Migrating from Syncfusion PDF to IronPDF (.NET Guide)

Syncfusion Essential Studio is a comprehensive component suite with 1,900+ UI controls—but if you're only using the PDF library and don't need the other components, you're paying for features you never use.

IronPDF offers specialized PDF functionality at a lower price point with superior HTML rendering. Here's when and how to migrate.

Why Migrate from Syncfusion to IronPDF?

1. You're Paying for Features You Don't Use

Syncfusion PDF ships as part of Essential Studio, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint libraries, and 1,900+ UI controls.

Syncfusion Essential Studio: $995/developer (entire suite)
IronPDF: $749/developer (PDF only)

If you're only using the PDF library, IronPDF saves $246/developer while delivering better HTML rendering.

Migrate if: You don't use Syncfusion's grid controls, charts, or other UI components—just PDF generation.

2. Better HTML-to-PDF Rendering

IronPDF uses Chromium rendering, the same engine as Google Chrome. This means modern CSS (flexbox, grid, CSS variables) and JavaScript work perfectly.

In independent testing, IronPDF's HTML rendering outperformed Syncfusion in both fidelity and feature completeness.

IronPDF HTML rendering:

using IronPdf;
// Install via NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf

var html = @"
<link href='https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/bootstrap@5.3.0/dist/css/bootstrap.min.css' rel='stylesheet'>
<div class='container'>
    <div class='alert alert-primary'>Bootstrap works perfectly!</div>
</div>";

var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html);
pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf");

Syncfusion HTML rendering:

using Syncfusion.HtmlConverter;
using Syncfusion.Pdf;
// Install via NuGet: Install-Package Syncfusion.HtmlToPdfConverter.Net.Core

var htmlConverter = new HtmlToPdfConverter();
var document = htmlConverter.Convert("<div>HTML content</div>", "");
document.Save("output.pdf");
document.Close(true);

Key difference: Syncfusion's HTML converter has limitations with modern web standards, while IronPDF's Chromium engine handles them natively.

3. Simpler API, Less Boilerplate

IronPDF requires fewer lines of code for common tasks.

Example: Convert URL to PDF

Syncfusion:

using Syncfusion.HtmlConverter;
using Syncfusion.Pdf;
// Install via NuGet: Install-Package Syncfusion.HtmlToPdfConverter.Net.Core

var htmlConverter = new HtmlToPdfConverter();
var settings = new BlinkConverterSettings();
htmlConverter.ConverterSettings = settings;

var document = htmlConverter.Convert("https://example.com");
document.Save("output.pdf");
document.Close(true);

IronPDF:

using IronPdf;
// Install via NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf

var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
var pdf = renderer.RenderUrlAsPdf("https://example.com");
pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf");

50% less code with IronPDF's streamlined API.

4. Interactive Form Fields

In testing, IronPDF produced actual interactive form fields (dropdowns, checkboxes, text inputs) that users can interact with, while Syncfusion's forms were rendered visually but not interactive.

IronPDF form generation:

using IronPdf;
// Install via NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf

var html = @"
<form>
    <input type='text' name='name' />
    <input type='email' name='email' />
    <select name='country'>
        <option>USA</option>
        <option>Canada</option>
    </select>
</form>";

var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
renderer.RenderingOptions.CreatePdfFormsFromHtml = true;

var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html);
pdf.SaveAs("interactive-form.pdf");

The resulting PDF contains real form fields, not just visual representations.

5. Image Loading Issues in Syncfusion

In comparative testing, Syncfusion failed to load images in several scenarios, while IronPDF rendered them correctly.

IronPDF handles images reliably:

using IronPdf;
// Install via NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf

var html = @"
<img src='https://via.placeholder.com/300' alt='Image'>
<img src='data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0...' alt='Base64 Image'>";

var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html);
pdf.SaveAs("with-images.pdf");

Both remote URLs and base64-encoded images work consistently with IronPDF.

Key Differences: Syncfusion vs. IronPDF

Feature	Syncfusion PDF	IronPDF
HTML Rendering Engine	WebKit-based	Chromium-based (Chrome)
Modern CSS (Flexbox, Grid)	⚠️ Limited	✅ Fully supported
JavaScript Execution	⚠️ Limited	✅ Fully supported
Interactive Form Fields	❌ Rendered but not interactive	✅ Fully interactive
Image Loading Reliability	⚠️ Issues reported	✅ Reliable
API Complexity	Moderate	Low
Licensing	$995/dev (full suite)	$749/dev (PDF only)
Bundle Size	Large (1,900+ components)	Focused (PDF only)
UI Component Suite	✅ Included	❌ Not included

When to Stay with Syncfusion

Don't migrate if:

1. You're using multiple Syncfusion components (grids, charts, Word/Excel libraries). The suite pricing ($995/dev) is great value if you use 3+ components.
2. You need Syncfusion's UI controls. IronPDF doesn't include UI components—it's PDF-focused.
3. You're heavily invested in Syncfusion's API. Migration requires code changes.

