How to Convert Python HTML to PDF

If you're looking to convert HTML content to a PDF in Python, you've come to the right spot. Here, we'll guide you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can easily create PDF documents from your HTML files.

Theodore Cipolla

Blog Author - B2B SaaS Content Marketer

Theodore is a B2B SaaS Content Marketer with over ten years of experience. He is passionate about helping professionals appreciate the value of tools quickly.

Converting HTML to PDF in Python Using WeasyPrint

Converting HTML to PDF is a common task in web development, reporting, and data presentation. Python offers several libraries to handle this, each with its strengths and ideal use cases. Below, we explore how to use three popular libraries: WeasyPrint, pdfkit, and ReportLab.

WeasyPrint is ideal for projects requiring high-fidelity rendering of complex CSS.

Step 1: Install WeasyPrint

• Install the library using pip:
  
  
  

Step 2: Prepare Your HTML Content

• Use local HTML files or URLs pointing to the HTML pages you wish to convert.
  
  

Step 3: Write and Execute the Python Script

• Create a script named convert_weasyprint.py:
  

• Run the script
  
  
  
  

"Simplicity and readability in Python should be about seeing short, concise, readable classes that express a lot of action in a small amount of clean code."

Guido van Rossum 

Creator of Python

Source: LinkedIn

Converting HTML to PDF in Python Using pdfkit

pdfkit is a straightforward tool for converting HTML to PDF, leveraging wkhtmltopdf under the hood.

Step 1: Install pdfkit and wkhtmltopdf

• Install pdfkit:
  
  

  
  
  

• Install wkhtmltopdf:
  
  
  

Step 2: Prepare Your HTML

• Choose between local HTML files or URLs.
  
  

Step 3: Write and Execute the Python Script

• Create a script named convert_pdfkit.py:

• Execute the script
  
  
  
  

Converting HTML to PDF in Python Using ReportLab

ReportLab is powerful for generating PDFs programmatically but requires converting HTML content into PDF elements manually.

Step 1: Install ReportLab

• Install the library via pip:
  

   
  
  

Step 2: Write the HTML Content

• Prepare your HTML content. For ReportLab, you'll need to manually translate HTML into layout elements ReportLab can use.
  
  

Step 3: Write and Execute the Python Script

• Create a script named convert_reportlab.py:
  

• Run the script:
  
  

  
  
  

"Python is fast enough for our site and allows us to produce maintainable features in record times, with a minimum of developers"

Guido van Rossum

Creator of Python

Source: LinkedIn

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Tips for Effective HTML to PDF Conversion

• Support for CSS and JavaScript: Ensure the tool you choose can handle CSS and JavaScript if your HTML documents include these elements. This will help maintain the visual fidelity of the PDF similar to the original HTML.
• Optimize HTML: Before conversion, optimize your HTML by removing unnecessary code and compressing images, which can help reduce the output PDF file size.
• Quality Tools: For regular needs, consider investing in a high-quality conversion tool. While there are many free tools available, paid tools often provide better results and more features, especially for complex documents.
• Error Checking: Always check the converted PDF for any errors in formatting or layout by opening and reviewing the file. This helps ensure the quality and usability of your PDFs.