Java is an object-oriented programming language that is popular and used by millions of programmers around the world.

Imagine if you could make PDF generation using Java faster, and see an instant boost in your workflow.

or even better:

What if there were the 15 best Java PDF Generation Libraries to choose from.

…and each of them could make your Java development faster and easier?

If you are Java developer, you’d probably be pumped to read about them.

Lucky for you, that’s exactly what I’m going to share with you in this post:

15 best Java PDF Generation Libraries, these libraries can make your pdf generation more productive.

Let’s Get started with the list:

1. IronPDF Java PDF Library

IronPDF is a Java PDF library that allows developers to generate, edit, and read PDF files within Java applications. It is known for its ability to create high-quality PDFs, easy-to-use API, and support for a wide range of features, including text and image manipulation, form filling, and security options.

IronPDF also has a built-in HTML-to-PDF conversion engine, which allows developers to easily create PDFs from existing HTML content. Additionally, it can be used to extract text and images from existing PDF files. It is fast, reliable, and scalable, making it suitable for use in large-scale applications.

source – https://ironpdf.com/java/

Objectives:

IronPDF can be used to work with PDF files in Java applications because it offers a wide range of features. 

2. Apache FOP

Apache FOP is called Formatting Objects Processor. This Java application is used for reading formatting objects (FO) tree and making sure specified outputs have the resulting pages. PDF, important output format, and some others like PS, PCL, AFP, XML (area tree representation), Print, AWT and PNG, and to a lesser extent, RTF and TXT are designed to function with this application.

Objectives:

  • Transfer of XSL-FO to PDF formatter. This must be in accordance with the Basic conformance level explained in the W3C Recommendation on the 5th of December 2005. It must also support version 1.4, November 2001 PDF from Adobe systems.

3. Apache PDFBox

This tool is used to create new pdf documents, modify the ones that have already been created and extract contents from documents.

Objectives:

  • This open-source Java tool is used to extract texts, fill PDF forms, print PDF files using standard Java printing API, save PDFs (file images) as PNG and JPEG, etc.

4. Dynamic Jasper

It makes the creation of JasperReports look not too hard to design. Dynamic Jasper simultaneously determines columns, column width (auto width), groups, variables, fonts, charts, cross-tabs, sub reports (that can also be dynamic), page size, etc. during runtime.

Objectives:

  • This is always about making Dynamic Jasper function with Jasper Reports so as to make the creation of reports easy.

5. Dynamic Reports

This Java reporting library enables you to create a dynamic report design. Reports and documents that can be displayed, printed and exported on common formats like PDF, Excel, Word, etc. can easily be created with the help of this open-source Java tool.

Objectives:

  • Popular tools like maven are used for maintaining the same open-source code
  • Easy accessibility and assessability of source code
  • Build tools enhancement
  • Another one is wiki creation together with a well-detailed illustration on the use of the library.

6. Flying Saucer

This is used when a CSS 2.1 for layout and formatting, output to Swing panels, PDF, and images is used for rendering an arbitrary well-formed XML (or XHTML).

Objectives:

  • Flying Saucer as an open-source Java library that supports the use of a couple of FOSS packages so it can function well.

7. ITEXT PDF

You can make use of this toolkit to generate, program, handle and manipulate PDFs.

Objectives:

  • A versatile PDF engine like this enables you to integrate PDF functionalities into your workflow, applications, processes, and products.

8. Jasper Reports

This is an open-source Java reporting library and it is the commonest open-source reporting engine.

Objectives:

  • It is used to produce pixel-perfect documents from any kind of source, this documents can be viewed, printed or exported in a variety of document formats like HTML, PDF, Excel, OpenOffice, and Word.

9. Open HTML to PDF

It works just like a Flying Saucer but handles large documents in a faster way, offers font fallback support and better support for CSS3 transforms compared to Flying Saucer.

Objectives:

  • It is a pure Java library for generating eye-catching PDF documents

10. OpenPDF

OpenPDF is another open-source Java library and it is IText LGPL/MPL open-source successor.

Objectives:

  • LGPL and MPL open source license PDF files are created and edited by OpenPDF.

11. easyPDF

This comprises high-level Java APIs. It is designed to function with PDF features like Font Embedding & Subsetting, Image compression, and Metadata. Numerous printer settings like graphic resolution & scaling, paper orientation & size, printer color are built along with it.

Objectives:

  • Its duty is to convert file formats as many as possible to PDF. It is also used to modify and transfer PDF files to many different image formats and populating PDF form fields

12. Gnujpdf

This Java package is a modification on ‘retepPDF’.

Objectives:

  • The main aim is to generate and print PDF files via Java AWT subclass.

13. PDF Clown

This is also known as PDF Jester, it is an open-source PDF Library for Java and .Net.

Objectives:

  • Its main purpose is for rendering and styling PDF files.

14. Orson PDF

Orson PDF is a Java library that is lightweight. It has good connections with JfreeChart, Orson Charts and any other sort of code generating content that supports Java2D.

Objectives:

  • Via Java2D Graphics2D API, this library can produce PDF contents.

15. DynamicPDF

This is a Java PDF creation library. It offers flexible licensing, optimum performance and it is also not difficult to use.

Objectives:

  • It helps in creating PDF files from the beginning
  • It helps in adding digital signatures, encryption, barcodes, charts, etc.

16. Sferyx PDF

This is an advance Java PDF generator and converter. It doesn’t necessarily require you to write too many lines of codes in order to create a complex PDF file.

Objectives:

  • It is used to quickly and easily convert and generate PDF files from HTML, Plain Text, Microsoft Word Docx, Rich Text Format RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP in any Java Application, Oracle Forms, etc.

Conclusion

​​I consider IronPDF slightly better than other libraries like Apache FOP, iText7, Flying Sucre, and others in some ways because it offers a wider range of features and tools for working with PDF files. 

​​For example, IronPDF allows developers to create PDFs from HTM and ASPX. In comparison, Flying Sucre, Dynamic Jesper, and Dynamic Reports Java PDF libraries may only support the creation of PDFs from a limited range of file types, or may not offer as many options for manipulating existing PDFs. This can make it more difficult for developers to work with PDFs in their applications. 

​​IronPDF also offers more options for manipulating existing PDFs, such as the ability to add and remove text, images, and other elements. IronPDF is generally considered to be easier to use and integrate into Java applications compared to iText7, Apache FOP, and Apache PDF Box. It has a user-friendly API and detailed documentation, making it straightforward for developers to get started with IronPDF.

​​Jasper Reports, Dynamic reports, and Dynamic Jasper libraries are only for creating reports in PDFs. These libraries have limited functionality in the creation of PDFs. But IronPDF is way ahead of these libraries.

​​IText7 is difficult to understand and use in Java applications. Its functions are complex and have to write a lot of code to perform simple steps. In comparison, IronPDF is way simpler and easy to use. Also, IronPDF has a clear pricing plan but IText7 doesn’t have any clear pricing plan on the website. 

​​Overall, IronPDF Java PDF Library may be a better option for some developers depending on their specific needs and requirements for working with PDF files in their Java applications. If you are looking for assistance with Java code? You can easily get Java homework help , from a term of experts.