAsync(htmlContent);
    // Return as byte array for API responses
    return pdf.BinaryData;
}
// Usage in ASP.NET Core controller
[HttpPost]
public async Task<IActionResult> CreateInvoice([FromBody] InvoiceData data)
{
    string html = BuildInvoiceHtml(data);
    byte[] pdfBytes = await GeneratePdfAsync(html);
    return File(pdfBytes, "application/pdf", "invoice.pdf");
}
// Health check endpoint for monitoring
[HttpGet("/health/pdf-generator")]
public async Task<IActionResult> HealthCheck()
{
    try
    {
        var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
        var testPdf = await renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdfAsync("<p>Test</p>");
        return Ok(new { status = "healthy", renderer = "operational" });
    }
    catch (Exception ex)
    {
        return StatusCode(503, new { status = "unhealthy", error = ex.Message });
    }
}
public async Task<byte[]> GeneratePdfAsync(string htmlContent)
{
    var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
    // Configure for optimal performance
    renderer.RenderingOptions.CssMediaType = IronPdf.Rendering.PdfCssMediaType.Print;
    // Generate PDF asynchronously
    PdfDocument pdf = await renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdfAsync(htmlContent);
    // Return as byte array for API responses
    return pdf.BinaryData;
}
// Usage in ASP.NET Core controller
[HttpPost]
public async Task<IActionResult> CreateInvoice([FromBody] InvoiceData data)
{
    string html = BuildInvoiceHtml(data);
    byte[] pdfBytes = await GeneratePdfAsync(html);
    return File(pdfBytes, "application/pdf", "invoice.pdf");
}
// Health check endpoint for monitoring
[HttpGet("/health/pdf-generator")]
public async Task<IActionResult> HealthCheck()
{
    try
    {
        var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
        var testPdf = await renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdfAsync("<p>Test</p>");
        return Ok(new { status = "healthy", renderer = "operational" });
    }
    catch (Exception ex)
    {
        return StatusCode(503, new { status = "unhealthy", error = ex.Message });
    }
}
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

Why Are Async Patterns Critical for Web Applications?

This pattern allows ASP.NET Core applications to generate PDF files efficiently without blocking threads, a huge improvement over older web technologies where file generation was often cumbersome. The byte array output works perfectly for API endpoints that need to return files directly to clients. For high-volume scenarios, explore parallel PDF generation and multi-threaded rendering techniques. The health check endpoint provides essential monitoring for containerized deployments.

How Does File Response Handling Work in Controllers?

Notice how the File() method returns the PDF with the correct application/pdf content type, ensuring browsers handle the response correctly. When working with large PDF documents or multiple concurrent requests, this async approach maintains optimal system performance. For memory-constrained environments, you can stream PDFs directly without saving to disk. For more insights on async patterns, consult the official ASP.NET Core documentation.

What Are Key Deployment Considerations for Production?

Which Platforms and Environments Does IronPDF Support?

IronPDF supports deployment across various environments. For Docker containers, ensure you include the necessary dependencies in your Dockerfile as outlined in the Docker deployment guide. The library works seamlessly on Windows Server, Linux distributions, and cloud platforms like Azure and AWS. Each environment may require specific configuration for fonts and rendering, but the core API remains consistent. For Kubernetes deployments, consider using the remote engine configuration to separate PDF rendering from your application pods. The Microsoft documentation on .NET Core deployment provides additional best practices for production environments.

# Example multi-stage Dockerfile for IronPDF
FROM mcr.microsoft.com/dotnet/sdk:8.0 AS build
WORKDIR /source

# Copy and restore
COPY *.csproj .
RUN dotnet restore

# Copy and publish
COPY . .
RUN dotnet publish -c Release -o /app

# Runtime image
FROM mcr.microsoft.com/dotnet/aspnet:8.0
WORKDIR /app
COPY --from=build /app .

# Install IronPDF dependencies for Linux
RUN apt-get update \
    && apt-get install -y libgdiplus libc6-dev \
    && apt-get clean \
    && rm -rf /var/lib/apt/lists/*

EXPOSE 80
ENTRYPOINT ["dotnet", "YourApp.dll"]

Ready to Start Building Your PDF Generator Today?

