TL;DR: Choosing the right C# PDF library is critical for building scalable, secure, and compliant .NET applications. This guide compares the top 8 libraries for 2025, covering features like PDF/A compliance, OCR, digital signatures, and cross-platform support for Blazor, MAUI, and WPF.
PDF functionality is a must-have in many .NET applications, whether you’re generating invoices, handling form submissions, or building secure document workflows. However, with numerous C# PDF libraries available, selecting the right one can be challenging.
A C# PDF library is a set of APIs that enables developers to create, read, edit, and manipulate PDF documents directly within .NET applications, without relying on external software like Adobe Acrobat.
This guide compares eight popular C# PDF libraries used in .NET development today. We’ll look at their strengths, ideal use cases, and key features, so you can pick the one that fits your project best.
What developers should consider
Before diving into the list, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Platform support: Does it work with Blazor, MAUI, WPF, ASP.NET?
- Features: PDF creation, editing, merging, form filling, OCR, digital signatures
- Performance: Speed and memory usage for large files
- Licensing: Open-source, freemium, or commercial
- Ease of use: API design, documentation, and community support
Let’s get started!
1. IronPDF
IronPDF is a commercial C# PDF library developed by IronSoftware, designed to simplify PDF generation and editing in .NET applications. It specializes in converting HTML to PDF with pixel-perfect rendering. It’s ideal for web-based reporting and dynamic content generation.
Key features
- Best suited for HTML-to-PDF conversion
- Great for web apps and dynamic content
- Easy to integrate with ASP.NET projects
- Commercial license with flexible pricing
Best for: Web apps focused on dynamic PDF generation from HTML content.
2. Aspose.PDF
Aspose.PDF is a robust commercial PDF library designed for .NET developers, offering extensive document processing capabilities suitable for enterprise-level applications. Its powerful API supports a wide range of operations, making it ideal for complex workflows involving high-volume document automation.
Highlights
- Full support for PDF creation, editing, form handling, and compliance
- Optimized for server-side performance
- Available via NuGet; supports .NET Framework and Core
- Tiered licensing with trial limitations
- Strong documentation and support channels
Best for: Enterprise applications require scalable, compliant document workflows.
3. Apryse
Apryse is a high-performance, enterprise-grade PDF SDK designed for mission-critical applications in industries such as finance, legal, and healthcare. It offers advanced document processing capabilities, including viewing, editing, conversion, and collaboration, with a strong focus on security and scalability.
Highlights
- Support features like semantic comparison, OCR, redaction, form handling, annotation, signing workflows, PDF/A conversion, and real-time collaboration
- High-performance rendering and sandboxed security
- SDKs for web, mobile, and desktop
- Custom commercial licensing
- Developer onboarding and expert support
Best for: Mission-critical apps need secure, collaborative, and compliant PDF workflows.
4. iTextSharp
iTextSharp is the .NET version of iText, offering granular control over PDF structure and compliance.
Highlights
- Modular architecture with add-ons for OCR, HTML, and redaction
- Supports PDF/A, PDF/UA, and PDF 2.0 standards
- Dual licensing: AGPL open-source and commercial
- Advanced encryption and blockchain integration
- Active global community and ISO-compliant updates
Best for: Projects requiring deep API control over PDF internals and international compliance.
5. GemBox.Pdf
GemBox.Pdf is a high-performance, standalone .NET PDF library designed for developers who need fast and efficient PDF processing without the overhead of enterprise-grade solutions. It is a lightweight .NET library optimized for speed and memory efficiency, with no external dependencies.
Highlights
- Fast PDF creation, editing, and form handling
- Free 2-page limit, 30-day trial, and paid perpetual license per developer with no deployment fees
- Supports .NET Core, .NET Framework, Xamarin, and .NET MAUI
- Simple API and responsive support
Best for: Lightweight apps or internal tools where performance and simplicity matter most.
6. PdfSharp
PdfSharp is an open-source library for basic PDF generation and editing. It’s often paired with MigraDoc for layout.
Highlights
- Basic PDF creation, text rendering, and image embedding
- MIT license, free for commercial use
- Works with .NET Framework, .NET 6, and .NET Standard
- Limited support for advanced features like OCR or compliance
- Community-driven with a slower development pace
When to choose PdfSharp?
Budget-conscious projects or internal tools needing basic PDF functionality.
7. Syncfusion .NET PDF Library
Syncfusion .NET PDF library is one of the most comprehensive and developer-friendly PDF libraries for C# and .NET applications. Designed for enterprise-grade document automation, it offers a powerful yet intuitive API that supports advanced PDF generation, editing, and processing across all major .NET platforms, including Blazor, .NET MAUI, WPF, WinForms, and Xamarin.
Key features
- Advanced form handling, annotations, OCR, and PDF/A compliance
- AES-256 encryption, digital signatures, and redaction
- Cross-platform support, including mobile via .NET MAUI
- Free community license for small teams and a commercial license for broader deployment
- Well-documented with live examples and playgrounds
Code example: Create a PDF with simple text
This simple example demonstrates how to create a new PDF document from scratch, add a title, and insert an image, a common requirement for generating reports or invoices.
using Syncfusion.Pdf;
using Syncfusion.Pdf.Graphics;
using System.Drawing;
//Create a new PDF document.
PdfDocument document = new PdfDocument();
//Add a page to the document.
PdfPage page = document.Pages.Add();
//Create PDF graphics for the page.
PdfGraphics graphics = page.Graphics;
//Set the standard font.
PdfFont font = new PdfStandardFont(PdfFontFamily.Helvetica, 20);
//Draw the text.
graphics.DrawString("Hello World!!!", font, PdfBrushes.Black, new PointF(0, 0));
//Save the document.
document.Save("Output.pdf");
//Close the document.
document.Close(true);
Note: For more details, explore the official documentation and try out live examples in the Syncfusion PDF Playground.
Best for: Enterprise apps need robust features, licensing flexibility, and cross-platform support.
8. Nutrient (formerly PSPDFKit)
Nutrient, previously known as PSPDFKit, has evolved from a traditional PDF SDK into a comprehensive document intelligence platform. It combines robust PDF processing with AI-powered document analysis, making it ideal for organizations that require advanced workflows, collaboration, and intelligent content extraction across platforms.
Highlights
- Real-time editing, annotation, and content extraction
- SDKs for web, iOS, android, and desktop
- Modular API with developer playgrounds
- Commercial-only with custom pricing
- Security-first architecture and compliance support.
Best for: Organizations that need smart, collaborative PDF workflows across platforms.
Comparison of leading C# PDF Libraries
This table will help you identify the best option based on specific project needs, such as integration ease, available features, support options, performance, and the ideal use case.
Choosing the right C# PDF library
Selecting the ideal C# PDF library depends on your project’s scope, platform, and compliance requirements. Here’s a quick guide to help you match your needs with the right tool:
- Versatile development across platforms – Syncfusion
- Projects with heavy HTML rendering – IronPDF
- Cost-effective solutions – PdfSharp
- High-performance applications – GemBox.Pdf
- Enterprise-grade document intelligence – Nutrient
- Compliance-focused workflows – iTextSharp or Apryse
Each library offers a distinct mix of features, performance, licensing models, and platform compatibility. Whether you’re building lightweight utilities, handling sensitive documents, or managing large-scale enterprise workflows, the best choice depends on your specific use case.
If you’re a Syncfusion user, you can download the setup from the license and downloads page. Otherwise, you can download a free 30-day trial. You can also contact us through our support forums, support portal, or feedback portal. We are always happy to assist you!
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This article was originally published at Syncfusion.com.
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