5 Best npm Packages for PDFs – My Go-To Picks

Hey there! If you’re like me and occasionally need to wrangle PDFs in your JavaScript projects, you’ve probably wondered which npm packages are worth your time.

I’ve messed around with a few, and here’s my chill list of favorites.

These libraries make PDF stuff way less of a headache—whether you’re generating, editing, or just trying to sneak a peek at some content.

1. pdfkit

What it does: This one’s my top pick for creating PDFs from scratch. Need to whip up an invoice or a fancy report? pdfkit’s got you covered.

Why I like it: It’s super straightforward—think of it like drawing on a canvas with text, lines, and images. Plus, it plays nice with Node.js streams if you’re into that.

Heads-up: No built-in editing for existing PDFs, so it’s all about fresh builds.

2. pdf-lib

What it does: This gem lets you tweak existing PDFs or create new ones. Add text, slap in some images, or even merge files.

Why I like it: It’s got a friendly API and works in both Node and the browser. I’ve used it to fill out forms programmatically—total lifesaver.

Heads-up: Can get a bit chunky if your PDF is massive, but it’s solid otherwise.

3. pdf2json

What it does: Need to rip text or data out of a PDF? This one’s your extraction buddy.

Why I like it: Turns PDFs into JSON, which is perfect if you’re just trying to grab some info without a fuss. I’ve used it to scrape text for quick data pulls.

Heads-up: It’s not about creating or editing—purely a reader.

4. jsPDF

What it does: Another solid choice for generating PDFs, especially if you’re working client-side in the browser.

Why I like it: Lightweight, easy to drop into a web app, and you can add text or images with a few lines. I’ve used it for quick download buttons.

Heads-up: Less powerful than pdfkit for complex stuff, but it shines for simple jobs.

5. pdf-parse

What it does: Another text-extraction tool—great for digging into PDFs and pulling out what you need.

Why I like it: Super simple if you just want raw text. I’ve tossed it into scripts to summarize docs on the fly.

Heads-up: Like pdf2json, it’s read-only, so no editing here.

And that’s my shortlist! Honestly, it depends on what you’re trying to do—pdfkit or jsPDF for making PDFs, pdf-lib if you’re editing, and pdf2json or pdf-parse for snooping through existing files.

Give ‘em a spin and see what clicks for you. Got a fave I missed? Let me know—I’m always down to tinker with new tools!