Skip to footer content
USING IRONPDF FOR JAVA

How to Write PDF File in Java

This article will explore IronPDF for creating PDF documents programmatically.

IronPDF for Java PDF Library

The Java PDF Library by IronPDF allows developers to create, edit, and manipulate PDF documents in their Java applications. Java developers who need to create PDF files from their applications' data will find this library to be an excellent choice because it offers a diverse set of functionalities.

IronPDF comes with features such as adding new HTML content, embedding HTML headers and footers, stamping and watermarking documents, creating password-protected PDF files, applying digital signatures to PDF files, enhancing documents with backgrounds and foregrounds, creating a full PDF file from XML documents, adding and editing annotations, and using outlines and bookmarks for better navigation. Let's take a closer look.

Add New HTML Content

With IronPDF, developers can easily add new HTML content to their PDF documents. This is a great feature for developers who want to dynamically generate their PDF form documents with rich HTML content. The library supports many HTML elements, including images, links, and tables, among others. HTML content can also be styled using CSS, making it easy to create professional-looking PDFs.

import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.*;
import java.io.IOException;
import java.nio.file.Paths;

// Apply your license key
License.setLicenseKey("YOUR-LICENSE-KEY");

// Set a log path
Settings.setLogPath(Paths.get("C:/tmp/IronPdfEngine.log"));

// Render the HTML as a PDF. Stored in myPdf as type PdfDocument.
PdfDocument myPdf = PdfDocument.renderHtmlAsPdf("<h1>Hello World</h1> Made with IronPDF!");

// Save the PdfDocument to a file
myPdf.saveAs(Paths.get("html_saved.pdf"));
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.*;
import java.io.IOException;
import java.nio.file.Paths;

// Apply your license key
License.setLicenseKey("YOUR-LICENSE-KEY");

// Set a log path
Settings.setLogPath(Paths.get("C:/tmp/IronPdfEngine.log"));

// Render the HTML as a PDF. Stored in myPdf as type PdfDocument.
PdfDocument myPdf = PdfDocument.renderHtmlAsPdf("<h1>Hello World</h1> Made with IronPDF!");

// Save the PdfDocument to a file
myPdf.saveAs(Paths.get("html_saved.pdf"));
JAVA

How to Write PDF File in Java, Figure 1: Output PDF Output PDF

Add HTML Headers and Footers

Headers and footers are essential components of many PDF documents, and IronPDF makes it easy to integrate HTML headers and footers into your documents. With IronPDF, developers can add custom headers and footers, including text, images, and page numbers, to their PDF documents. This feature is particularly useful for businesses that need to add branding or copyright information to their documents.

import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.PdfDocument;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.headerfooter.HtmlHeaderFooter;
import java.io.IOException;
import java.nio.file.Paths;
import java.util.List;
import java.util.ArrayList;

// Render a PDF from a URL
PdfDocument pdf = PdfDocument.renderUrlAsPdf("https://ironpdf.com");

// Build a footer using HTML
HtmlHeaderFooter footer = new HtmlHeaderFooter();
footer.setMaxHeight(15); // millimeters
footer.setHtmlFragment("<center><i>{page} of {total-pages}</i></center>");
footer.setDrawDividerLine(true);
pdf.addHtmlFooter(footer);
List<PdfDocument> pdfs = new ArrayList<>();

// Build a header using an image asset
HtmlHeaderFooter header = new HtmlHeaderFooter();
header.setMaxHeight(20); // millimeters
header.setHtmlFragment("<img src=\"logo.png\" />");
header.setBaseUrl("./assets/");
pdf.addHtmlHeader(header);

try {
    pdf.saveAs(Paths.get("assets/html_headers_footers.pdf"));
} catch (IOException e) {
    throw new RuntimeException(e);
}
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.PdfDocument;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.headerfooter.HtmlHeaderFooter;
import java.io.IOException;
import java.nio.file.Paths;
import java.util.List;
import java.util.ArrayList;

// Render a PDF from a URL
PdfDocument pdf = PdfDocument.renderUrlAsPdf("https://ironpdf.com");

// Build a footer using HTML
HtmlHeaderFooter footer = new HtmlHeaderFooter();
footer.setMaxHeight(15); // millimeters
footer.setHtmlFragment("<center><i>{page} of {total-pages}</i></center>");
footer.setDrawDividerLine(true);
pdf.addHtmlFooter(footer);
List<PdfDocument> pdfs = new ArrayList<>();

