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Best PDF Creation Software in 2026
Need to produce PDFs from data, templates, or other inputs? Compare these tools on API access, bulk PDF generation, data merge, and deployment. Input sources, maximum pages, and fillable form creation can help you check whether an option suits the documents you need to make. Free-plan availability and paid-from pricing offer cost context. The entries include PDF24 Compare PDF, Carbone, and ReportLab, as well as Anvil PDF Generation API and APITemplate.io. Consider how each tool’s listed generation features and deployment options fit your workflow.
- 46 apps
- Research read 23 Sept 2026
- How the order is worked out
- 1
Carbone
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+3Carbone covers template-based document generation, conversion and multiple deployment models. Review how its data-size document counting and overage billing fit your expected workload.
- 2
Anvil PDF Generation API
by AnvilFree plan APIWebAnvil combines PDF generation options with SDKs and a Zapier integration for automated paperwork. Check the UI-only free plan, per-use API price and TTF font requirement before choosing it.
- 3
CUPS-PDF
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hostedCUPS-PDF offers a central print-to-PDF setup with configurable output and broad package listings. Check filesystem compatibility and the required root-level backend settings before deployment.
- 4
CraftMyPDF
by CraftMyPDFFree plan APIWebCraftMyPDF combines template design, data merging, fillable forms, and automated generation in one service. Check its monthly document and template limits against your workload before choosing a plan.
- 5
Adobe PDF Services API
by AdobeFree plan WebAdobe PDF Services API covers document creation, conversion, page operations, and template-based generation.
- 6
APITemplate.io
by APITemplate.ioFree plan WebAPITemplate.io offers several content inputs, template editors and generation modes, with usage allowances that vary by plan. The free tier is limited, while paid plans are billed annually.
- 7
Bullzip PDF Printer
Free plan WindowsBullzip PDF Printer combines Windows printing with a range of output formats and PDF features.
- 8
DocRaptor
by Artifex Software Inc.Free plan APIWebDocRaptor combines HTML conversion with PDF form, accessibility, and rendering features.
- 9
DocuGenerate
Free plan APIWebDocuGenerate supports template-based PDF creation with multiple data formats and integrations. Consider monthly document limits, overage rates, and file retention when selecting a plan.
- 10
Foxit Document Generation API
Free plan APIWebChoose Foxit Document Generation API if your team needs programmatic PDF and Word document creation from DOCX templates and structured business data.
- 11
jsPDF
Free plan APILinuxWebChoose jsPDF if you need a free JavaScript library for generating PDFs and want control over document dimensions and supported input types.
- 12
HTMLPDF.dev
Free plan APIWebHTMLPDF.dev pairs a browser playground with API-based PDF generation and detailed rendering controls. Check the plan quotas and hourly limits against expected usage; paid plans start at $19 a month.
- 13
Prince
Free plan APILinuxMac+2Prince offers broad input support and detailed PDF typesetting for self-hosted, API, and integrated workflows.
- 14
ReportLab
Free plan APILinuxMac+3ReportLab offers both a free PDF-generation library and commercial or hosted options for larger document workflows.
- 15
Gotenberg
Free plan APILinuxSelf-hostedGotenberg offers broad document conversion and PDF operations through a standard HTTP API.
- 16
HTML2PDF
Free plan Self-hostedHTML2PDF focuses on creating structured business PDFs from prepared HTML rather than converting complete webpages.
- 17
WeasyPrint
Free plan APILinuxMac+2WeasyPrint offers a free route from HTML-based content to PDF, with library and command-line options.
- 18
MakePDF
Free plan WebMakePDF combines browser design tools, local processing, data merge, and bulk generation. Its free tier supports basic operations, while Pro tools and credit plans add paid capabilities.
- 19
PDFCreator
Free plan Self-hostedWindowsPDFCreator combines print-based conversion with batch processing, document editing workflows and automation.
- 20
pdf-lib
Free plan Self-hostedWebpdf-lib offers a broad set of PDF creation and modification tools across several JavaScript runtimes, with no native dependencies.
- 21
PDF Mage
Free plan ExtensionWebPDF Mage covers browser-based page capture and API conversion, with controls for PDF layout and permissions.
- 22
Adobe Document Generation API
Free plan Web - 23
PDF995
Free plan WindowsPDF995 offers a no-expiration free plan and a suite with editing, signatures, and format conversion.
- 24
PDFMonkey
by PDFMonkeyFree plan APIWebPDFMonkey offers both visual and code-based templates, several output formats, and developer integrations.
- 25
PDFShift
by SASU PDFShiftFree plan WebChoose PDFShift for API-based HTML-to-PDF conversion, particularly when CSS and JavaScript rendering or Amazon S3 integration is useful.
#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price