Migrate if:

1. You're only using Syncfusion for PDF generation. You're paying for 1,900+ components you don't use.
2. HTML rendering quality matters. IronPDF's Chromium engine delivers better fidelity.
3. You need interactive PDF forms. IronPDF generates real form fields.
4. You want simpler API. IronPDF reduces boilerplate code.

Migration Strategy: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Audit Syncfusion Usage

Identify which Syncfusion components you're using:

• PDF only → Strong migration candidate
• PDF + Word/Excel → Consider if IronPDF + alternatives cost less
• PDF + UI controls (grids, charts) → Likely better to stay with Syncfusion suite

If PDF is your only Syncfusion component, migration saves $246/developer.

Step 2: Migrate HTML-to-PDF Conversions

This is the most common use case and easiest to migrate.

Before (Syncfusion):

using Syncfusion.HtmlConverter;
using Syncfusion.Pdf;
// Install via NuGet: Install-Package Syncfusion.HtmlToPdfConverter.Net.Core

var htmlConverter = new HtmlToPdfConverter();
var document = htmlConverter.Convert("<h1>Invoice</h1>", "");
document.Save("invoice.pdf");
document.Close(true);

After (IronPDF):

using IronPdf;
// Install via NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf

var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf("<h1>Invoice</h1>");
pdf.SaveAs("invoice.pdf");

Benefits:

• Fewer lines of code
• No manual document closing (handled by IronPDF)
• Better CSS/JavaScript support

Step 3: Migrate Programmatic PDF Generation

If you're using Syncfusion's PdfDocument class to build PDFs programmatically (drawing shapes, adding text), consider whether IronPDF's HTML-based approach works for you.

Syncfusion programmatic approach:

using Syncfusion.Pdf;
using Syncfusion.Pdf.Graphics;
using Syncfusion.Drawing;
// Install via NuGet: Install-Package Syncfusion.Pdf.Net.Core

var document = new PdfDocument();
var page = document.Pages.Add();
var graphics = page.Graphics;

var font = new PdfStandardFont(PdfFontFamily.Helvetica, 20);
graphics.DrawString("Hello World", font, PdfBrushes.Black, new PointF(10, 10));

document.Save("output.pdf");
document.Close(true);

IronPDF HTML-based approach:

using IronPdf;
// Install via NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf

var html = "<h1 style='font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 20px;'>Hello World</h1>";

var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html);
pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf");

Trade-off:

IronPDF's HTML approach is simpler for most use cases but requires rethinking if you're doing heavy programmatic drawing. For structured layouts (invoices, reports), HTML/CSS is often easier to maintain.

Step 4: Migrate Headers and Footers

Syncfusion:

using Syncfusion.Pdf;
using Syncfusion.Pdf.Graphics;
// Install via NuGet: Install-Package Syncfusion.Pdf.Net.Core

var document = new PdfDocument();
var page = document.Pages.Add();

var template = new PdfPageTemplateElement(new RectangleF(0, 0, page.Size.Width, 50));
template.Graphics.DrawString("Header Text", new PdfStandardFont(PdfFontFamily.Helvetica, 10),
    PdfBrushes.Black, new PointF(10, 10));

document.Template.Top = template;
document.Save("output.pdf");
document.Close(true);

IronPDF:

using IronPdf;
// Install via NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf

var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
renderer.RenderingOptions.HtmlHeader = new HtmlHeaderFooter
{
    HtmlFragment = "<div style='text-align: center; font-size: 10px;'>Header Text</div>"
};

var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf("<h1>Document Content</h1>");
pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf");

IronPDF's HTML-based headers/footers are easier to style with CSS.

Step 5: Migrate Watermarks

Syncfusion:

using Syncfusion.Pdf;
using Syncfusion.Pdf.Graphics;
using Syncfusion.Drawing;
// Install via NuGet: Install-Package Syncfusion.Pdf.Net.Core

var document = new PdfDocument();
var page = document.Pages.Add();

var watermarkText = new PdfGraphics(page);
var font = new PdfStandardFont(PdfFontFamily.Helvetica, 60);
watermarkText.DrawString("DRAFT", font, PdfBrushes.LightGray,
    new PointF(100, 300), new PdfStringFormat());

document.Save("output.pdf");
document.Close(true);

IronPDF:

using IronPdf;
// Install via NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf

var pdf = PdfDocument.FromFile("document.pdf");
pdf.ApplyWatermark("<h1 style='color: rgba(0,0,0,0.2);'>DRAFT</h1>", rotation: 45);
pdf.SaveAs("watermarked.pdf");

90% less code with IronPDF's high-level API.