// Build a header using an image asset
HtmlHeaderFooter header = new HtmlHeaderFooter();
header.setMaxHeight(20); // millimeters
header.setHtmlFragment("<img src=\"logo.png\" />");
header.setBaseUrl("./assets/");
pdf.addHtmlHeader(header);

try {
    pdf.saveAs(Paths.get("assets/html_headers_footers.pdf"));
} catch (IOException e) {
    throw new RuntimeException(e);
}
JAVA

How to Write PDF File in Java, Figure 2: Output PDF Output PDF

Stamp & Watermark

Using IronPDF, developers can add stamps and watermarks to their PDF documents. Watermarks are transparent images or text that appear in the document's background, while stamps add a custom message or image to a new document.

These features are great for businesses that need to protect their documents from unauthorized use or to add a custom message to their documents.

package IronPDF.ironpdf_java;

import java.io.IOException;
import java.nio.file.Paths;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.*;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.stamp.HorizontalAlignment;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.stamp.VerticalAlignment;

public class Test {
    public static void main(String[] args) throws IOException {
        License.setLicenseKey("Your-License");

        // Load an existing PDF from the filesystem
        PdfDocument pdf = PdfDocument.fromFile(Paths.get("C:\\byteToPdf.pdf"));

        // Apply a watermark to the PDF
        pdf.applyWatermark("<h2 style='color:red'>SAMPLE</h2>", 30, VerticalAlignment.TOP, HorizontalAlignment.CENTER);

        // Save the watermarked PDF
        pdf.saveAs(Paths.get("assets/watermark.pdf"));
    }
}
package IronPDF.ironpdf_java;

import java.io.IOException;
import java.nio.file.Paths;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.*;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.stamp.HorizontalAlignment;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.stamp.VerticalAlignment;

public class Test {
    public static void main(String[] args) throws IOException {
        License.setLicenseKey("Your-License");

        // Load an existing PDF from the filesystem
        PdfDocument pdf = PdfDocument.fromFile(Paths.get("C:\\byteToPdf.pdf"));

        // Apply a watermark to the PDF
        pdf.applyWatermark("<h2 style='color:red'>SAMPLE</h2>", 30, VerticalAlignment.TOP, HorizontalAlignment.CENTER);

        // Save the watermarked PDF
        pdf.saveAs(Paths.get("assets/watermark.pdf"));
    }
}
JAVA

How to Write PDF File in Java, Figure 3: Output PDF Output PDF

Backgrounds & Foregrounds

IronPDF also allows developers to implement custom backgrounds and foregrounds in their PDF documents. Foregrounds are used to add custom text or images on top of a document, while backgrounds add a custom image or color to the background. Business owners who want their documents or PDF forms to have custom branding or graphics will find this feature particularly useful.

import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.*;
import java.io.IOException;
import java.nio.file.Paths;

public class BackgroundForegroundExample {

    public static void main(String[] args) throws IOException {
        // Load background and foreground PDFs from the filesystem
        PdfDocument backgroundPdf = PdfDocument.fromFile(Paths.get("assets/MyBackground.pdf"));
        PdfDocument foregroundPdf = PdfDocument.fromFile(Paths.get("assets/MyForeground.pdf"));

        // Render content (HTML, URL, etc) as a PDF Document
        PdfDocument pdf = PdfDocument.renderUrlAsPdf("https://www.nuget.org/packages/IronPdf");

        // Add the background and foreground PDFs to the newly-rendered document.
        pdf.addBackgroundPdf(backgroundPdf);
        pdf.addForegroundPdf(foregroundPdf);

        // Save the document with background and foreground
        pdf.saveAs(Paths.get("assets/BackgroundForegroundPdf.pdf"));
    }
}
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.*;
import java.io.IOException;
import java.nio.file.Paths;

public class BackgroundForegroundExample {

    public static void main(String[] args) throws IOException {
        // Load background and foreground PDFs from the filesystem
        PdfDocument backgroundPdf = PdfDocument.fromFile(Paths.get("assets/MyBackground.pdf"));
        PdfDocument foregroundPdf = PdfDocument.fromFile(Paths.get("assets/MyForeground.pdf"));

