Who OpenPDF is for#
Java teams generating invoices
Use OpenPDF to create reports, invoices, statements, or certificates directly from server-side Java code.
Skip if:
You need a hosted document generation service with templates managed by non-developers.
Products replacing paid PDF SDKs
Use OpenPDF when PDF creation and manipulation should stay in-process and under open source licensing.
Skip if:
Your workload depends on advanced proprietary SDK features that OpenPDF does not cover.
Developers rendering or encrypting PDFs
Use OpenPDF for document rendering or encryption workflows in Java applications.
Skip if:
You need a GUI tool for manually editing PDF files.
The problem it solves#
PDF generation becomes expensive when a product depends on proprietary SDK licensing or cloud PDF APIs for server-side document workflows. Java teams often need to create invoices, reports, certificates, and exports directly inside their application. A paid PDF API adds data transfer, vendor terms, and recurring cost to a workflow that can often run inside the app process.
How it solves it#
PDF creation and manipulation
OpenPDF supports creating new PDFs and modifying existing documents, including page changes, text, images, graphics, tables, and layout properties.
HTML to PDF module
OpenPDF HTML, a fork of Flying Saucer, generates PDF files from HTML content.
Rendering and encryption support
OpenPDF includes rendering PDFs as images and encrypting documents for security use cases.
Maven dependency workflow
OpenPDF is published as `com.github.librepdf:openpdf`, so Java teams can add it through normal dependency management.
Strengths and trade-offs#
Strengths
- Runs inside Java applicationsOpenPDF lets teams generate and manipulate PDFs in application code instead of sending document data to an external PDF service.
- Dual LGPL/MPL licensingOpenPDF uses MPL-2.0 or LGPL-2.1+, which gives teams licensing choices that are clearer than proprietary SDK terms.
- Successor to older iText lineageOpenPDF continues the LGPL/MPL open source iText lineage, which matters for teams replacing older iText-based workflows.
Trade-offs
- -Java library, not an end-user editorOpenPDF is for developers. Users who need a visual PDF editor should use a desktop tool instead.
- -License review still mattersLGPL and MPL are more permissive than AGPL for many uses, but teams should review obligations before embedding OpenPDF in commercial software.
What it's built on#
- Languages
- JavaKotlin
FAQ#
What is OpenPDF?
OpenPDF is an open source Java library for creating, editing, rendering, encrypting, and generating PDF documents.
What license does OpenPDF use?
OpenPDF uses MPL-2.0 or LGPL-2.1+ licensing.
Can OpenPDF generate PDFs from HTML?
Yes. OpenPDF includes an HTML module for creating PDF files from HTML.
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