How to Use Python to Create PDF Reports

In today's data-driven world, producing comprehensive and visually appealing reports is crucial for businesses and organizations to communicate insights effectively. Python, with its myriad libraries and flexibility, provides a robust foundation for data analysis and manipulation. However, developers often search for powerful tools to simplify the process of creating professional reports. IronPDF offers a solution to bridge the gap in PDF file generation. This post will discuss how we can use Python to create PDFs using IronPDF, showcasing research efforts on the Python library.

How to Use Python to Create PDF Reports

1. Create a new Python project.
2. Download the IronPDF library and import IronPDF.
3. Create an instance of IronPDF.
4. Render HyperText Markup Language as PDF.
5. Save the PDF to a file.
6. Optionally, open the PDF in the default viewer.

IronPDF

With IronPDF, data scientists can expedite report generation, traditionally a time-consuming task. IronPDF allows for the transformation of a DataFrame into aesthetically pleasing PDF reports so that they can communicate findings efficiently without extensive formatting.

This speeds up the discovery process by allowing data scientists to focus on analysis and exploration. The use of IronPDF eliminates the need for static images and manual file preparation, openening the door to the potential for including interactive graphs in PDF reports (although IronPDF itself does not natively provide this functionality). This has the potential to enhance user interaction with reports and data presentation even further.

IronPDF for Python package simplifies creating and modifying PDF reports in Python applications. By converting HTML code, webpage content (URLs), or even existing HTML files into properly formatted PDF documents, it functions as a bridge. For added security, you can modify layouts, include tables and images, and even password protect vital reports. With seamless integration into Python scripts, IronPDF becomes a valuable tool for producing insightful and polished PDF reports.

Features of IronPDF

• PDF Generation: Using Python code, IronPDF enables dynamic PDF document creation. You can start from scratch or convert existing HTML information, including web pages or templates, into PDF format.
• HTML to PDF Conversion: IronPDF maintains the original HTML's layout, styles, and elements while converting it to PDF format. This functionality allows for generating PDF invoices, reports, and other documents using HTML templates.
• PDF Manipulation: IronPDF can manipulate PDF documents. It can merge multiple PDFs into one, split a PDF into different documents, extract pages, and add or remove pages.
• Text and Image Rendering: Render text and images contained in PDF documents using IronPDF. This includes embedding text with specified fonts, sizes, and colors, and adding images.
• Security and Encryption: IronPDF offers features to secure PDF documents. Password-protect encryption can be imposed to control access, restrict printing or copying, and configure other security options.

Keep in mind that IronPDF's availability and functionality in Python may change over time, so consult IronPDF's official documentation or other resources for the most accurate and current information.

New Project in PyCharm

This session will use PyCharm, an IDE for developing Python programs.

After launching PyCharm IDE, choose "New Project".

By selecting "New Project," you can customize the project's location and environment in a new window. The following screenshot shows this new window in action.

Click the "Create" button to start a new project after choosing the project location and setting the Python environment. Once created, the project will open in a new tab.

Requirements to Use IronPDF

Ensure the following prerequisites are met before reviewing code examples:

• Python: IronPDF requires Python version 3.7 or higher.
• .NET 6.0 Runtime: IronPDF's core features rely on the .NET 6.0 runtime environment. Download and install the appropriate runtime from the official .NET website based on your operating system.
• Installation of the IronPDF Library: Install the IronPDF library in your Python environment using the pip package manager. Run the following command in an open terminal or command prompt:

 pip install ironpdf

The screenshot below shows how the 'IronPDF' package is configured.

Generating a Basic PDF Report from HTML String

Let's start with a basic example that shows how to transform an HTML string into a PDF report. Here's the Python code:

from ironpdf import ChromePdfRenderer

# Define the HTML content of your report
html_content = """
<h1>Sales Report - Q1 2024</h1>
<p>This report summarizes sales figures for the first quarter of 2024.</p>
<table>
    <thead>
        <tr>
            <th>Product</th>
            <th>Quantity Sold</th>
            <th>Total Revenue</th>
        </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
        <tr>
            <td>Widget A</td>
            <td>100</td>
            <td>$1000</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td>Widget B</td>
            <td>75</td>
            <td>$750</td>
        </tr>
    </tbody>
</table>
"""

