Can CSS3 Replace XSL-FO for Creating Paginated Documents?

Can CSS3 and XSL-FO Replace CSS2 for Paginated Documents?

Since CSS2 was established as a standard in 1998, the use of XSL-FO (XSL Formatting Objects) has been a recommended approach for generating PDF documents from XML or XHTML content. However, advancements in CSS have raised questions about the continued relevance of XSL-FO.

XSL-FO vs. CSS2/CSS3

XSL-FO allows for fine-tuning of text formatting, pagination, footnotes, and other elements specific to printed media. CSS2, while providing limited support for such features, lacked the comprehensiveness of XSL-FO.

CSS3 and Paginated Media

With the introduction of CSS3 media queries, paged media can be defined and applied to elements, enabling the creation of documents with features similar to those offered by XSL-FO. Tools like PrinceXML and WebKit's print module demonstrate the capabilities of CSS3 in generating paginated documents with control over page layout, margins, and headers/footers.

The Future of XSL-FO

In October 2013, W3C announced the discontinuation of XSL-FO 2.0, citing a lack of participation in the development process. This decision suggests a shift towards CSS3 as the primary standard for paginated media on the web.

Benefits of CSS3 over XSL-FO

• Simplicity: CSS is more accessible and easier to learn compared to XSL-FO.
• Integration: CSS is part of the web standards family, making it compatible with HTML, XHTML, and SVG.
• Scalability: CSS3's capabilities extend beyond print media, making it suitable for a wider range of applications.
• Cost-effectiveness: Developing CSS templates is generally cheaper than XSL-FO templates.

Conclusion

While XSL-FO remains useful for legacy systems and niche applications, CSS3 has emerged as the preferred choice for creating paginated documents on the web. Its simplicity, integration, scalability, and growing software support make it the more versatile and future-proof option.

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