IronPDF transforms PDF generation in .NET Core from a complex challenge into a straightforward implementation. With support for HTML content, a rich set of features, and consistent cross-platform behavior, it's the ideal choice for developers who need to generate PDF documents reliably. The library's performance optimization features ensure efficient resource usage in containerized environments, while native support for Linux ARM enables deployment on modern cloud infrastructure.

Ready to implement your own PDF document generator? Start with a free trial to explore all features without limitations. The documentation provides extensive examples and guides to help you create professional PDF files that meet your exact requirements. Whether you're building invoice systems, generating complex reports, or converting existing web content, IronPDF provides the tools to deliver pixel-perfect results. Check out the demos to see real-world implementations.

For production deployments, explore licensing options that fit your project scale. The investment in a quality PDF library pays dividends through reduced development time and consistent, professional output across all your .NET applications. Consider the licensing extensions for long-term support and upgrades to stay current with the latest features.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of a reliable .NET Core PDF generator?

A reliable .NET Core PDF generator should provide features like HTML to PDF conversion, support for various file formats, high-quality rendering, and the ability to easily generate invoices and reports. IronPDF offers these capabilities, ensuring pixel-perfect PDF outputs.

How can I convert HTML to PDF in .NET Core?

You can convert HTML to PDF in .NET Core using IronPDF by leveraging its HTML to PDF rendering capabilities. This allows you to convert web pages, HTML strings, or local HTML files into PDF documents with precision.

Can I create invoices using IronPDF in .NET Core?

Yes, you can create invoices using IronPDF in .NET Core. IronPDF provides features to generate PDF documents from HTML templates, making it easy to design and produce professional invoices.

Is it possible to generate reports with IronPDF in .NET Core?

Absolutely. IronPDF in .NET Core allows for the generation of detailed reports by converting HTML content to a PDF format, ensuring that your reports are both visually appealing and easy to share.

Does IronPDF support pixel-perfect rendering?

Yes, IronPDF supports pixel-perfect rendering, ensuring that the PDFs created match the original HTML design and layout perfectly. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your document's presentation.

What file formats can IronPDF handle in .NET Core?

IronPDF can handle various file formats in .NET Core, including converting HTML, images, and ASPX files to PDF. It provides flexibility for different project needs.

How does IronPDF ensure high-quality PDF outputs?

IronPDF ensures high-quality PDF outputs by employing advanced rendering techniques and supporting a wide range of fonts and styles, resulting in professional and accurate PDF documents.

Is IronPDF suitable for creating marketing materials in .NET Core?

Yes, IronPDF is suitable for creating marketing materials in .NET Core. Its ability to convert rich HTML content, including CSS-styled elements, to PDF makes it ideal for producing brochures and flyers.

Can I customize the layout of the PDF documents generated with IronPDF?

IronPDF allows for extensive customization of PDF document layouts by using HTML and CSS, giving you control over the design and structure of your PDF files.

What are the benefits of using IronPDF for PDF generation in .NET Core?

The benefits of using IronPDF for PDF generation in .NET Core include ease of use, comprehensive documentation, robust support for HTML to PDF conversion, and the ability to produce professional-quality documents efficiently.

Is IronPDF fully compatible with .NET 10?

Yes. IronPDF runs seamlessly on .NET 10, offering the same rich PDF generation, editing, and rendering capabilities as with earlier versions like .NET 6, 7, 8, and 9. It supports new .NET 10 performance improvements and project types including Web, Desktop, Console, and MAUI.

Curtis Chau
Curtis Chau
  Chat with engineering team now
Technical Writer

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

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