# Create a ChromePdfRenderer instance
renderer = ChromePdfRenderer()

# Render the HTML string as a PDF document
pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html_content)

# Save the PDF document with a filename
pdf.saveAs("sales_report.pdf")
print("PDF report generated successfully!")

from ironpdf import ChromePdfRenderer

# Define the HTML content of your report
html_content = """
<h1>Sales Report - Q1 2024</h1>
<p>This report summarizes sales figures for the first quarter of 2024.</p>
<table>
    <thead>
        <tr>
            <th>Product</th>
            <th>Quantity Sold</th>
            <th>Total Revenue</th>
        </tr>
    </thead>
    <tbody>
        <tr>
            <td>Widget A</td>
            <td>100</td>
            <td>$1000</td>
        </tr>
        <tr>
            <td>Widget B</td>
            <td>75</td>
            <td>$750</td>
        </tr>
    </tbody>
</table>
"""

# Create a ChromePdfRenderer instance
renderer = ChromePdfRenderer()

# Render the HTML string as a PDF document
pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html_content)

# Save the PDF document with a filename
pdf.saveAs("sales_report.pdf")
print("PDF report generated successfully!")

This code begins by defining the HTML string that outlines the report's structure and data. Next, a ChromePdfRenderer instance is created, serving as the conversion engine from HTML to PDF. The RenderHtmlAsPdf function then creates a PDF document from the HTML string. Finally, the created PDF is saved with a specified filename using the saveAs function.

Below is the output report generated from the above code.

Creating a PDF Report from an HTML File

IronPDF is a convenient option if you prefer storing report content in a separate HTML file. Here's a Python script example:

from ironpdf import ChromePdfRenderer

# Define the path to your HTML report file
html_file_path = "report.html"

# Create a ChromePdfRenderer instance
renderer = ChromePdfRenderer()

# Render the HTML file as a PDF document
pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlFileAsPdf(html_file_path)

# Save the PDF document with a filename
pdf.saveAs("report.pdf")
print("PDF report generated from HTML file!")

from ironpdf import ChromePdfRenderer

# Define the path to your HTML report file
html_file_path = "report.html"

# Create a ChromePdfRenderer instance
renderer = ChromePdfRenderer()

# Render the HTML file as a PDF document
pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlFileAsPdf(html_file_path)

# Save the PDF document with a filename
pdf.saveAs("report.pdf")
print("PDF report generated from HTML file!")

This code specifies the HTML file containing the layout and data for your report. Next, the RenderHtmlFileAsPdf function is called, passing in the file path. The subsequent steps for saving the PDF are identical to those in the previous example.

Generating a PDF Report from a URL

With IronPDF, you may generate PDF reports using content sourced from websites. Here's how to make this happen:

from ironpdf import ChromePdfRenderer

# Define the URL of the web page you want to convert
url = "https://www.example.com/report"

# Create a ChromePdfRenderer instance
renderer = ChromePdfRenderer()

# Render the URL content as a PDF
pdf = renderer.RenderUrlAsPdf(url)

# Save the PDF document with a filename
pdf.saveAs("web_report.pdf")
print("PDF report generated from URL!")

from ironpdf import ChromePdfRenderer

# Define the URL of the web page you want to convert
url = "https://www.example.com/report"

# Create a ChromePdfRenderer instance
renderer = ChromePdfRenderer()

# Render the URL content as a PDF
pdf = renderer.RenderUrlAsPdf(url)

# Save the PDF document with a filename
pdf.saveAs("web_report.pdf")
print("PDF report generated from URL!")

To learn more about IronPDF code, refer to this link.

Conclusion

For Python developers aiming to easily and professionally create PDF reports, IronPDF opens a world of possibilities. By integrating Python and IronPDF, developers can leverage the power of .NET within their Python environment, allowing for seamless integration and robust PDF generation capabilities. Whether creating invoices, financial reports, or business insights, IronPDF enables Python developers to produce polished PDF reports that clearly and professionally convey information. With its performance, versatility, and usability, IronPDF is a pivotal tool for enhancing document generation in Python applications.

The $749 Lite bundle includes a permanent license, a year of software support, and offers upgrade options, with restrictions on redistribution and time. For more information about trial edition cost and licensing, visit the IronPDF website. Discover more about Iron Software's offerings by clicking here.