PDFShift vs WeasyPrint: What are the differences?

Introduction:

PDFShift and WeasyPrint are two popular tools used for generating PDFs from web content. While both tools have a similar purpose, there are key differences that set them apart. In this comparison, we will explore these differences in detail.

1. PDFShift: PDFShift is a cloud-based API that allows developers to convert HTML or URL to PDF. It provides a simple RESTful interface for generating PDFs, and it supports various programming languages such as Python, Ruby, and Node.js. PDFShift automatically handles complex CSS and JavaScript, making it easy to convert web content to PDF.

2. WeasyPrint: WeasyPrint is an open-source Python library that can be used to generate PDFs from web content. It supports multiple input formats like HTML and XML, and also has a CSS3 and JavaScript support. WeasyPrint is highly customizable, making it suitable for complex formatting and layout requirements.

3. Reliability: PDFShift is a cloud-based service, which means you need an internet connection to use it. On the other hand, WeasyPrint is a local library that runs on your own server. This means that WeasyPrint can work offline or in low network conditions, providing a reliable solution.

4. Pricing: PDFShift offers various pricing plans depending on your usage requirements. The pricing is based on the number of conversions per month. WeasyPrint, on the other hand, is an open-source library and is free to use. However, it requires you to set up and maintain your own server.

5. Customization: WeasyPrint offers extensive customization options, allowing you to fine-tune the PDF output by adjusting various parameters. You can control the page size, margins, headers, footers, and even add watermarks. PDFShift, while being easy to use, has limited customization options compared to WeasyPrint.

6. Integration: PDFShift provides an API that can be easily integrated into your existing applications. It supports various programming languages, making it compatible with different platforms. WeasyPrint is also easy to integrate but being a local library, it requires Python installation on your server.

In summary, PDFShift is a cloud-based API that offers simplicity and ease of use, with a focus on handling complex web content. WeasyPrint, on the other hand, is an open-source library with extensive customization options and the ability to work offline. Choosing between them depends on your specific needs and requirements.