How to Create a PDF in C#: 4 Tips You Need to Know

C# is the 4th most popular programming language; around 31% of all developers use it on a regular basis. Because of this, it may be worth investing some time in learning this programming language, as it can really help boost your career.

Perhaps you’ve gotten a start on C#, but are stuck on how to create a PDF document.

If you’re wondering how to create a PDF in C#, then read on. Here are four tips you need to know.

1. Find a Free C# PDF Library

To get started on creating a PDF in C#, you need to download a library. A PDF library is usually an API where you can do various things to PDFs in addition to creating them.

For example, you can edit, add headers, add footers, or stamp your documents. With some, you can even extract images and merge or split different PDFs.

Thankfully, there are many free ones available on the internet. You won’t have to spend a cent to create PDFs straight from your C# application. You can always learn more about PDF libraries from Iron PDF.

2. Download the Assemblies

It’ll be very helpful to download the assemblies for your PDF library. Once you’ve done so, extract it to the location you want, and then you can create a new C# project.

After you’ve done so, then you need to add the library’s reference in your project. You can do this by clicking on Add Reference, browsing your computer for the Assembly file location, and then selecting all of the files located within.

Once this is all done, you’re ready to create a new PDF document!

3. Write Content to the PDF File

To write content to your new PDF document, create the following in this order:

  • PDF document object
  • Empty page
  • XGraphics object
  • Font object (from XFont)

At this point, you can write content to your PDF file. Once XStringFormats.Center has placed your text (or other content) in the PDF file, you can save it as a PDF.

4. Create PDFs From HTML

Instead of using assemblies, you can also create PDFs from HTML. Some libraries are designed with a renderer that can turn HTML to PDF, which makes your job a whole lot easier.

All you need to do is have an HTML string in .net C#. Or you can create it from an existing HTML file on your hard disk.

Once you’re done applying HTML templating, you can then download the PDF as C# source code.

Now You Know How to Create a PDF in C# Smartly

Now you know how to create a PDF in C# smartly with our four helpful tips. Now that you’ve grown your programming knowledge, you’re well on your way to creating PDF files with no issues at all.

If you enjoyed this article on how to create a new PDF file in C#, then please make sure to check out our other blog posts too!