USING IRONPDF FOR PYTHON

Python PdfWriter (Code Example Tutorial)

ByChaknith Bin

December 24, 2023

Updated June 22, 2025

IronPDF is a pure Python PDF file object library for Python developers looking to write PDF files or manipulate PDF files within their applications. IronPDF stands out for its simplicity and versatility, making it an ideal choice for tasks that require automated PDF creation or integrating PDF generation into software systems.

This guide will explore how IronPDF, a pure Python PDF library, can be used for creating PDF files or PDF page attributes and reading PDF files. It will include examples and practical code snippets, giving you a hands-on understanding of how to use IronPDF for Python's PdfWriter in your Python projects to write PDF files and create a new PDF page.

Setting Up IronPDF

Installation

To start using IronPDF, you'll need to install it via the Python Package Index. Run the following command in the terminal:

 pip install ironpdf

Writing PDF Files and Manipulating PDF Files

Creating a New PDF

IronPDF simplifies the process of creating new PDF files and working on existing PDFs. It provides a straightforward interface for generating documents, whether a simple one-page PDF or a more complex document with various elements such as user passwords. This functionality is vital for tasks like report generation, creating invoices, and much more.

from ironpdf import ChromePdfRenderer, License, Logger

# Set the IronPDF license key
License.LicenseKey = "Your-License-Key"
# Enable logging for debugging purposes
Logger.EnableDebugging = True
Logger.LogFilePath = "Custom.log"
Logger.LoggingMode = Logger.LoggingModes.All

# Basic HTML content for the PDF
html = """
<html>
   <head>
      <title>IronPDF for Python!</title>
      <link rel='stylesheet' href='assets/style.css'>
   </head>
   <body>
      <h1>It's IronPDF World!!</h1>
      <a href="https://ironpdf.com/python/"><img src='assets/logo.png' /></a>
   </body>
</html>
"""

# Create a PDF renderer
renderer = ChromePdfRenderer()
# Render the HTML content as a PDF
pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html)
# Save the rendered PDF to a file
pdf.SaveAs("New PDF File.pdf")

from ironpdf import ChromePdfRenderer, License, Logger

# Set the IronPDF license key
License.LicenseKey = "Your-License-Key"
# Enable logging for debugging purposes
Logger.EnableDebugging = True
Logger.LogFilePath = "Custom.log"
Logger.LoggingMode = Logger.LoggingModes.All

# Basic HTML content for the PDF
html = """
<html>
   <head>
      <title>IronPDF for Python!</title>
      <link rel='stylesheet' href='assets/style.css'>
   </head>
   <body>
      <h1>It's IronPDF World!!</h1>
      <a href="https://ironpdf.com/python/"><img src='assets/logo.png' /></a>
   </body>
</html>
"""

# Create a PDF renderer
renderer = ChromePdfRenderer()
# Render the HTML content as a PDF
pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html)
# Save the rendered PDF to a file
pdf.SaveAs("New PDF File.pdf")

PYTHON

Python PdfWriter (Code Example Tutorial), Figure 1: Output File Output File

Merging PDF Files

IronPDF simplifies the task of combining several PDF files into one. This feature is beneficial for aggregating various reports, assembling scanned documents, or organizing information that belongs together. For instance, you might need to merge PDF files when creating a comprehensive report from multiple sources or when you have a series of documents that need to be presented as a single file.

from ironpdf import PdfDocument, License, Logger

# Set the IronPDF license key
License.LicenseKey = "Your-License-Key"
# Enable logging for debugging purposes
Logger.EnableDebugging = True
Logger.LogFilePath = "Custom.log"
Logger.LoggingMode = Logger.LoggingModes.All

# Load existing PDF documents
pdfOne = PdfDocument("Report First.pdf")
pdfTwo = PdfDocument("Report Second.pdf")
# Merge the PDFs into a single document
merged = PdfDocument.Merge(pdfOne, pdfTwo)
# Save the merged PDF
merged.SaveAs("Merged.pdf")

from ironpdf import PdfDocument, License, Logger

# Set the IronPDF license key
License.LicenseKey = "Your-License-Key"
# Enable logging for debugging purposes
Logger.EnableDebugging = True
Logger.LogFilePath = "Custom.log"
Logger.LoggingMode = Logger.LoggingModes.All

# Load existing PDF documents
pdfOne = PdfDocument("Report First.pdf")
pdfTwo = PdfDocument("Report Second.pdf")
# Merge the PDFs into a single document
merged = PdfDocument.Merge(pdfOne, pdfTwo)
# Save the merged PDF
merged.SaveAs("Merged.pdf")

PYTHON

The ability to merge existing PDF files into a new PDF file can also be useful in fields like data science, where a consolidated PDF document could serve as a dataset for training an AI module. IronPDF handles this task effortlessly, maintaining the integrity and formatting of each page from the original documents, resulting in a seamless and coherent output PDF file.

