url-to-pdf-api is a microservice designed for converting web pages into PDF or PNG files. It leverages Headless Chrome and Puppeteer to render HTML content, producing PDFs that closely resemble those generated in a desktop Chrome environment. The primary objective is to offer a straightforward, API-driven solution for automating PDF creation for various use cases such as receipts, invoices, and other web content.
Key features include support for Headless Chrome rendering with Puppeteer, configurable options for page styling (viewport size, margins), and the ability to handle lazy-loaded elements. The API supports simple URL-based rendering and allows for custom HTML input. Configuration options like emulateScreenMedia and scrollPage enable fine-grained control over the rendering process. The service offers a simple API for integration into different applications.
- PDF/PNG Conversion: Converts any URL or HTML content to either PDF or PNG format.
- Headless Chrome Rendering: Uses Headless Chrome and Puppeteer for accurate rendering.
- Configurable Options: Supports a wide range of options including viewport size, margins, and scroll behavior.
- Lazy-loaded Element Support: Handles lazy loading of elements on the page.
- API Access: Provides a simple API for programmatic rendering, leveraging query parameters for configuration.
The project has been actively maintained and is not archived. Recent commits (within the last year) indicate ongoing development and address issues. The repository includes documentation and examples to aid developers. While the API is simple and well-documented, users must be cautious about exposing the API publicly due to potential security risks.
url-to-pdf-api benefits developers needing to automatically generate PDFs from web content. It's well-suited for applications requiring PDF output for reports, invoices, or automated document generation. The API simplifies PDF creation compared to manual processes or alternative tools, offering a flexible and easily integrated solution.