.NET is a cross-platform development framework that supports multiple programming languages and supports Windows, Linux, Android, and Apple, operating systems. It provides a common runtime environment in which different programming languages can run and interact. C# is one of the most commonly used programming languages for .NET, which simplifies the development process and improves code readability and maintainability. Therefore, developers can use C# to create applications on the .NET framework.
To develop a Windows PDF viewer and editor in C#, developers are eager for a versatile and reliable .NET PDF Library to streamline the development workflow. This article will introduce and compare the most popular .NET PDF Libraries in C# on the market and help you choose the most suitable one.
Considerations for Choosing C# .NET PDF Library
Many developers are still seeking the best C#/ .NET PDF Library, but don't know how to choose the one that appropriately matches your business. In fact, the criteria to select a PDF library is similar to choosing an open source PDF editor. We explore key considerations for selecting the most suitable C# PDF library below, which will simplify your decision-making.
- Features
- Ease of Use
- Performance
- Compatibility
- Community and Support
- Licensing and Cost
- Security
- Performance and Scalability
- Updates and Maintenance
- Third-party Integration
Best Professional C# .NET PDF Library
ComPDFKit
ComPDFKit provides powerful PDF libraries with support for all platforms even cross-platforms. For the server side, ComPDFKit PDF Library for .NET allows building a Windows PDF viewer without relying on any external dependencies. For the client side, ComPDFKit for Windows is compatible with various frameworks including .NET Framework, .NET Core, WPF, UWP, MAUl, and more, and most programming languages such as C#, ASP.NET, ASP.NET Core, VB.NET, C/C++, Python, and Java.
ComPDFKit C# PDF library not only processes PDF files with previews, annotations, signatures, form filling, content editing, data extraction, etc. but also helps developers to seamlessly integrate PDF functions into .NET applications with comprehensive technical documentation and 1v1 technical support. You can directly download and install ComPDFKit PDF SDK for .NET in NuGet or GitHub.
User Scenarios
Comprehensive PDF Features: Developers who need both fundamental and advanced features from annotation to extracting data from PDFs will be satisfied with ComPDFKit .NET PDF Library’s comprehensive functionality.
High Compatibility: So far, ComPDFKit provides WPF SDK that supports Windows 11/ 10/ 8/ 8.1/ 7 and UWP SDK that works with Windows 11/ 10. Meanwhile, it is compatible with Microsoft Surface devices (x86/x64). ComPDFKit PDF library for .NET Core supports all versions of Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Diverse Deployment Options: ComPDFKit C# PDF Library has three deployment options - the offline SDK, online API, and self-hosted Processor. Developers are free to choose based on demands.
Prompt Technical Support: In addition to detailed and well-structured development guides, ComPDFKit's R&D team will help developers via email, Skype, WhatsApp and any other means requested.
Projects with Limited Budgets: It is easy to obtain ComPDFKit’s 30-day free trial license to integrate the .NET PDF Library into your apps. Also, you can sign up for a free ComPDFKit API account to process 1000 files per month. If you are on a budget, it has a community license designed specifically for startups and individual developers.
PDFSharp
PDFSharp is an open source .NET library that easily processes PDF documents under Windows, Linux, Mac, and all other .NET platforms. It supports most fundamental PDF features, such as creating new PDF documents, and modifying, merging, and splitting existing PDF files. With it, developers can use just one source code for drawing on a PDF page as well as in a window or on the printer. Due to PDFSharp's performance limitations for complex operations, it is more suitable for basic tasks.
User Scenarios
Quick and Simple Development: PDFSharp offers a simple and intuitive API, making developers swiftly implement basic PDF creation functionality, saving time and effort in the development process.
Basic Features Needs: PDFSharp is well-suited to the requirement for basic PDF functions devoid of advanced functionalities.
