.png){kind=logo}
ReportLab and fpdf2 are the top choices for flexible and efficient Python PDF generation.
HTML-to-PDF tools like WeasyPrint and PDFKit simplify web-to-document workflows.
Python PDF generator libraries continue to evolve, providing better performance, AI integration, and automation support.
Creating PDF documents using Python is an important task for many developers and organizations. PDFs are used for invoices, reports, certificates, resumes, e-books, and more. Many Python libraries are available that can help make this process easier. Some are simple and fast, while others can handle advanced layouts, images, and HTML templates. Depending on the need, programmers can choose the one that suits their project.
This article explains the best and most up-to-date Python PDF generator libraries of 2025, with their main features, latest updates, and how they are used today.
When choosing a Python library to generate PDFs, developers should consider:
Layout and Design: Does the library allow adding text, images, charts, tables, and colors easily?
Performance: Can it handle large files without slowing down?
Dependencies: Does it require installing other programs or work with pure Python code?
Maintenance: Is it updated often and supported by an active community?
License: Is it free for commercial use, or does it need a paid license?
Use Case: Is it best for converting HTML to PDF, or for generating PDFs from scratch?
ReportLab is one of the oldest and most reliable PDF generator Python libraries. It gives full control over the layout. Text, images, shapes, charts, and tables can all be placed exactly where needed.
Key Strengths:
ReportLab is very flexible and powerful for custom layouts.
It supports charts, graphs, and vector drawings.
The library is widely used in companies for business reports and forms.
Limitations:
It requires more manual coding compared to HTML-based tools.
ReportLab is not ideal for converting web pages into PDFs.
Best Suited For: Projects that need detailed layout control and professional-looking reports.
fpdf2 is a modern and improved version of the older FPDF library. It is simple, lightweight, and written in Python.
Key Strengths:
fpdf2 is easy to use with a clear, beginner-friendly API.
The Python PDF creation library is fast and efficient for creating simple documents.
It works without external dependencies, which makes it easy to install.
Limitations:
It doesn’t support advanced HTML/CSS layouts.
fpdf2 has fewer styling options compared to more advanced libraries.
Best Suited For: Creating simple PDFs such as receipts, forms, or text-based documents quickly.
WeasyPrint and PDFKit help convert web pages (HTML and CSS) into PDF files. They allow developers to design a web page using HTML and CSS and then directly export it as a PDF.
Key Strengths:
WeasyPrint and PDFKit support full HTML and CSS styling, including fonts, colors, and layouts.
The libraries are great for web applications that already use templates for displaying data.
They create visually rich documents similar to what appears in a browser.
Limitations:
They need extra setup, like installing a headless browser or an external renderer.
WeasyPrint and PDFKit are slightly heavier and slower than pure-Python options.
Best Suited For: Websites and applications that need to turn HTML pages (like invoices or reports) into PDFs.
Also Read - 10 Best Python Libraries for Computer Vision in 2025
pypdf (previously known as PyPDF2) is not mainly a PDF generator but is useful for editing, merging, splitting, or encrypting existing PDFs. It is used together with ReportLab or fpdf2 when projects need both generation and modification.
Key Strengths:
pypdf can merge, split, rotate, and encrypt PDFs.
The PDF creation library is a great choice for workflows that manage many PDF files.
It is compatible with modern Python versions.
Limitations:
The library does not provide advanced layout or design tools.
pypdf is not ideal for creating PDFs from scratch.
Best Suited For: Applications that process or combine multiple PDF files, or need to protect and modify existing PDFs.
borb is a PDF creation Python library that offers advanced document features such as barcodes, tables, charts, and images. It is both flexible and powerful, similar to ReportLab, but has a more modern interface.
Key Strengths:
Borb can handle complex PDFs with tables, images, and graphics.
The Python library supports form fields, annotations, and interactive content.
It includes detailed documentation and example projects.
Limitations:
Borb has a smaller community compared to older tools.
It works slowly for very large documents.
Best Suited For: Modern applications that need visually rich PDFs with advanced features like barcodes and form fields.
Also Read - Preventing and Fixing Python Memory Errors: A Step-by-Step Guide
Automation and AI Integration: PDF generation libraries are now part of automated pipelines in data analytics, finance, and ML.
Form Filling and Watermarking: Developers are using Python libraries for adding watermarks, filling out PDF forms, and searching or replacing text within PDFs.
AI and OCR Tools: A 2025 research project introduced a toolkit called olmOCR, which helps convert PDF documents into structured text for use in large language model training. This shows how PDFs and AI are being used together.
Improved HTML/CSS Rendering: New updates to tools like WeasyPrint and PDFKit have improved CSS3 support, better font rendering, and faster performance. These improvements help web developers create high-quality PDFs directly from web templates.
Cloud-Based PDF APIs: Many companies now use cloud PDF services with Python integration. These APIs offer scalability, better performance, and built-in support for signatures, encryption, and analytics.
Regular Updates and Open-Source Growth: Libraries such as fpdf2 and pypdf continue to receive frequent updates from their developer communities, ensuring compatibility with Python 3.12 and newer.
Choosing the right library depends on the project’s needs. ReportLab is a great option available in the market for detailed, professional reports. fpdf2 is best for simple, fast PDF generation. To convert HTML templates to PDF, WeasyPrint or PDFKit works best. pypdf is the right tool when working with existing PDFs. To create rich, modern documents, users can use the advanced features and visual flexibility provided by borb.
Checking the latest release dates, update history, and community activity also helps select the best possible option. Active maintenance also ensures long-term reliability.
Python provides various tools to generate and manage PDFs. Libraries such as ReportLab, fpdf2, WeasyPrint, PDFKit, pypdf, and borb make it easier to create simple invoices and complex, interactive reports.
Python PDF generation libraries cater to the growing demand for automation, digital documentation, and AI-enabled workflows. Choosing the right one can make a big difference in efficiency and quality of any project that needs professional PDF output.
1. What are the best Python PDF generator libraries in 2025?
The most popular libraries are ReportLab, fpdf2, WeasyPrint, PDFKit, pypdf, and borb, each designed for different PDF creation and editing needs.
2. Which Python library is best for creating PDFs from HTML?
WeasyPrint and PDFKit are ideal for converting HTML and CSS templates into professional-looking PDF files.
3. Is ReportLab still the best choice for PDF generation?
Yes, ReportLab remains the most powerful and reliable library for creating complex, highly customized PDF reports and documents.
4. Which library is the easiest to use for beginners?
fpdf2 is the simplest option for beginners because it has a clean API, minimal setup, and works entirely in Python without extra dependencies.
5. Can Python PDF libraries handle large or interactive documents?
Yes. Tools like ReportLab and borb can handle large files, include images, tables, barcodes, and even interactive form fields efficiently.