        // Render content (HTML, URL, etc) as a PDF Document
        PdfDocument pdf = PdfDocument.renderUrlAsPdf("https://www.nuget.org/packages/IronPdf");

        // Add the background and foreground PDFs to the newly-rendered document.
        pdf.addBackgroundPdf(backgroundPdf);
        pdf.addForegroundPdf(foregroundPdf);

        // Save the document with background and foreground
        pdf.saveAs(Paths.get("assets/BackgroundForegroundPdf.pdf"));
    }
}
JAVA

Add & Edit Annotations

Annotations are a great way to add additional information to PDF documents, such as notes, comments, or highlights. With IronPDF, developers can easily manage annotations effectively by adding and editing them in their PDF documents.

import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.PdfDocument;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.annotation.AnnotationIcon;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.annotation.AnnotationManager;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.annotation.AnnotationOptions;
import java.io.IOException;
import java.nio.file.Paths;

public class AnnotationExample {

    public static void main(String[] args) throws IOException {
        // Load an existing PDF from the file system
        PdfDocument pdf = PdfDocument.fromFile(Paths.get("assets/example.pdf"));

        // Create an annotation to be placed at a specific location on a page.
        AnnotationOptions annotation = new AnnotationOptions(
            "This is a major title", // Title of the annotation
            "This is the long 'sticky note' comment content...", // Content of the annotation
            150, // x-axis coordinate location
            250  // y-axis coordinate location
        );
        annotation.setIcon(AnnotationIcon.HELP);
        annotation.setOpacity(0.9);
        annotation.setPrintable(false);
        annotation.setHidden(false);
        annotation.setOpen(true);
        annotation.setReadonly(true);
        annotation.setRotateable(true);

        // Add the annotation to a specific page of the PDF
        AnnotationManager annotationManager = pdf.getAnnotation();
        annotationManager.addTextAnnotation(annotation, 0); // Add to the first page

        // Save the PDF with the modifications
        pdf.saveAs(Paths.get("assets/annotated.pdf"));
    }
}
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.PdfDocument;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.annotation.AnnotationIcon;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.annotation.AnnotationManager;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.annotation.AnnotationOptions;
import java.io.IOException;
import java.nio.file.Paths;

public class AnnotationExample {

    public static void main(String[] args) throws IOException {
        // Load an existing PDF from the file system
        PdfDocument pdf = PdfDocument.fromFile(Paths.get("assets/example.pdf"));

        // Create an annotation to be placed at a specific location on a page.
        AnnotationOptions annotation = new AnnotationOptions(
            "This is a major title", // Title of the annotation
            "This is the long 'sticky note' comment content...", // Content of the annotation
            150, // x-axis coordinate location
            250  // y-axis coordinate location
        );
        annotation.setIcon(AnnotationIcon.HELP);
        annotation.setOpacity(0.9);
        annotation.setPrintable(false);
        annotation.setHidden(false);
        annotation.setOpen(true);
        annotation.setReadonly(true);
        annotation.setRotateable(true);

        // Add the annotation to a specific page of the PDF
        AnnotationManager annotationManager = pdf.getAnnotation();
        annotationManager.addTextAnnotation(annotation, 0); // Add to the first page

        // Save the PDF with the modifications
        pdf.saveAs(Paths.get("assets/annotated.pdf"));
    }
}
JAVA

How to Write PDF File in Java, Figure 4: Output File Output File

Outlines & Bookmarks

Developers can enhance PDF documents using bookmarks with IronPDF. An outline provides a high-level overview of the contents of a document, while bookmarks provide quick access to specific sections. For large or complex documents, this feature allows users to navigate quickly to their desired sections.

import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.PdfDocument;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.bookmark.Bookmark;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.bookmark.BookmarkManager;
import java.io.IOException;
import java.nio.file.Paths;
import java.util.List;

public class BookmarkExample {

    public static void main(String[] args) throws IOException {
        // Load an existing PDF from the file system
        PdfDocument pdf = PdfDocument.fromFile(Paths.get("assets/book.pdf"));

        // Add top-level bookmarks to pages of the PDF using their page indices
        BookmarkManager bookmarks = pdf.getBookmark();
        bookmarks.addBookMarkAtEnd("Author's Note", 2);
        bookmarks.addBookMarkAtEnd("Table of Contents", 3);
        bookmarks.addBookMarkAtEnd("Summary", 10);
        bookmarks.addBookMarkAtEnd("References", 12);

