COMPARISON

DynamicPDF vs IronPDF: Technical Comparison Guide

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When .NET developers assess PDF generation and manipulation libraries, DynamicPDF stands out as a long-standing option with a wide range of features. However, its fragmented product model—requiring separate licenses for different capabilities—leads many teams to consider alternatives. IronPDF offers an all-in-one approach with modern HTML/CSS-based rendering that consolidates functionality into a single package.

This comparison looks at both libraries across technically relevant dimensions to help professional developers and architects make informed decisions for their .NET PDF needs.

Understanding DynamicPDF

DynamicPDF is a suite of PDF tools in the .NET ecosystem that has served developers for many years. The platform is respected for its strong features and extensive capabilities, with a rich history of reliable service.

DynamicPDF's suite includes multiple products tailored to specific PDF operations: Generator for creating PDFs from scratch, Merger for combining and manipulating existing PDFs, HTML Converter for HTML-to-PDF conversion, ReportWriter for report generation, and Print Manager for programmatic printing. While these components deliver powerful capabilities, they are sold separately—creating a fragmented experience where users manage multiple licenses and product versions.

The library uses a coordinate-based positioning approach where developers place elements at specific X, Y coordinates on a page, requiring explicit width and height specifications for each element.

Understanding IronPDF

IronPDF is a .NET PDF library that combines PDF generation, merging, and manipulation within a single, cohesive package. This eliminates the need for dealing with fragmented products and disparate licenses.

IronPDF uses a modern Chromium rendering engine for HTML-to-PDF conversion, embracing web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) for document layout rather than coordinate-based positioning. The library supports .NET Framework 4.6.2+, .NET Core 3.1+, and .NET 6/7/8/9+ natively, with thorough documentation unified across all features.

Product Model and Licensing Comparison

The fundamental structural difference between these .NET PDF libraries lies in their product organization.

AspectDynamicPDFIronPDF
Product ModelFragmented (5+ products)All-in-one library
LicensingMultiple licenses requiredSingle license
HTML to PDFSeparate add-on purchaseBuilt-in, Chromium-based
CSS SupportLimited (requires add-on)Full CSS3 with Flexbox/Grid
API StyleCoordinate-based positioningHTML/CSS + manipulation API
Learning CurveSteep (multiple APIs)Gentle (web technologies)
Modern .NET.NET Standard 2.0.NET 6/7/8/9+ native
DocumentationSpread across productsUnified documentation

DynamicPDF's separate products include:

  • DynamicPDF Generator: Create PDFs from scratch
  • DynamicPDF Merger: Merge, split, and manipulate existing PDFs
  • DynamicPDF Core Suite: Combined Generator and Merger
  • DynamicPDF HTML Converter: HTML to PDF conversion (separate add-on)
  • DynamicPDF ReportWriter: Report generation
  • DynamicPDF Print Manager: Print PDFs programmatically

A complete PDF solution can require 3-5 separate licenses with DynamicPDF. IronPDF includes equivalent functionality in one package.

Code Comparison: Common PDF Operations

HTML to PDF Conversion

Converting HTML content to PDF demonstrates the API approach differences.

DynamicPDF:

// NuGet: Install-Package ceTe.DynamicPDF.CoreSuite.NET
using ceTe.DynamicPDF;
using ceTe.DynamicPDF.Conversion;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        string html = "<html><body><h1>Hello World</h1></body></html>";
        HtmlConverter converter = new HtmlConverter(html);
        converter.Convert("output.pdf");
    }
}
// NuGet: Install-Package ceTe.DynamicPDF.CoreSuite.NET
using ceTe.DynamicPDF;
using ceTe.DynamicPDF.Conversion;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        string html = "<html><body><h1>Hello World</h1></body></html>";
        HtmlConverter converter = new HtmlConverter(html);
        converter.Convert("output.pdf");
    }
}
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

IronPDF:

// NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf
using IronPdf;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        string html = "<html><body><h1>Hello World</h1></body></html>";
        var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
        var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html);
        pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf");
    }
}
// NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf
using IronPdf;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        string html = "<html><body><h1>Hello World</h1></body></html>";
        var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
        var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf(html);
        pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf");
    }
}
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

DynamicPDF requires the separate HTML Converter add-on package for this functionality. IronPDF includes HTML-to-PDF conversion as a built-in feature using a Chromium rendering engine, with the RenderHtmlAsPdf() method returning a PdfDocument object that can be further manipulated before saving.

For advanced HTML rendering options, explore the HTML to PDF conversion guide.

PDF Merging Operations

Combining multiple PDF documents shows different API patterns.

