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How to Print in an ASP.NET Web Application Framework

ByChaknith Bin

March 19, 2025

Updated  June 1, 2025

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Sometimes, web applications need to print a document as the final output. However, integrating the print function with a web application can be a real-world challenge. Many web applications use asynchronous functions, and a synchronous print function could potentially cause issues. But, there's a solution! IronPrint offers the PrintAsync function, a crucial tool for web applications. In this brief tutorial, we'll demonstrate the power of the PrintAsync function combined with ASP.NET Core. This will show you how to simulate a real-world web application that prints a document as the final output.

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Asynchronous PDF Printing Example

This example demonstrates how to print a PDF file asynchronously in an ASP.NET Web Application (.NET Framework) project using the PrintAsync method. By using PrintAsync, the print operation is initiated asynchronously, allowing the application to remain responsive, as opposed to blocking the thread with traditional synchronous Print methods.

Add a Print Button

In your "Index.cshtml" (or home page view), add a button that triggers an action when clicked. This button will invoke an ActionResult method in your controller. Here’s how you can implement it:

@{
    ViewBag.Title = "Home Page";
}

<main>
    <section class="row" aria-labelledby="aspnetTitle">
        <h1 id="title">ASP.NET</h1>
        <p>
            <!-- Button that triggers the PrintPdf ActionResult -->
            <a class="btn btn-primary btn-md" onclick="location.href='@Url.Action("PrintPdf", "Home")'">Print PDF</a>
        </p>
    </section>
</main>

@{
    ViewBag.Title = "Home Page";
}

<main>
    <section class="row" aria-labelledby="aspnetTitle">
        <h1 id="title">ASP.NET</h1>
        <p>
            <!-- Button that triggers the PrintPdf ActionResult -->
            <a class="btn btn-primary btn-md" onclick="location.href='@Url.Action("PrintPdf", "Home")'">Print PDF</a>
        </p>
    </section>
</main>

Implement PrintAsync in the Controller

In your HomeController, you’ll implement the PrintAsync method. This method allows the print operation to occur asynchronously, enhancing the responsiveness of the application.

using IronPrint;
using System.Threading.Tasks;
using System.Web.Mvc;

namespace WebApplication4.Controllers
{
    public class HomeController : Controller
    {
        public ActionResult Index()
        {
            return View();
        }

        public ActionResult About()
        {
            ViewBag.Message = "Your application description page.";
            return View();
        }

        public ActionResult Contact()
        {
            return View();
        }

        // Action method to handle the printing operation
        // This makes use of the PrintAsync method to avoid blocking the main thread
        public ActionResult PrintPdf()
        {
            // Wait for the asynchronous print operation to complete
            Printer.PrintAsync("Basic.pdf").Wait();

            // Return some view, for example, a confirmation page or the index page
            return View(); // Replace with an appropriate view
        }
    }
}

using IronPrint;
using System.Threading.Tasks;
using System.Web.Mvc;

namespace WebApplication4.Controllers
{
    public class HomeController : Controller
    {
        public ActionResult Index()
        {
            return View();
        }

        public ActionResult About()
        {
            ViewBag.Message = "Your application description page.";
            return View();
        }

        public ActionResult Contact()
        {
            return View();
        }

        // Action method to handle the printing operation
        // This makes use of the PrintAsync method to avoid blocking the main thread
        public ActionResult PrintPdf()
        {
            // Wait for the asynchronous print operation to complete
            Printer.PrintAsync("Basic.pdf").Wait();

            // Return some view, for example, a confirmation page or the index page
            return View(); // Replace with an appropriate view
        }
    }
}

Imports IronPrint
Imports System.Threading.Tasks
Imports System.Web.Mvc

Namespace WebApplication4.Controllers
	Public Class HomeController
		Inherits Controller

		Public Function Index() As ActionResult
			Return View()
		End Function

		Public Function About() As ActionResult
			ViewBag.Message = "Your application description page."
			Return View()
		End Function

		Public Function Contact() As ActionResult
			Return View()
		End Function

		' Action method to handle the printing operation
		' This makes use of the PrintAsync method to avoid blocking the main thread
		Public Function PrintPdf() As ActionResult
			' Wait for the asynchronous print operation to complete
			Printer.PrintAsync("Basic.pdf").Wait()

			' Return some view, for example, a confirmation page or the index page
			Return View() ' Replace with an appropriate view
		End Function
	End Class
End Namespace

Chaknith Bin

  Chat with engineering team now

Software Engineer

Chaknith works on IronXL and IronBarcode. He has deep expertise in C# and .NET, helping improve the software and support customers. His insights from user interactions contribute to better products, documentation, and overall experience.