Python PdfWriter (Code Example Tutorial), Figure 2: Merged PDF Output Merged PDF Output

Splitting a Single PDF

Conversely, IronPDF also excels at dividing an existing PDF file into multiple new files. This function is handy when you need to extract specific sections from a substantial PDF document or when dividing a document into smaller, more manageable parts.

from ironpdf import PdfDocument, License, Logger

# Set the IronPDF license key
License.LicenseKey = "Your-License-Key"
# Enable logging for debugging purposes
Logger.EnableDebugging = True
Logger.LogFilePath = "Custom.log"
Logger.LoggingMode = Logger.LoggingModes.All

# Load the PDF document
pdf = PdfDocument("Report.pdf")
# Extract the first page
page1doc = pdf.CopyPage(0)
# Save the extracted page as a new PDF
page1doc.SaveAs("Split1.pdf")

from ironpdf import PdfDocument, License, Logger

# Set the IronPDF license key
License.LicenseKey = "Your-License-Key"
# Enable logging for debugging purposes
Logger.EnableDebugging = True
Logger.LogFilePath = "Custom.log"
Logger.LoggingMode = Logger.LoggingModes.All

# Load the PDF document
pdf = PdfDocument("Report.pdf")
# Extract the first page
page1doc = pdf.CopyPage(0)
# Save the extracted page as a new PDF
page1doc.SaveAs("Split1.pdf")

PYTHON

For example, you might want to isolate certain PDF pages from a large report or create individual documents from different chapters of a book. IronPDF lets you select the desired multiple pages to convert into a new PDF file, ensuring you can manipulate and manage your PDF content as needed.

Python PdfWriter (Code Example Tutorial), Figure 3: Split PDF Output Split PDF Output

Implementing Security Features

Securing your PDF documents becomes a top priority when dealing with sensitive or confidential information. IronPDF addresses this need by offering robust security features, including user password protection and encryption. This ensures that your PDF files remain secure and accessible only to authorized users.

from ironpdf import PdfDocument, License, Logger

# Set the IronPDF license key
License.LicenseKey = "Your-License-Key"
# Enable logging for debugging purposes
Logger.EnableDebugging = True
Logger.LogFilePath = "Custom.log"
Logger.LoggingMode = Logger.LoggingModes.All

# Load the PDF document
pdf = PdfDocument("Report.pdf")
# Adjust security settings to make the PDF read-only and set permissions
pdf.SecuritySettings.RemovePasswordsAndEncryption()
pdf.SecuritySettings.MakePdfDocumentReadOnly("secret-key")
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserAnnotations = False
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserCopyPasteContent = False
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserFormData = False
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserPrinting = PdfPrintSecurity.FullPrintRights
# Set the document encryption passwords
pdf.SecuritySettings.OwnerPassword = "top-secret"  # password to edit the PDF
pdf.SecuritySettings.UserPassword = "sharable"  # password to open the PDF
# Save the secured PDF
pdf.SaveAs("secured.pdf")

from ironpdf import PdfDocument, License, Logger

# Set the IronPDF license key
License.LicenseKey = "Your-License-Key"
# Enable logging for debugging purposes
Logger.EnableDebugging = True
Logger.LogFilePath = "Custom.log"
Logger.LoggingMode = Logger.LoggingModes.All

# Load the PDF document
pdf = PdfDocument("Report.pdf")
# Adjust security settings to make the PDF read-only and set permissions
pdf.SecuritySettings.RemovePasswordsAndEncryption()
pdf.SecuritySettings.MakePdfDocumentReadOnly("secret-key")
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserAnnotations = False
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserCopyPasteContent = False
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserFormData = False
pdf.SecuritySettings.AllowUserPrinting = PdfPrintSecurity.FullPrintRights
# Set the document encryption passwords
pdf.SecuritySettings.OwnerPassword = "top-secret"  # password to edit the PDF
pdf.SecuritySettings.UserPassword = "sharable"  # password to open the PDF
# Save the secured PDF
pdf.SaveAs("secured.pdf")

PYTHON

By implementing user passwords, you can control who can view or edit your PDF documents. Encryption options add an extra layer of security, safeguarding your data against unauthorized access and making IronPDF a reliable choice for managing sensitive information in PDF format.

Extracting Text from PDFs

Another critical feature of IronPDF is its ability to extract text from PDF documents. This functionality is particularly useful for data retrieval, content analysis, or even for repurposing text content from existing PDFs into new documents.

from ironpdf import PdfDocument, License, Logger

# Set the IronPDF license key
License.LicenseKey = "Your-License-Key"
# Enable logging for debugging purposes
Logger.EnableDebugging = True
Logger.LogFilePath = "Custom.log"
Logger.LoggingMode = Logger.LoggingModes.All

# Load the PDF document
pdf = PdfDocument("Report.pdf")
# Extract all text from the PDF document
allText = pdf.ExtractAllText()
# Extract text from a specific page in the document
specificPage = pdf.ExtractTextFromPage(3)

from ironpdf import PdfDocument, License, Logger

# Set the IronPDF license key
License.LicenseKey = "Your-License-Key"
# Enable logging for debugging purposes
Logger.EnableDebugging = True
Logger.LogFilePath = "Custom.log"
Logger.LoggingMode = Logger.LoggingModes.All

# Load the PDF document
pdf = PdfDocument("Report.pdf")
# Extract all text from the PDF document
allText = pdf.ExtractAllText()
# Extract text from a specific page in the document
specificPage = pdf.ExtractTextFromPage(3)

PYTHON

Whether you're extracting data for analysis, searching for specific information within a large document, or transitioning content from PDF to text files for further processing, IronPDF makes it straightforward and efficient. The library ensures that the extracted text maintains its original formatting and structure, making it immediately usable for your specific needs.