DynamicPDF:

// NuGet: Install-Package ceTe.DynamicPDF.CoreSuite.NET
using ceTe.DynamicPDF;
using ceTe.DynamicPDF.Merger;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        MergeDocument document = new MergeDocument("document1.pdf");
        document.Append("document2.pdf");
        document.Draw("merged.pdf");
    }
}
// NuGet: Install-Package ceTe.DynamicPDF.CoreSuite.NET
using ceTe.DynamicPDF;
using ceTe.DynamicPDF.Merger;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        MergeDocument document = new MergeDocument("document1.pdf");
        document.Append("document2.pdf");
        document.Draw("merged.pdf");
    }
}
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

IronPDF:

// NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf
using IronPdf;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        var pdf1 = PdfDocument.FromFile("document1.pdf");
        var pdf2 = PdfDocument.FromFile("document2.pdf");
        var merged = PdfDocument.Merge(pdf1, pdf2);
        merged.SaveAs("merged.pdf");
    }
}
// NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf
using IronPdf;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        var pdf1 = PdfDocument.FromFile("document1.pdf");
        var pdf2 = PdfDocument.FromFile("document2.pdf");
        var merged = PdfDocument.Merge(pdf1, pdf2);
        merged.SaveAs("merged.pdf");
    }
}
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

DynamicPDF uses the MergeDocument class from the Merger namespace (requiring a separate Merger license). IronPDF uses a static PdfDocument.Merge() method that accepts multiple PdfDocument objects loaded via FromFile(). Both approaches produce merged documents, but IronPDF's merge functionality is included without additional licensing.

Explore additional merge operations in the PDF merging documentation.

Adding Text to PDFs

Creating documents with text demonstrates the difference between coordinate-based and HTML-based approaches.

DynamicPDF:

// NuGet: Install-Package ceTe.DynamicPDF.CoreSuite.NET
using ceTe.DynamicPDF;
using ceTe.DynamicPDF.PageElements;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        Document document = new Document();
        Page page = new Page(PageSize.Letter);
        Label label = new Label("Hello from DynamicPDF!", 0, 0, 504, 100);
        page.Elements.Add(label);
        document.Pages.Add(page);
        document.Draw("output.pdf");
    }
}
// NuGet: Install-Package ceTe.DynamicPDF.CoreSuite.NET
using ceTe.DynamicPDF;
using ceTe.DynamicPDF.PageElements;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        Document document = new Document();
        Page page = new Page(PageSize.Letter);
        Label label = new Label("Hello from DynamicPDF!", 0, 0, 504, 100);
        page.Elements.Add(label);
        document.Pages.Add(page);
        document.Draw("output.pdf");
    }
}
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

IronPDF:

// NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf
using IronPdf;
using IronPdf.Editing;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
        var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf("<html><body></body></html>");
        var textStamper = new TextStamper()
        {
            Text = "Hello from IronPDF!",
            FontSize = 20,
            VerticalAlignment = VerticalAlignment.Top
        };
        pdf.ApplyStamp(textStamper);
        pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf");
    }
}
// NuGet: Install-Package IronPdf
using IronPdf;
using IronPdf.Editing;

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
        var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf("<html><body></body></html>");
        var textStamper = new TextStamper()
        {
            Text = "Hello from IronPDF!",
            FontSize = 20,
            VerticalAlignment = VerticalAlignment.Top
        };
        pdf.ApplyStamp(textStamper);
        pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf");
    }
}
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

DynamicPDF uses coordinate-based positioning with Label elements added to Page objects at specific X, Y coordinates with explicit width and height values (0, 0, 504, 100). IronPDF uses TextStamper with alignment properties or HTML-based content rendering. The HTML approach allows developers familiar with web technologies to design documents using CSS for positioning and styling.

Method Mapping Reference

For developers evaluating DynamicPDF migration or comparing capabilities, this mapping shows equivalent operations:

Core Class Mapping

DynamicPDFIronPDF
Document + PageChromePdfRenderer
Label, TextAreaHTML <p>, <div>
Table2HTML <table>
MergeDocumentPdfDocument.Merge()
HtmlConverterChromePdfRenderer
document.Draw()pdf.SaveAs() / pdf.BinaryData

Document Operations Mapping

DynamicPDFIronPDF
document.Draw("file.pdf")pdf.SaveAs("file.pdf")
document.Draw() → byte[]pdf.BinaryData
pdfDoc.Pages[i].GetText()pdf.ExtractTextFromPage(i)
Aes256Securitypdf.SecuritySettings
form.Fields["name"]pdf.Form.GetFieldByName("name")

Page Numbering Syntax

DynamicPDFIronPDF
%%CP%% (current page){page}
%%TP%% (total pages){total-pages}

Namespace Mapping

DynamicPDF NamespaceIronPDF Equivalent
ceTe.DynamicPDFIronPdf
ceTe.DynamicPDF.PageElementsHTML elements
ceTe.DynamicPDF.MergerIronPdf
ceTe.DynamicPDF.ConversionIronPdf
ceTe.DynamicPDF.CryptographyIronPdf (SecuritySettings)
ceTe.DynamicPDF.FormsIronPdf (Form property)

Feature Comparison Summary

FeatureDynamicPDFIronPDF
PDF generation from scratch✅ (Generator)✅
HTML to PDF conversion✅ (separate add-on)✅ (built-in)
PDF merging/splitting✅ (Merger)✅
Form filling✅✅
Text extraction✅✅
Digital signatures✅✅
Encryption/passwords✅✅
Watermarks✅✅
Headers/footers✅✅ (HTML-based)
Page numbering✅ (%%CP%%)✅ ({page})

The Shift: Coordinate-Based vs HTML/CSS

The most significant difference between DynamicPDF and IronPDF lies in their fundamental approach to document layout.

