jsPDF vs pdfmake: Which PDF Library Reigns Supreme for Your Angular App?

Explore the strengths, features, and trade-offs to pick the perfect tool for generating dynamic PDFs in Angular projects.

When deciding between pdfmake and jsPDF for generating PDFs in an Angular application, it’s essential to consider the specific requirements of your project and compare the strengths and weaknesses of both libraries.

Here’s a breakdown of the two libraries to help you choose which one is better for your use case:

1. jsPDF

jsPDF is a widely used library for generating PDFs on the client-side in the browser. It offers a straightforward API and is quite flexible for creating PDF documents.

Pros of jsPDF:

• Mature & Well-Established: jsPDF is one of the most popular JavaScript libraries for PDF generation. It’s been around for a long time and has a large community.

• Simple API: It’s easy to get started with jsPDF and create basic PDFs with minimal code.

• Wide Feature Set: It supports text, images, vector graphics, and various forms of document manipulation.

• Plugins Available: There are plugins for additional features, like handling tables, HTML-to-PDF conversion, etc.

Cons of jsPDF:

• Limited Layout Control: While jsPDF allows for basic layouts, it’s not as flexible when it comes to more complex, customizable designs (like multi-page layouts with advanced positioning).

• Manual Control Required: While jsPDF gives you direct control over positioning elements, it can be cumbersome for complex documents where you need to handle text wrapping, page breaks, etc.

• Poor Support for CSS: jsPDF does not inherently support modern CSS or HTML styling, so converting HTML to PDF can be tricky without additional plugins (like html2pdf).

2. pdfmake

pdfmake is another popular library that allows for more declarative PDF creation. It’s known for its flexibility in formatting and document layout.

Pros of pdfmake:

• Declarative API: pdfmake uses a declarative approach, where you define the document structure in JSON format, making it easier to handle complex documents, including tables, text formatting, and multi-page layouts.

• Rich Layout and Styling: It supports advanced features like tables with dynamic content, custom fonts, column layouts, page breaks, etc. You can specify a lot of details in terms of layout (e.g., margins, padding, alignment).

• Built-In Font Support: It comes with built-in support for custom fonts, which can be included directly in the PDF.

• Good Table Support: pdfmake makes it easy to work with tables, including support for row and column spans, styling, and other advanced features.

Cons of pdfmake:

• Learning Curve: Since pdfmake uses a declarative, JSON-based syntax, it might take some time to get used to, especially if you're coming from an imperative approach like jsPDF.

• Larger Bundle Size: pdfmake tends to be slightly heavier in terms of file size compared to jsPDF.

• Performance: For very complex documents with a large amount of data (e.g., hundreds or thousands of rows in tables), pdfmake might face performance issues. However, for most applications, it should be fine.

When to Use jsPDF

• Simple PDFs: If you need to generate simple PDFs, such as invoices, receipts, or reports with minimal layout and design considerations.

• Basic Document Generation: When you need more control over positioning, and you are fine managing page breaks and layout manually.

• Speed/Lightweight: If bundle size or performance is a concern and your use case does not require complex features.

When to Use pdfmake

• Complex Layouts: If you need to create PDFs with complex formatting and layout, such as multi-page documents with tables, custom fonts, and intricate page designs.

• Declarative Approach: If you prefer working with a more structured, JSON-based approach to define the document layout, especially when the document has multiple sections, tables, and columns.

• Report Generation: If you need to generate reports that include tables, charts, or structured layouts, pdfmake will offer much more out-of-the-box functionality.

Integration with Angular

Both jsPDF and pdfmake can be easily integrated into Angular projects. Here are a few tips for integration:

• jsPDF in Angular: You can install jsPDF via npm (npm install jspdf) and use it directly in your Angular component or service. It's also commonly used in combination with html2canvas or other plugins to convert HTML to PDF.

• pdfmake in Angular: Similarly, pdfmake can be installed via npm (npm install pdfmake). It works seamlessly in Angular as long as you handle the document creation with the correct JSON format.

Conclusion: Which is Better?

• Choose jsPDF if you are looking for simplicity, direct control over PDF elements, and the ability to generate relatively straightforward documents. It’s a solid option if your project doesn’t require complex formatting or table-heavy documents.

• Choose pdfmake if you need more advanced features like easy table handling, custom layouts, and detailed document structures. It's great for reports or any document where complex layouts are important.

If you find yourself needing to convert HTML content into PDF (for instance, if you have a dynamic HTML template that needs to be turned into a PDF), jsPDF with html2pdf or pdfmake are both capable options.

In summary:

• For simpler PDFs: go with jsPDF.

• For complex, structured PDFs: go with pdfmake.

PS: Whether you're building simple invoices or complex reports, choosing the right PDF library can make all the difference in your Angular app’s performance and user experience. Now that you know the key differences, you’re ready to make an informed decision for your next project!

Ready to take your PDF generation to the next level?
Dive into the documentation for jsPDF or pdfmake and start creating stunning PDFs in your Angular app today!