Managing Document Information

Efficient management of PDFs extends beyond their content. IronPDF allows for effectively managing document metadata and properties such as the author's name, document title, creation date, and more. This capability is vital for organizing and cataloging your PDF documents, particularly in environments where document provenance and metadata are important.

from ironpdf import PdfDocument, License, Logger
from datetime import datetime

# Set the IronPDF license key
License.LicenseKey = "Your-License-Key"
# Enable logging for debugging purposes
Logger.EnableDebugging = True
Logger.LogFilePath = "Custom.log"
Logger.LoggingMode = Logger.LoggingModes.All

# Load an existing PDF or create a new one
pdf = PdfDocument("Report.pdf")
# Edit file metadata
pdf.MetaData.Author = "Satoshi Nakamoto"
pdf.MetaData.Keywords = "SEO, Friendly"
pdf.MetaData.ModifiedDate = datetime.now()
# Save the PDF with updated metadata
pdf.SaveAs("MetaData Updated.pdf")

from ironpdf import PdfDocument, License, Logger
from datetime import datetime

# Set the IronPDF license key
License.LicenseKey = "Your-License-Key"
# Enable logging for debugging purposes
Logger.EnableDebugging = True
Logger.LogFilePath = "Custom.log"
Logger.LoggingMode = Logger.LoggingModes.All

# Load an existing PDF or create a new one
pdf = PdfDocument("Report.pdf")
# Edit file metadata
pdf.MetaData.Author = "Satoshi Nakamoto"
pdf.MetaData.Keywords = "SEO, Friendly"
pdf.MetaData.ModifiedDate = datetime.now()
# Save the PDF with updated metadata
pdf.SaveAs("MetaData Updated.pdf")

PYTHON

For instance, in an academic or corporate setting, being able to track the creation date and authorship of documents can be essential for record-keeping and document retrieval purposes. IronPDF makes managing this information easy, providing a streamlined way to handle and update document information within your Python applications.

Conclusion

Python PdfWriter (Code Example Tutorial), Figure 4: License License

This tutorial has covered the basics of using IronPDF in Python for PDF manipulation. From creating new PDF files to merging existing ones, and adding security features, IronPDF is a versatile tool for any Python developer.

IronPDF for Python also offers the following features:

Create new PDF file from scratch using HTML or URL
Editing existing PDF files
Rotate PDF pages
Extract text, metadata, and images from PDF files
Secure PDF files with passwords and restrictions
Split and merge PDFs

IronPDF for Python offers a free trial for users to explore its features. For continued use beyond the trial, licenses start at $749. This pricing allows developers to utilize the full range of IronPDF's capabilities in their projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this library for Python?

IronPDF is a pure Python library for creating and manipulating PDF files, providing a versatile tool for tasks such as automated PDF creation, merging, splitting, and securing PDF documents.

How do I install this Python library?

You can install IronPDF via the Python Package Index by running the command: `pip install ironpdf`.

Can I merge multiple PDF files using this Python library?

Yes, IronPDF allows you to merge multiple PDF files into one, which is useful for combining reports or documents into a single file.

How can I split a PDF file with this Python library?

IronPDF enables you to split a PDF file into multiple new files, allowing you to extract specific sections or create smaller, manageable parts.

Does this Python library support PDF security features?

Yes, IronPDF supports robust security features including user password protection and encryption to ensure your PDF files remain secure.

Can this Python library extract text from PDF documents?

IronPDF can extract text from PDF documents, which is useful for data retrieval and content analysis.

What types of PDF file manipulations can this Python library perform?

IronPDF can create new PDFs, merge and split existing ones, implement security features, extract text and metadata, and manage document information.

Is there a free trial available for this Python library?

Yes, IronPDF offers a free trial for users to explore its features, with licenses available for continued use beyond the trial.

What are some use cases for this Python library in projects?

IronPDF can be used for creating reports, generating invoices, securing documents, and managing document metadata in Python projects.

How does this Python library help in managing document metadata?

IronPDF allows you to manage document metadata such as the author's name, document title, and creation date, which is essential for document organization and cataloging.

Chaknith Bin

Chat with engineering team now

Software Engineer

Chaknith works on IronXL and IronBarcode. He has deep expertise in C# and .NET, helping improve the software and support customers. His insights from user interactions contribute to better products, documentation, and overall experience.

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