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PDF Creation Software

Ranked on the record · 46 apps

Best PDF Creation Software 2026

PDF creation software helps turn documents or data into PDF files, with options for merging, forms, bulk generation and automated workflows. This guide helps buyers compare capabilities, access methods and deployment choices.

The list is rebuilt nightly. Compare free plans, paid-from pricing, data merge, bulk PDF generation, API access, maximum pages, input sources, fillable forms and deployment instead of relying on list position.

Carbone

Carbone suits teams that need to produce documents from JSON data, convert files, or generate documents in bulk.

Free plan Free trial Open source WebWindowsMacLinuxAPISelf-hosted

Record6.3 Visit site The record

ReportLab

ReportLab is a Python toolkit for making PDF documents and graphics.

WebWindowsMac+3

Record6.0 Visit

PDFMonkey

PDFMonkey merges JSON data into browser-made templates and generates downloadable PDFs through a REST API.

WebAPI

Record5.5 Visit

Prince

Converts HTML, Markdown and XML to print-ready PDFs with publishing layouts and document features.

WindowsMacLinux+2

Record5.5 Visit

Docmosis

Template engine using Word or LibreOffice files to produce PDF, DOCX, ODT or TXT documents.

WebWindowsLinux+2

Record5.3 Visit

Foxit Document Generation API

WebAPI $1,750 a year Record5.3 Visit

WeasyPrint

WeasyPrint converts HTML pages to PDFs with Python or command-line tools on Linux, macOS, and Windows.

WindowsMacLinux+2 €150 a year Record5.3 Visit

Win2PDF

Windows print driver that outputs PDF, PDF/A, XPS, TIFF, SVG or text and can edit page order.

WindowsSelf-hosted $35 one-time Record5.3 Visit

Anvil PDF Generation API

Anvil PDF Generation API creates PDFs from templates and data through a cloud API.

WebAPI $99 a month Record5.2 Visit

Bullzip PDF Printer

Windows $29 one-time Record5.2 Visit

CraftMyPDF

CraftMyPDF may suit teams or individuals who need reusable documents generated from structured or connected data.

WebAPI $29 a month, billed yearly Record5.2 Visit

DocRaptor

DocRaptor provides a cloud API for generating PDF documents.

WebAPI $15 a month Record5.2 Visit

HTMLPDF.dev

HTMLPDF.dev converts raw HTML or public URLs to PDFs through an API or browser playground.

WebAPI $19 a month Record5.2 Visit

MakePDF

Browser-based PDF design toolkit that processes documents locally and supports templates with variable data.

Web $149.99 a year Record5.2 Visit

DocuGenerate

DocuGenerate creates PDFs by replacing template merge tags with JSON or spreadsheet values via REST.

WebAPI $19 a month Record5.0 Visit

Formstack Documents

Cloud document-generation service with API and web access, plus HIPAA and GDPR compliance.

WebAPI $31.99 a month Record4.9 Visit

PDF995

Pdf995 creates PDFs from an application's print command, while its suite adds editing, conversion, and security tools.

Windows $9.95 one-time Record4.9 Visit

PDF Generator API

PDF service for cloud or self-hosted use, supporting GDPR, HIPAA and ISO 27001 requirements.

WebAPISelf-hosted €80 a year Record4.9 Visit

CUPS-PDF

MacLinuxSelf-hosted Free plan Record4.7 Visit

Docupilot

No-code templates fill documents from business data and deliver finished files through email or connected apps.

WebAPI $29 a month Record4.7 Visit

PDFCreator

PDFCreator prints documents to PDF or image formats, then supports merging and page rearrangement.

WindowsSelf-hosted Free plan Record4.7 Visit

jsPDF

jsPDF is a JavaScript library for generating PDF files in browsers and Node.js.

WebLinuxAPI Free plan Record4.6 Visit

CutePDF Professional

Windows software that combines and rearranges PDFs, adds annotations and creates interactive form fields.

Windows $49.95 one-time Record4.5 Visit

ReaSoft PDF Printer

Windows $19.99 one-time Record4.5 Visit

pdf-lib

JavaScript library that creates and edits PDFs, forms, pages, drawings, images and embedded fonts.

WebSelf-hosted Free plan Record4.4 Visit

Before you choose

Check free plans and paid pricing

Start with the pricing model. A free plan can provide a way to begin, while paid-from pricing shows the listed entry point when one is published.

Examples include PDF4me Merge & Split with a free plan and paid from $25, CraftMyPDF with a free plan and paid from $29 per month, and PDFMonkey with a free plan, paid from €5 per month and a 30-day trial.

Match the workflow to your inputs

Compare data merge, bulk PDF generation and input sources when documents must be created from repeatable data. Maximum pages can matter when a workflow produces long files.

API access appears as a comparison field, and platform coverage includes web, API, Windows, self-hosted, Linux and macOS.

Look for fillable form creation

If a PDF must collect information, check the fillable form creation field. Pair that check with input sources and maximum pages to see whether the tool fits the document flow you need.

Choose a deployment model

Deployment options range from hosted web services and APIs to self-hosted software and desktop platforms. Check the deployment field alongside the platforms listed for the tool.

Open-source status can affect how you review licensing and deployment needs, so confirm the licence details before adopting a tool.

Questions

What does this PDF software list compare?

It compares free plans, paid-from pricing, data merge, bulk PDF generation, API access, maximum pages, input sources, fillable forms and deployment.

Which platforms appear in the list?

Listed platform coverage includes web, API, Windows, self-hosted, Linux and macOS.

Can I find software with a free plan?

Yes. Free-plan options include PDF4me Merge & Split, Carbone, CraftMyPDF, PDFMonkey, Anvil PDF Generation API, DocRaptor, HTMLPDF.dev, ReportLab and Adobe PDF Services API.

Which tools list a free trial?

Free-trial examples include PDFMonkey with a 30-day trial and iText pdfOptimizer with a 30-day trial.

Is open-source PDF software included?

Open-source status is part of the list’s coverage. Check the tool’s licence and deployment terms before use.