DynamicPDF Coordinate-Based Approach

Document document = new Document();
Page page = new Page(PageSize.Letter);
Label label = new Label("Hello", 100, 200, 300, 50, Font.Helvetica, 12);
page.Elements.Add(label);
document.Pages.Add(page);
document.Draw("output.pdf");
Document document = new Document();
Page page = new Page(PageSize.Letter);
Label label = new Label("Hello", 100, 200, 300, 50, Font.Helvetica, 12);
page.Elements.Add(label);
document.Pages.Add(page);
document.Draw("output.pdf");
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

DynamicPDF requires specifying exact pixel positions (X=100, Y=200) and dimensions (width=300, height=50) for every element. This provides precise control but requires careful calculation and adjustment when layouts change.

IronPDF HTML/CSS Approach

var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf("<h1 style='margin-left:100px'>Hello</h1>");
pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf");
var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer();
var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf("<h1 style='margin-left:100px'>Hello</h1>");
pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf");
$vbLabelText   $csharpLabel

IronPDF uses web technologies that most developers already know. Complex layouts use CSS Flexbox, Grid, or traditional positioning, with the Chromium engine rendering exactly as browsers display content.

When Teams Consider Moving from DynamicPDF to IronPDF

Development teams evaluate transitioning from DynamicPDF to IronPDF for several reasons:

License Consolidation: Managing 3-5 separate DynamicPDF licenses creates administrative overhead and cost complexity. IronPDF's single license covers all functionality, simplifying procurement and compliance tracking.

HTML/CSS Familiarity: Teams with web development experience find IronPDF's HTML-based approach more intuitive than coordinate-based positioning. Existing HTML templates can be converted to PDF without redesign.

Modern .NET Support: IronPDF provides native support for .NET 6/7/8/9+, while DynamicPDF targets .NET Standard 2.0. Teams building modern applications benefit from native runtime optimizations.

Add-On Elimination: DynamicPDF's HTML Converter is a separate purchase. IronPDF includes HTML-to-PDF conversion as a core feature with full CSS3 support including Flexbox and Grid layouts.

Unified Documentation: Learning DynamicPDF requires navigating documentation spread across multiple products. IronPDF's unified documentation covers all features in one location.

API Simplification: Converting multiple DynamicPDF classes (Document, Page, Label, MergeDocument, HtmlConverter) to IronPDF's streamlined API reduces code complexity and maintenance burden.

Strengths and Considerations

DynamicPDF Strengths

  • Established Reputation: Years in the market with consistent updates and reliable service
  • Comprehensive Features: Extensive capabilities for PDF creation, manipulation, and printing
  • Flexibility in Use: Supports both modern .NET and legacy frameworks
  • Fine-Grained Control: Coordinate-based positioning enables precise element placement

DynamicPDF Considerations

  • Product Fragmentation: Separate licenses for Generator, Merger, HTML Converter, and other products
  • Complex Pricing: Navigating multiple licenses increases costs for comprehensive functionality
  • Legacy Codebase: May not always align with latest .NET standards
  • Separate Documentation: Information spread across product-specific resources
  • Learning Curve: Multiple APIs require learning different patterns for different operations

IronPDF Strengths

  • All-in-One Package: Single library replaces 3-5 DynamicPDF packages
  • Modern Rendering: Chromium engine with full CSS3 support
  • Web Technologies: HTML/CSS approach familiar to web developers
  • Simplified Licensing: One license encompasses all features
  • Modern .NET: Native support for .NET 6/7/8/9+
  • Unified API: Consistent patterns across all operations
  • Comprehensive Resources: Extensive tutorials and documentation

IronPDF Considerations

  • Paradigm Change: Coordinate-based layouts require conversion to HTML/CSS
  • Different Page Numbering: Uses {page} syntax instead of %%CP%%

Conclusion

DynamicPDF and IronPDF both provide extensive PDF capabilities for .NET developers, but they represent different approaches to product organization and document layout. DynamicPDF offers established reliability through its fragmented product suite, while requiring multiple licenses and coordinate-based positioning expertise.

IronPDF provides a modern alternative with an all-in-one package, HTML/CSS-based rendering, and simplified licensing. For teams seeking license consolidation, web technology familiarity, or streamlined APIs, IronPDF addresses these specific requirements.

As organizations plan for .NET 10, C# 14, and application development through 2026, the choice depends on specific priorities. Teams invested in DynamicPDF's ecosystem with established coordinate-based templates may continue finding value there. For the majority of modern applications where web technologies dominate and license simplicity matters, IronPDF provides a more cohesive approach.

Start evaluating IronPDF with a free trial and explore the comprehensive documentation to assess fit for your specific requirements.