Method of converting HTML to PDF and its implementation principle

With the advent of the digital age, more and more content begins to exist in electronic form on the Internet, and HTML, as the most common web page markup language, has also begun to be widely used. However, sometimes we may need to convert HTML files to PDF format for printing or sharing. This article will introduce the method of converting HTML to PDF and its implementation principle.

1. How to convert HTML to PDF

1. Use an online conversion tool

The online conversion tool is the simplest method. You only need to convert the HTML to PDF Upload the file to the tool website and click Convert to get the PDF file. Commonly used online conversion tools include: SmallPDF, PDF Candy, Zamzar, etc. This method is convenient and simple, but it requires uploading files, which may cause security risks, and the conversion quality is not necessarily stable.

2. Use browser plug-ins

Browser plug-ins are a more convenient and safe way to convert HTML to PDF. By installing the PDF plug-in on your browser, you can convert the current web page into a PDF file. Commonly used plug-ins include PrintFriendly & PDF, Web2PDF, etc. The conversion quality of this method is relatively good, but you need to install the browser plug-in yourself.

3. Use third-party tools

Third-party tools are a more professional and customizable way to convert HTML to PDF. By using third-party tools, you can convert HTML files into high-quality PDF files and configure the conversion method yourself. Commonly used third-party tools include: wkhtmltopdf, WeasyPrint, html2pdf, etc. This method has a certain technical threshold and requires developers to develop and maintain it, but it can meet higher conversion quality requirements.

2. Implementation principle of converting HTML to PDF

1. Implementation principle of browser-based HTML to PDF conversion

The implementation principle of browser-based HTML to PDF conversion is to use browsing This is implemented by the Print function in the processor. First, the HTML code needs to be rendered into a displayable web page, and then the web page is converted into a PDF file by simulating the Print operation. This method requires the HTML code to comply with W3C specifications and the browser to support the Print function.

2. Implementation principle of HTML to PDF based on third-party library

The implementation principle of HTML to PDF based on third-party library is realized by using the functions provided by the third-party library. Some third-party libraries can convert HTML code to PDF format, and some can define styles through CSS and work with editable PDF libraries to generate PDF files. This method can meet higher quality requirements and can be customized.

3. Summary

Converting HTML to PDF is a very useful function that can easily save, share and print web content. Different conversion methods can be used according to actual needs, such as online conversion tools, browser plug-ins and third-party tools. At the same time, developers can understand the implementation principles of HTML to PDF conversion based on browsers and third-party libraries, so as to better develop and maintain.

The above is the detailed content of Method of converting HTML to PDF and its implementation principle. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!