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wkhtmltopdf
What wkhtmltopdf is
wkhtmltopdf is a command-line project for converting HTML pages into PDFs; its companion, wkhtmltoimage, renders HTML as image formats. Both tools use Qt WebKit and can operate headlessly, without a display service. PDF output can bring together web pages, a cover page, and a table of contents. Options let users set page size, orientation, margins, headers and footers, outlines, and grayscale output.
The command-line tools are open source under LGPLv3, and the project also provides a C library with documentation. Stable downloads cover Windows, macOS, and multiple Linux distributions and architectures. The downloads page documents an AWS Lambda package and a Serverless framework example. The listed plan is free, with no paid tiers listed. The current stable series is version 0.12.6, released June 11, 2020. The project notes that Qt 4 has been unsupported since 2015 and its WebKit has not been updated since 2012. It warns that processing untrusted HTML may let an attacker take over the server, and recommends sanitizing user-provided HTML and JavaScript.
Who it suits
wkhtmltopdf suits developers who need command-line HTML-to-PDF conversion, image rendering, or a C library across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its headless operation and documented AWS Lambda package may fit server-side workflows, provided HTML and JavaScript inputs are sanitized.
What it does well
- Free, open-source command-line tools under LGPLv3
- PDFs can combine pages, covers, and tables of contents
- Controls include margins, orientation, headers, footers, and grayscale
- C library and documentation are available
- Stable downloads cover Windows, macOS, and multiple Linux systems
What to know first
- Qt 4 has been unsupported since 2015
- WebKit has not been updated since 2012
- Untrusted HTML can allow complete server takeover
Limits
The only listed plan is free, with no paid tiers listed. The stable series is version 0.12.6, and the project says its Qt 4 and WebKit components are no longer supported or updated, respectively.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| wkhtmltopdf (open source) | LGPLv3 command-line tools and C library · no paid tiers listed | Free |
As wkhtmltopdf.org lists them, read 9 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit https://wkhtmltopdf.org/
- Choose a stable download for Windows, macOS, or a listed Linux distribution and architecture
- Use the command-line tools or the provided C library
- For deployment, consult the documented AWS Lambda package or Serverless framework example
Verdict
Choose wkhtmltopdf for free, configurable command-line HTML conversion, including headless PDF generation and image rendering. Look elsewhere if your requirements depend on a recently updated rendering engine, and sanitize untrusted HTML and JavaScript before processing.
Questions
How much does wkhtmltopdf cost?
The listed open-source plan costs nothing. No paid tiers are listed.
Is there a free plan or trial?
There is a free plan. A free trial is not offered.
Which platforms are supported?
Stable downloads are listed for Windows, macOS, and multiple Linux distributions and architectures. The platform list also includes API and self-hosted use.
Is wkhtmltopdf open source?
The command-line tools are open source under LGPLv3. The project also provides a C library and documentation.
What can it convert or configure?
wkhtmltopdf converts HTML pages into PDFs, and wkhtmltoimage renders HTML into image formats. PDF output can combine pages, a cover, and a table of contents, with options for layout and appearance.
What security precaution should users take?
The project warns that untrusted HTML can allow complete server takeover. It recommends sanitizing user-supplied HTML and JavaScript.
Facts from wkhtmltopdf's own pages
- Customization
- The command-line options include page size, orientation, margins, headers and footers, outlines, and grayscale output. · wkhtmltopdf.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Deployment
- The downloads page documents an AWS Lambda package and an example of using the binaries with the Serverless framework. · wkhtmltopdf.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- The documentation page says the project currently provides auto-generated wkhtmltopdf documentation and C library documentation. · wkhtmltopdf.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Engine status
- The project status page says Qt 4 has not been supported since 2015 and its WebKit has not been updated since 2012. · wkhtmltopdf.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Features
- PDF output can combine web pages, cover pages, and a table of contents. · wkhtmltopdf.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Library
- The project also provides a C library and library documentation. · wkhtmltopdf.org, 9 Oct 2026
- License
- The project describes its command-line tools as open source under LGPLv3. · wkhtmltopdf.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- wkhtmltopdf converts HTML pages into PDF, while wkhtmltoimage renders HTML into image formats. · wkhtmltopdf.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Release status
- The downloads page identifies version 0.12.6, released June 11, 2020, as the current stable series. · wkhtmltopdf.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Rendering
- The tools use the Qt WebKit rendering engine and run headlessly without a display service. · wkhtmltopdf.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Security
- The project warns against processing untrusted HTML because it can allow complete takeover of the server, and recommends sanitizing user-supplied HTML and JavaScript. · wkhtmltopdf.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to its mailing list for help and GitHub for issue reports. · wkhtmltopdf.org, 9 Oct 2026
- Supported systems
- The stable downloads listed include Windows, macOS, and multiple Linux distributions and architectures. · wkhtmltopdf.org, 9 Oct 2026
Where wkhtmltopdf stands on Freedom251
- File Conversion Software#31 of 69