F# PDF Library (Full Tutorial)
This tutorial will guide you through the steps of how to create and edit PDF files in F# using IronPDF. All you will need is Visual Studio installed and an F# project.
To see how to use IronPDF with C# see this guide.
To see how to use IronPDF with VB.NET see this guide.
How to Generate PDF File in F# Library
- Download the F# PDF Library
- Create a PDF document with F# Library
- Customize your PDF document styles
- Build templates for document creation in F#
- Edit your PDF files from F# Library
Install the F# PDF Library
Install via NuGet Package Manager
In Visual Studio, right-click on your project solution explorer and select "Manage NuGet Packages...". From there simply search for IronPDF and install the latest version. Click OK to any dialog boxes that come up. This will work in any .NET Project.
Install via NuGet Package Manager Console
You may also choose to add IronPDF through the package manager console which can be done with this command:
Install Directly in the .fsproj
Another option is to paste the following ItemGroup into your .fsproj file:
<ItemGroup>
<PackageReference Include="IronPdf" Version="*" />
</ItemGroup>
Install via DLL
Alternatively, the IronPDF DLL can be downloaded and manually installed to the project or GAC from https://ironpdf.com/packages/IronPdf.zip
Remember to add this statement to the top of any .fs class file using IronPDF:
open IronPdf
Create a PDF from HTML with F#
Begin by opening the IronPDF library within your namespace using open. After that, create a ChromePdfRenderer object and pass an HTML string into its RenderHtmlAsPdf method. If you already have an HTML file ready, you can pass the file path string as a parameter to RenderHtmlFileAsPdf.
HTML String to PDF in F#
open IronPdf
let html = "<p>Hello World</p>"
// Initialize the PDF Renderer
let renderer = ChromePdfRenderer()
// Render HTML as PDF
let pdf = html |> renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf
// Save the PDF document
pdf.SaveAs("document.pdf") |> ignore
HTML File to PDF in F#
open IronPdf
let htmlFilePath = "C:/designs/html/layout.html"
// Initialize the PDF Renderer
let renderer = ChromePdfRenderer()
// Render HTML file as PDF
let pdf = htmlFilePath |> renderer.RenderHtmlFileAsPdf
// Save the PDF document
pdf.SaveAs("document.pdf") |> ignore
Advanced IronPDF F# Template
Here is a more advanced example of creating a function that will format and style a PDF from a URL based on some rules and procedures:
open IronPdf
let CreateCompanyStandardDocument (url : string) =
// Setup Render Options with desired settings
let renderOptions = ChromePdfRenderOptions(
CssMediaType = Rendering.PdfCssMediaType.Screen,
EnableJavaScript = true,
PrintHtmlBackgrounds = true,
InputEncoding = System.Text.Encoding.UTF8,
MarginTop = 10,
MarginBottom = 10,
MarginLeft = 10,
MarginRight = 10
)
// Create Header Template for the PDF
let companyStyleHeader = HtmlHeaderFooter()
companyStyleHeader.HtmlFragment <- "<img src='https://ironsoftware.com/img/svgs/ironsoftware-logo-black.svg'>"
companyStyleHeader.DrawDividerLine <- true
// Apply the header to the Render Options
renderOptions.HtmlHeader <- companyStyleHeader
// Initialize Renderer with customized options
let renderer = ChromePdfRenderer(RenderingOptions = renderOptions)
// Generate PDF from URL without additional styles
let htmlPdfWithoutStyle = url |> renderer.RenderUrlAsPdf
// Add the styled header to the PDF document
htmlPdfWithoutStyle.AddHtmlHeaders companyStyleHeader |> ignore
// Return the created PDF document
htmlPdfWithoutStyle
let IronPdfUrlToPdf (url : string) =
// Create a styled PDF document from the given URL
let pdf = url |> CreateCompanyStandardDocument
// Save the PDF document to the file system
pdf.SaveAs("document.pdf") |> ignore
// Set your IronPDF License Key
IronPdf.License.LicenseKey <- "YOUR_LICENSE_KEY_HERE"
// Example usage: Convert the given URL to a PDF document
IronPdfUrlToPdf "https://ironpdf.com/"
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I generate a PDF file using F# in .NET 10?
You can generate a PDF file using F# in .NET 10 by utilizing IronPDF's ChromePdfRenderer class. Start by installing IronPDF via NuGet Package Manager, and then use methods like RenderHtmlAsPdf to convert HTML strings or files into PDF documents.
What installations are required to use IronPDF with F#?
To use IronPDF with F#, you can install it via the NuGet Package Manager, the Package Manager Console by using a command, directly add it to your .fsproj file, or manually use the DLL. Each method requires adding 'open IronPdf' at the top of your .fs files to access IronPDF functionalities.
Can I customize the PDF document styles using IronPDF in F#?
Yes, you can customize the PDF document styles in F# using IronPDF. Use the ChromePdfRenderOptions to set parameters such as margin sizes, enable JavaScript, and handle CSS while rendering HTML to PDF.
How do I convert an HTML file to a PDF using IronPDF in F#?
To convert an HTML file to a PDF using IronPDF in F#, initialize a ChromePdfRenderer and pass your HTML file path to the RenderHtmlFileAsPdf method, which will then create a PDF document that you can save.
Is it possible to add headers and footers to PDFs using IronPDF in F#?
Yes, you can add headers and footers to PDFs with IronPDF in F#. Use the HtmlHeaderFooter class to create a header template, apply it to your ChromePdfRenderOptions, and incorporate it when rendering your PDF.
What are the basic steps to create a PDF from a URL in F#?
To create a PDF from a URL in F#, define the desired rendering options with ChromePdfRenderOptions, optionally customize with headers or footers, and use the RenderUrlAsPdf method of ChromePdfRenderer to generate the PDF.
Can IronPDF render HTML files with external resources in F#?
Yes, IronPDF can render HTML files with external resources such as CSS and images when using F#. Ensure that paths are correctly referenced, and render the HTML file with RenderHtmlFileAsPdf for complete PDFs.
What is the function of the 'LicenseKey' in IronPDF?
The 'LicenseKey' in IronPDF is necessary to unlock the full features of the library. It allows you to deploy IronPDF applications without trial limitations. Set it in your code using 'IronPdf.License.LicenseKey'.

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.