        List<Bookmark> bookmarkList = bookmarks.getBookmarks();
        Bookmark bookmark = bookmarkList.get(2);

        // Add a child bookmark
        bookmark.addChildBookmark("Conclusion", 11);

        // Save the PDF to the filesystem
        pdf.saveAs(Paths.get("assets/bookmarked.pdf"));
    }
}
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.PdfDocument;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.bookmark.Bookmark;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.bookmark.BookmarkManager;
import java.io.IOException;
import java.nio.file.Paths;
import java.util.List;

public class BookmarkExample {

    public static void main(String[] args) throws IOException {
        // Load an existing PDF from the file system
        PdfDocument pdf = PdfDocument.fromFile(Paths.get("assets/book.pdf"));

        // Add top-level bookmarks to pages of the PDF using their page indices
        BookmarkManager bookmarks = pdf.getBookmark();
        bookmarks.addBookMarkAtEnd("Author's Note", 2);
        bookmarks.addBookMarkAtEnd("Table of Contents", 3);
        bookmarks.addBookMarkAtEnd("Summary", 10);
        bookmarks.addBookMarkAtEnd("References", 12);

        List<Bookmark> bookmarkList = bookmarks.getBookmarks();
        Bookmark bookmark = bookmarkList.get(2);

        // Add a child bookmark
        bookmark.addChildBookmark("Conclusion", 11);

        // Save the PDF to the filesystem
        pdf.saveAs(Paths.get("assets/bookmarked.pdf"));
    }
}
JAVA

Summary

This article explores various features of IronPDF, such as the ability to add annotations, bookmarks, HTML content, background and foreground colors, and headers and footers to PDF documents. The article provides step-by-step instructions for implementing these features using IronPDF, making it easy for developers to create professional-looking PDF documents that meet their specific needs.

Whether you're building a web application or a desktop application, IronPDF can help you streamline the process of generating PDF documents, saving you time and effort while ensuring that your documents look great.

The IronPDF licensing information starts from $749. IronPDF also offers a free trial, allowing developers to test the library and evaluate its capabilities before making a purchase decision. During the trial period, users have access to all the features of the library, including support and updates. After the trial period, users can choose to purchase a license to continue using the library. The pricing for IronPDF varies depending on the number of developers using the library and the type of license.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Java PDF Library?

IronPDF for Java is a library that allows developers to create, edit, and manipulate PDF documents within Java applications. It offers a wide range of functionalities for generating professional-looking PDF files.

How can I add HTML content to a PDF document?

Developers can add HTML content to PDFs by using IronPDF's feature to render HTML as a PDF document. This includes supporting HTML elements like images, links, and tables, which can be styled with CSS.

Does the library support adding headers and footers to PDFs?

Yes, IronPDF allows developers to add HTML headers and footers to PDF documents, which can include text, images, and page numbers.

Can I add watermarks and stamps to my PDF documents?

IronPDF provides functionalities to add watermarks and stamps to PDF documents, allowing businesses to protect their documents or add custom messages.

What features does the library provide for annotations?

IronPDF allows developers to add and edit annotations, such as notes, comments, or highlights, to PDF documents, thereby enhancing the document's interactivity.

How can document navigation be enhanced?

IronPDF enhances document navigation by allowing developers to add outlines and bookmarks, providing quick access to specific sections and an overview of the document's contents.

What are the licensing options for the PDF library?

IronPDF offers various licensing options starting from a lite license. Developers can also use a free trial to evaluate the library's features before purchasing.

Is it possible to apply backgrounds and foregrounds to PDFs?

Yes, developers can implement custom backgrounds and foregrounds using IronPDF, allowing for the addition of branding or graphics to documents.

Darrius Serrant
Full Stack Software Engineer (WebOps)

Darrius Serrant holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Miami and works as a Full Stack WebOps Marketing Engineer at Iron Software. Drawn to coding from a young age, he saw computing as both mysterious and accessible, making it the perfect medium for creativity and problem-solving.

At Iron Software, Darrius enjoys creating new things and simplifying complex concepts to make them more understandable. As one of our resident developers, he has also volunteered to teach students, sharing his expertise with the next generation.

For Darrius, his work is fulfilling because it is valued and has a real impact.

Talk to an Expert Five Star Trust Score Rating

Ready to Get Started?