Low Budget Projects: If you are working on an open-source project or you have a low budget in building a PDF editor, the open source PDFSharp is a good choice.
iTextSharp
iTextSharp now known as iText Core offers both open-source packages and additional commercial extensions, empowering developers to tailor their solutions to their unique needs. It is allowed to develop PDF applications in Windows, Linux, and macOS. In PDF workflow, despite its rich PDF capabilities and flexibility, iText is frequently criticized for its demanding learning curve, verbose and unfriendly code examples, and intricate API, thereby posing usability challenges in contrast to alternatives such as ComPDFKit.
User Scenarios
Intricate PDF Creation: For projects demanding intricate PDF layout and structure, iTextSharp stands out as a good option.
Capable Developers: Individuals with robust developer skills and ample time are well-equipped to navigate iTextSharp's lengthy codes and complex libraries.
See also: Extract Text From PDF in C# Using iTextSharp VS ComPDFKit
IronPDF
IronPDF is a professional and dedicated C#/ .NET PDF library designed to simplify PDF generation, manipulation, and rendering within .NET applications. Its comprehensive features empower developers to effortlessly and seamlessly integrate PDF functionality into their projects. However, while IronPDF streamlines PDF handling in .NET environments, its licensing costs may pose a constraint for smaller projects or individual developers. Furthermore, some developers may find its learning curve steep, requiring time investment to fully utilize its extensive features.
User Scenarios
Basic and Advanced Features: IronPDF is a good choice for creating a C# PDF Viewer for Windows with advanced features like encryption, digital signatures, and versatile PDF operations for complex projects.
Ease of Use API: Intuitive API is easy to use to streamline PDF generation and manipulation tasks within your projects.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: IronPDF .NET library's cross-platform compatibility ensures seamless integration with diverse environments, enhancing flexibility and accessibility for your applications.
Syncfusion PDF
Syncfusion's C# PDF Library is high-performance and feature-rich. One notable advantage is its blazing-fast performance is optimized for server environments, ensuring efficiency and low memory usage. The library boasts powerful and comprehensive APIs, granting access to all elements of a PDF document. Extensive documentation, a knowledge base, and sample codes further facilitate easy integration and troubleshooting. Whether you're developing for .NET, Blazor, .NET MAUI, .NET Core, Flutter, WinUI, Xamarin, or UWP, Syncfusion's .NET PDF Framework provides a versatile solution for PDF creation and manipulation.
User Scenarios
Comprehensive Feature Set: Syncfusion offers an extensive array of features for creating, editing, and manipulating PDF documents, as well as support for complex elements like tables, charts, and graphics.
Documentation and Support: It is easy for developers to quickly get up to speed with the library and troubleshoot any issues they encounter, ensuring a smooth development process.
Integration Across Platforms: Syncfusion's .NET PDF Framework effortlessly supports PDF creation and manipulation across multiple platforms like .NET, Blazor, .NET MAUI, Flutter, and more.
PSPDFKit
PSPDFKit's GdPicture.NET Library is a cross-platform SDK, encompassing OCR, data extraction, editing, PDF conversion, barcode generation, scanning, and more. With its rich API, developers quickly add PDF, imaging, and intelligent data processing capabilities to any .NET application. No matter which development environment, you can leverage GdPicture.NET SDK to create applications and effortlessly deploy them across different platforms.
User Scenarios
Comprehensive Functionality: PSPDFKit GdPicture.NET Library offers almost all the tools users need for efficient document management and processing.
Seamless Cross-Platform Integration: PSPDFKit GdPicture.NET Library enables developers to seamlessly integrate PDF functionalities into any .NET application.
Easy to Integrate: Packaged as a native UWP PDF library component, PSPDFKit facilitates effortless integration with your application, streamlining the development process and reducing time-to-market.
Conclusion
Upon reviewing different C# .NET PDF libraries, it's evident that the choice ultimately depends on your specific project requirements and preferences. If you value a wide range of advanced features for managing intricate PDF tasks, along with an easy-to-use API and cross-platform compatibility, ComPDFKit .NET PDF Library in C# code presents itself as a satisfying choice.
Referring to this guide, dive in, experiment, and elevate your projects in PDF development with recommended C# PDF libraries. Try our online tools and Web Demo to experience the performance of ComPDFKit for free, or contact us to obtain a free license for the C# .NET PDF library for integration.