How to use the command 'wkhtmltopdf' (with examples)
The wkhtmltopdf command is an open-source command-line tool that allows you to convert HTML documents or web pages into PDF files. It provides various features and options to customize the resulting PDF, such as specifying page size, setting margins, adjusting orientation, and generating greyscale versions.
Use case 1: Convert a HTML document into PDF
Code:
wkhtmltopdf input.html output.pdf
Motivation: This use case is helpful when you want to convert an HTML document to a PDF file for easy sharing or printing purposes. It can be useful for converting web pages, user manuals, tutorials, or any other content that you want to distribute in a PDF format.
Explanation:
input.html: Specifies the input HTML document or web page that you want to convert to PDF.output.pdf: Specifies the output PDF file name.
Example Output: If you execute the command wkhtmltopdf index.html output.pdf, it will convert the index.html file into a PDF named output.pdf.
Use case 2: Specify the PDF page size
Code:
wkhtmltopdf --page-size A4 input.html output.pdf
Motivation: Choosing the appropriate page size for your PDF is important to ensure that it looks consistent and fits well on various devices or when printing. By specifying the page size, you can control the dimensions of the resulting PDF.
Explanation:
--page-size A4: Sets the page size of the PDF to A4. You can replace A4 with other supported sizes, such as Letter, Legal, A3, etc.
Example Output: When you run wkhtmltopdf --page-size A4 input.html output.pdf, it will convert the HTML document into a PDF with A4 page size.
Use case 3: Set the PDF page margins
Code:
wkhtmltopdf --margin-top|bottom|left|right 10mm input.html output.pdf
Motivation: Adjusting the page margins can help you control the spacing around the content in your PDF, allowing you to create visually pleasing documents that are easier to read and navigate.
Explanation:
--margin-top|bottom|left|right 10mm: Sets the top, bottom, left, and right margins of the PDF to 10mm. You can adjust the value to meet your needs and specify measurements in various units, such as pixels (px), millimeters (mm), centimeters (cm), inches (in), etc.
Example Output: When executing wkhtmltopdf --margin-top 10mm input.html output.pdf, it will convert the HTML document into a PDF with 10mm top margin.
Use case 4: Set the PDF page orientation
Code:
wkhtmltopdf --orientation Landscape|Portrait input.html output.pdf
Motivation: The page orientation determines whether the PDF will be displayed in landscape (widely oriented) or portrait (tall oriented) mode. Choosing the right orientation is essential to ensure that the content fits well and is easy to read.
Explanation:
--orientation Landscape|Portrait: Specifies the orientation of the PDF. You can select either Landscape or Portrait.
Example Output: If you run wkhtmltopdf --orientation Landscape input.html output.pdf, it will convert the HTML document into a PDF with landscape orientation.
Use case 5: Generate a greyscale version of the PDF document
Code:
wkhtmltopdf --grayscale input.html output.pdf
Motivation: Generating a greyscale PDF can be useful when you want to create a black and white version of a colored document or web page. It can help to save ink/toner while printing and enhance readability for visually impaired individuals.
Explanation:
--grayscale: Converts the resulting PDF into a greyscale (black and white) version.
Example Output: When you use the command wkhtmltopdf --grayscale input.html output.pdf, it will convert the HTML document into a greyscale PDF.
Conclusion:
The wkhtmltopdf command provides a convenient way to convert HTML documents or web pages into PDF files. By exploring the various use cases described above, you can customize the resulting PDF according to your requirements, such as setting page size, margins, orientation, and generating greyscale versions. This flexibility allows you to create professional, visually appealing PDF documents suitable for various purposes.
