Python generate PDF

Generate PDF with Python

In our daily work, we often need to save or share content such as text, data, and charts in PDF format. There are many third-party libraries in Python that can help us generate PDF files, such as reportlab, fpdf, and PyPDF2. This article will introduce how to use the reportlab library to generate PDF files and demonstrate some basic operations.

Installing the reportlab Library

First, we need to install the reportlab library. Execute the following command in the command line:

pip install reportlab

Once the installation is complete, we can begin using the reportlab library to generate PDF files.

Generating a Simple PDF File

Here, we’ll demonstrate how to generate a simple PDF file containing a paragraph of text and a table.

from reportlab.pdfgen import canvas

# Create a PDF file
c = canvas.Canvas("example.pdf")

# Set the font and font size
c.setFont("Helvetica", 12)

# Write text
c.drawString(100, 700, "Hello, World!")

# Draw a table
c.grid(range(100, 600, 100), range(600, 100, -100))

# Save the PDF file
c.save()

In the above code, we first import the canvas class, then create a PDF file and set the font and font size. Next, we use the drawString method to write some text, and finally use the grid method to draw a simple table. Finally, we call the save method to save the PDF file.

Running the above code will generate a PDF file named example.pdf in the current directory. Open the file to see the result.

Adding Images and Charts

In addition to text and tables, we can also add https://coder-cafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/images and charts to PDF files. The following example demonstrates how to add an image and a bar chart to a PDF file.

from reportlab.pdfgen import canvas
from reportlab.lib.units import inch
from reportlab.graphics.charts.barcharts import VerticalBarChart
from reportlab.graphics.shapes import Drawing

# Create a PDF file
c = canvas.Canvas("example2.pdf")

# Add an image
c.drawImage("example_https://coder-cafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/image.jpg", 100, 500, width=2*inch, height=2*inch)

# Create a bar chart
data = [(10, 20, 30, 40),]
drawing = Drawing(400, 200)
bc = VerticalBarChart()
bc.x = 50
bc.y = 50
bc.height = 125
bc.width = 300
bc.data = data
drawing.add(bc)

# Add the chart to the PDF file
drawing.saveState()
drawing.drawOn(c, 100, 300)
drawing.restoreState()

# Save the PDF file
c.save()

In the above code, we first use the drawImage method to add an image to the PDF file. We then create a bar chart and add it to the PDF file. Finally, we save the PDF file.

After running the above code, a PDF file named example2.pdf will be generated in the current directory. Open the file to see the added image and bar chart.

Adding Headers and Footers

Sometimes, we need to add headers and footers to PDF files to better organize the content. The following example demonstrates how to add headers and footers to a PDF file.

from reportlab.pdfgen import canvas

# Create a PDF file
c = canvas.Canvas("example3.pdf")

# Add a header
c.setFont("Helvetica", 10)
c.drawString(100, 800, "Page Header")

# Add a footer
c.setFont("Helvetica", 10)
c.drawString(100, 50, "Page Footer")

# Save the PDF file
c.save()

In the above code, we use the drawString method to add a header and footer to the PDF file. Finally, we save the PDF file.

After running the above code, a PDF file named example3.pdf will be generated in the current directory. Open the file to see the added header and footer.

Conclusion

By using the reportlab library, we can easily generate PDF files containing text, https://coder-cafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/images, tables, charts, and other content. This article introduces some basic operations. Readers can further explore the reportlab library’s capabilities based on their actual needs.