PDF generator

[stem]

Hi,

I want to create pdf files in my multi-platform Lazarus project. I've found three solutions:

• fcl-pdf
• PowerPDF (last update: February 2017)
• Free-JPDF-Pascal (last update: February 2013)

What would be your preferred choice? The pdf files will contain mainly text.

Thank you.

stem

[lucamar]

What would be your preferred choice? The pdf files will contain mainly text.

For relatively simple, straightforward, "mostly text" PDFs I'de use fcl-pdf: it's relatively simple, doesn't have external dependencies, has most (if not all) of the needed features, and is already included in Lazarus/FPC.

That said, note that I've never used any of them for serious work; I tend to rely on a system-wide PDF "printer" instead.

[madref]

PowerPDF is easy to use with LazReport.
Instead of opening the report you just export it with PowerPDF.

[af0815]

fcl-pdf. This is maintained by the fpc team.

[GAN]

I use PowerPDF with LazReport. It's easy if you know how to use LazReport.

[useroflazarus]

https://forum.lazarus.freepascal.org/index.php/topic,17192.msg212458.html#msg212458

[stem]

Is it possible to have a "print preview" of the generated pages with fcl-pdf?

stem

[dsiders]

Hi,

I want to create pdf files in my multi-platform Lazarus project. I've found three solutions:

• fcl-pdf
• PowerPDF (last update: February 2017)
• Free-JPDF-Pascal (last update: February 2013)

What would be your preferred choice? The pdf files will contain mainly text.

Thank you.

stem

There is also the Pixie library (https://gitlab.com/retrofoxed/pixie/-/tree/master). It is intended for HTML | Markdown | SVG export to PDF. But I've used it's markdown viewer to export plain text to PDF.

It's relatively new.

[tdb]

Hi Stem,

I am using fcl-pdf and it works well for me as I like to have full control of the report. However much more hands on as you need to do all the coding for the reports.
I personally like this as it give complete control over the entire report head, body and footer.

If you prefer an easier way to product Pdf's then maybe a good report writer but you might need to pay $$$ for a commercial product.
NOTE fcl-pdf does need some improvements font size and placement on the page need work and I don't think anyone is actively developing.

Anyway I like the library and works for me to generate reports, invoices, statement etc. More work but more control.

Cheers Trevor

[JollyHong]

I'd also recommend cleaning and rebuilding the project after making the changes, since old build files can sometimes cause confusing behavior. It's a simple step, but it has saved me more than once.

[Zvoni]

Hi,

I want to create pdf files in my multi-platform Lazarus project. I've found three solutions:

• fcl-pdf
• PowerPDF (last update: February 2017)
• Free-JPDF-Pascal (last update: February 2013)

What would be your preferred choice? The pdf files will contain mainly text.

Thank you.

stem

fcl-pdf

if you want to go the full gamot, pdfium might be an alternative.
IIRC, pawel is the maintainer/programmer for the bindings

[jcmontherock]

There is as well:

https://forum.lazarus.freepascal.org/index.php?topic=17192.0;attach=15727

[Tomxe]

https://github.com/Xelitan/PDF-Viewer-exporter-in-pure-Free-Pascal-Lazarus-Delphi

Code: Pascal  [Select][+][-]

1. PDF := TXelPDF.Create(Form1);
2. Pdf.LoadFromFile('input.txt');
3. Doc := Pdf.Document;
4.  
5. FontRes := Doc.AddFont(FontName, FontSize);
6. Doc.AddText(PageIndex, 'Test Here', Left, Top, FontRes);