Step 6: Migrate PDF Merging

Syncfusion:

using Syncfusion.Pdf;
// Install via NuGet: Install-Package Syncfusion.Pdf.Net.Core

var document1 = new PdfDocument("doc1.pdf");
var document2 = new PdfDocument("doc2.pdf");

var mergedDocument = new PdfDocument();
mergedDocument.ImportPage(document1, 0);
mergedDocument.ImportPage(document2, 0);

mergedDocument.Save("merged.pdf");
mergedDocument.Close(true);

IronPDF:

using IronPdf;
// Install via NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf

var pdf1 = PdfDocument.FromFile("doc1.pdf");
var pdf2 = PdfDocument.FromFile("doc2.pdf");

var merged = PdfDocument.Merge(pdf1, pdf2);
merged.SaveAs("merged.pdf");

Cleaner, more intuitive API.

Step 7: Migrate Digital Signatures

Syncfusion:

using Syncfusion.Pdf;
using Syncfusion.Pdf.Security;
// Install via NuGet: Install-Package Syncfusion.Pdf.Net.Core

var document = new PdfDocument("document.pdf");
var page = document.Pages[0];

var certificate = new PdfCertificate("certificate.pfx", "password");
var signature = new PdfSignature(page, certificate, "Signature");
signature.Bounds = new RectangleF(10, 10, 200, 100);

document.Save("signed.pdf");
document.Close(true);

IronPDF:

using IronPdf;
using IronPdf.Signing;
// Install via NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf

var pdf = PdfDocument.FromFile("document.pdf");

var signature = new PdfSignature("certificate.pfx", "password");
signature.SigningReason = "Contract Approval";

pdf.Sign(signature);
pdf.SaveAs("signed.pdf");

Simpler, less boilerplate.

Performance Comparison

Syncfusion claims faster rendering and lower memory usage than IronPDF in some scenarios. However, IronPDF prioritizes developer productivity over microsecond performance gains.

Real-world consideration:

If your PDF generation takes 500ms with Syncfusion and 600ms with IronPDF, but IronPDF saves you 40 hours of development time, the productivity win is more valuable than the 100ms performance difference.

Benchmark with your actual workloads if performance is critical.

Cost Comparison

	Syncfusion Essential Studio	IronPDF
Price (per developer)	$995	$749
PDF Library	✅ Included	✅ Full featured
UI Controls (grids, charts)	✅ 1,900+ components	❌ Not included
Word/Excel/PowerPoint Libraries	✅ Included	❌ Not included

If you only use PDF: IronPDF saves $246/developer

If you use PDF + UI controls + Office libraries: Syncfusion suite is great value

Migration Checklist

✅ Audit Syncfusion component usage (PDF only? Or PDF + other components?)

✅ If PDF only → Strong migration candidate

✅ Install IronPDF and build proof-of-concept

✅ Migrate HTML-to-PDF conversions (easiest win)

✅ Migrate headers/footers (HTML-based approach)

✅ Migrate watermarks (simpler API)

✅ Migrate merging/splitting (cleaner code)

✅ Migrate digital signatures (less boilerplate)

✅ Performance test with real workloads

✅ License cost analysis (Syncfusion $995 vs. IronPDF $749)

✅ Train team on IronPDF API

✅ Deprecate Syncfusion if no longer using other components

Should You Migrate?

Migrate to IronPDF if:

• You're only using Syncfusion for PDF generation (save $246/developer)
• HTML rendering quality is critical (Chromium > WebKit)
• You need interactive PDF forms (IronPDF generates real form fields)
• You want simpler API with less boilerplate
• You prioritize developer productivity over marginal performance gains

Stay with Syncfusion if:

• You're using 3+ Syncfusion components (suite pricing is great value)
• You need Syncfusion's UI controls (grids, charts, calendars)
• You're heavily invested in Syncfusion's API
• Microsecond-level performance is critical

For teams using only Syncfusion PDF, IronPDF delivers better HTML rendering at lower cost with a simpler API.

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Written by Jacob Mellor, CTO at Iron Software. Jacob created IronPDF and leads a team of 50+ engineers building .NET document processing libraries.