How to Print PDF Files in Java

Printing PDFs programmatically from Java applications allows you to automate document handling and seamlessly integrate printing functionality. With IronPDF for Java, you can send PDFs directly to a physical printer, providing precise control over print settings such as copies, page ranges, and more. This guide demonstrates how to use IronPDF’s features to streamline printing tasks within your Java applications.

Print PDF

The first step is to load the PDF document you want to print. The print method opens the standard print dialog, allowing you to select the printer, page range, and other options before printing. Here's an example:

import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.License;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.PdfDocument;

// Set the license key for IronPDF
License.setLicenseKey("IRONPDF-MYLICENSE-KEY-1EF01");

// Render HTML to a PDF document
PdfDocument pdf = PdfDocument.renderHtmlAsPdf("<h1>testing</h1>");

// Print the PDF with a print dialog for user interaction
pdf.print();
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.License;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.PdfDocument;

// Set the license key for IronPDF
License.setLicenseKey("IRONPDF-MYLICENSE-KEY-1EF01");

// Render HTML to a PDF document
PdfDocument pdf = PdfDocument.renderHtmlAsPdf("<h1>testing</h1>");

// Print the PDF with a print dialog for user interaction
pdf.print();
JAVA

You will be prompted with a print dialog to select the printer and options, as shown below.

Print Dialog


Print PDF without the Print Dialog

The printWithoutDialog method bypasses the print dialog and sends the document straight to the default printer. This is useful in automation scenarios where no user interaction is needed.

import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.License;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.PdfDocument;

// Set the license key for IronPDF
License.setLicenseKey("IRONPDF-MYLICENSE-KEY-1EF01");

// Render HTML to a PDF document
PdfDocument pdf = PdfDocument.renderHtmlAsPdf("<h1>testing</h1>");

// Print the PDF directly without showing a print dialog
pdf.printWithoutDialog();
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.License;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.PdfDocument;

// Set the license key for IronPDF
License.setLicenseKey("IRONPDF-MYLICENSE-KEY-1EF01");

// Render HTML to a PDF document
PdfDocument pdf = PdfDocument.renderHtmlAsPdf("<h1>testing</h1>");

// Print the PDF directly without showing a print dialog
pdf.printWithoutDialog();
JAVA

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I print PDF files in Java?

To print PDF files in Java, you can use IronPDF's `print` method to open a print dialog or `printWithoutDialog` method to print directly to the default printer. First, install the IronPDF library, load the PDF, and choose the method that suits your needs.

What is the difference between the print and printWithoutDialog methods in IronPDF?

The `print` method in IronPDF opens a standard print dialog, allowing user interaction to select printer settings like page range and copies. The `printWithoutDialog` method bypasses the dialog and sends the PDF directly to the default printer, ideal for automated processes.

How can I install the IronPDF library in Java?

To install IronPDF in Java, download the library from the official IronPDF website. Include it in your Java project’s classpath, and follow the setup instructions in the documentation to configure it correctly.

Is it possible to print a PDF without user interaction in Java?

Yes, you can use IronPDF's `printWithoutDialog` method to print a PDF without user interaction. This method sends the document directly to the default printer, allowing for automated printing tasks.

Can I render HTML to PDF and print it using IronPDF in Java?

Yes, with IronPDF, you can render HTML content to a PDF using the `renderHtmlAsPdf` method and then print it using either the `print` or `printWithoutDialog` methods.

How do I set up a license key for IronPDF in my Java application?

To set up a license key for IronPDF in Java, use the `License.setLicenseKey` method with your provided license key. This unlocks full functionality and removes limitations of the trial version.

What are the benefits of using IronPDF for printing in Java applications?

IronPDF simplifies the process of printing PDFs in Java applications, offering automated printing capabilities, control over print settings, and the ability to convert HTML to PDF, enhancing document handling efficiency.

Can IronPDF handle batch printing of PDF documents in Java?

Yes, IronPDF can handle batch printing by loading multiple PDF documents and using the `printWithoutDialog` method to send them sequentially to the printer without user intervention.

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 ...Read More

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