If you’re looking to transform any webpage or a specific element into a PDF file using html2canvas and jsPDF, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through the steps needed to get started with html2pdf.js for client-side PDF generation.

Getting Started

Here’s how to import html2pdf.js into your project:

CDN

The easiest way is to use a CDN. Include the following script in your HTML:

<script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/html2pdf.js/0.10.1/html2pdf.bundle.min.js" integrity="sha512-GsLlZN3F2ErC5ifS5QtgpiJtWd43JWSuIgh7mbzZ8zBps+dvLusV+eNQATqgAHdeKFVgA5v3ScIrLF7QnIg==" crossorigin="anonymous" referrerpolicy="no-referrer"></script>

This script locks you to a specific version, ensuring stability in your project. You can explore all past versions of html2pdf.js on cdnjs.

Raw JS

Alternatively, download the file directly into your project folder and add it like this:

<script src="html2pdf.bundle.min.js"></script>

NPM

Use NPM to install html2pdf.js:

npm install --save html2pdf.js

Note: This library works in browsers, not in Node.js.

Bower

For those using Bower, install it as follows:

bower install --save html2pdf.js

Using the Console

If you cannot modify a webpage directly and wish to capture it, follow these simple steps:

1. Open the browser’s console.
2. Paste in the following code:

function addScript(url) {
    var script = document.createElement('script');
    script.type = 'application/javascript';
    script.src = url;
    document.head.appendChild(script);
} 
addScript('https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/html2pdf.js/0.10.1/html2pdf.bundle.min.js');

3. You can now use html2pdf.js commands directly from the console.

Usage

After setting it up, creating a PDF is simple! Use the following command:

var element = document.getElementById('element-to-print');
html2pdf(element);

Advanced Usage

For more control, html2pdf.js uses a Promise-based API. If called without arguments, it returns a Worker object:

var worker = html2pdf(); 
// or 
var worker = new html2pdf.Worker;

With this, you can chain methods. It’s like planning a trip:
You start at your home (your HTML content), decide the route (each method you chain), and finally reach your destination (the generated PDF). If a stop is unnecessary, you can skip it and go directly to the document!

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues, consider the following:

• **Rendering Problems:** If content isn’t appearing correctly, it might be due to issues with html2canvas. Test a basic example to ensure functionality.
• **Node Cloning Errors:** If the content does not appear as expected, avoid using nested nodes that require a clone.
• **Promise Conflicts:** Ensure you’re not using incompatible Promise libraries.

For more insights, updates, or to collaborate on AI development projects, stay connected with fxis.ai.

Conclusion

At fxis.ai, we believe that such advancements are crucial for the future of AI, as they enable more comprehensive and effective solutions. Our team is continually exploring new methodologies to push the envelope in artificial intelligence, ensuring that our clients benefit from the latest technological innovations.