C# HTML to PDF: DinkToPdf Alternatives Using IronPDF

When it comes to generating PDF files from HTML in C#, developers have plenty of tools to choose from. Whether you're building an invoice generator, rendering reports, or converting dynamic web content into downloadable files, picking the appropriate library for your needs can save time and prevent headaches later. Two popular choices among .NET developers are DinkToPdf and IronPDF.

In this article, we’ll explore both options—highlighting their strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases—so you can confidently select the one that fits your project’s needs.

Library Overview

DinkToPdf: A Simple .NET Core Wrapper for the Wkhtmltopdf Library

DinkToPdf is a popular open-source library that acts as a .NET wrapper for the wkhtmltopdf tool. It allows developers to convert HTML to PDF using WebKit rendering. However, it comes with some limitations, especially around modern HTML/CSS support and setup complexity due to its native DLL dependencies. For those looking for a lightweight solution for with Kestrel web server and Web API's, this can also be a good choice.

What is IronPDF?

IronPDF is a fully featured, commercial PDF library built specifically for .NET. Instead of relying on older rendering engines, it uses a Chromium-based headless browser to convert HTML pages into pixel-perfect PDF files. It supports .NET 6, 7, 8, and beyond, and includes powerful features such as PDF editing, form creation, and JavaScript rendering. With professional support and ongoing development, it’s designed for serious production environments.

Key Features Comparison

Ease of Integration

DinkToPdf requires native binaries and specific setup steps, especially for cross-platform deployments (Windows, Linux). Installing it through NuGet is not always enough; you often need to manually add libwkhtmltox binaries. You need to ensure that the native library is copied to the root folder of your C# project.

IronPDF, however, is distributed as a managed .NET assembly and can be installed via the NuGet Package Manager Console with no external dependencies. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, and is compatible with .NET Core and .NET 5–8, making it far easier to integrate into modern applications.

Workflow Comparison

Cross-Platform Support Comparison

IronPDF runs reliably on Windows, Linux, and macOS, with full support for .NET 6, 7, 8, and .NET Core. It's ideal for modern cross-platform apps and containers, requiring no external setup.

DinkToPdf, on the other hand, is Windows-centric. While it can run on Linux or macOS, it depends on native wkhtmltopdf binaries, which require manual setup and often cause compatibility issues.

Advanced Capabilities

DinkToPdf is strictly focused on converting HTML to PDF. It doesn’t offer PDF manipulation features such as merging, splitting, or adding annotations. It also struggles with JavaScript execution, which can be a deal-breaker for web apps that require client-side rendering.

IronPDF, on the other hand, includes a wide range of advanced capabilities:

• Execute JavaScript before rendering

• Merge and split PDF files

• Add digital signatures

• Insert images, watermarks, and annotations

• Extract or modify text content

Feature Comparison Table

Performance & Reliability

DinkToPdf can perform well for small, simple documents. However, due to its reliance on external binaries and older rendering technology, it may run into stability issues or crash under high load or with complex documents.

IronPDF’s Chromium engine is more resource-intensive but delivers superior stability and consistent output. It is designed for enterprise-grade performance, capable of handling large batches and concurrent PDF generation with reliability.

Benchmarking IronPDF vs. DinkToPdf

To provide an objective look at performance, we ran side-by-side benchmark tests on both IronPDF and DinkToPdf using a simple HTML-to-PDF conversion task repeated over five iterations. The test HTML used modern CSS and basic formatting to simulate a real-world scenario. Stopwatch timing was used to calculate the total duration and average time per file.

Observations

• IronPDF completed the task in nearly half the time, thanks to its built-in Chromium engine and native .NET execution.

• DinkToPdf, while functional, required additional configuration and suffered from slower execution due to its reliance on older rendering technology and native binaries.

Licensing and Cost

DinkToPdf is licensed under the MIT License, making it completely free to use—even in commercial applications. However, this comes at the cost of limited features and no guaranteed support.

IronPDF requires a paid license after the trial period. The license cost includes access to updates, support, and all the advanced features. For many businesses, the productivity gains and reduced development overhead justify the investment.

Short Code Example Comparison

Let’s see how each library looks in action by creating PDF files using a simple console application in Visual Studio.

DinkToPdf Library Example

var converter = new BasicConverter(new PdfTools()); var doc = new HtmlToPdfDocument() { GlobalSettings = { PaperSize = PaperKind.A4 }, Objects = { new ObjectSettings { HtmlContent = "<h1>Hello DinkToPdf</h1>" } } }; converter.Convert(doc); 

DinkToPdf PDF Generated Output

IronPDF Example

using IronPdf; public class Program { public static void Main(string[] args) { var renderer = new ChromePdfRenderer(); var pdf = renderer.RenderHtmlAsPdf("<h1>Hello IronPDF</h1>"); pdf.SaveAs("output.pdf"); } } 

IronPDF PDF Generated Output

IronPDF requires fewer setup steps and provides cleaner, high-level APIs, while DinkToPdf involves more configuration due to its reliance on native tools.

Final Thoughts

Both DinkToPdf and IronPDF serve different purposes within the .NET ecosystem. DinkToPdf is great for small-scale projects and developers who need a quick, free way to convert HTML content to PDF. IronPDF is the superior choice for professional applications requiring advanced rendering, broad .NET support, and rich PDF manipulation features.

For developers working on enterprise-grade applications or client projects where quality and support matter, IronPDF** is a clear winner*. For smaller, budget-conscious projects, **DinkToPdf still holds value* as a lightweight and free tool.

🚀 Want to try IronPDF for yourself? Download the free trial to get started today!