How to Install WKHTMLtoPDF on Ubuntu (Step-by-Step Guide)

Source: Dev.to

What is WKHTMLtoPDF?

WKHTMLtoPDF is a command‑line tool that converts HTML pages into PDF documents. It’s widely used in:

• Laravel applications
• PHP projects
• Node.js back‑ends
• Server‑side PDF generation
• Automated reporting systems

You can download the official build from the WKHTMLtoPDF website.

Why Use WKHTMLtoPDF on Ubuntu?

Ubuntu servers are commonly used for web hosting and backend applications. Installing WKHTMLtoPDF on Ubuntu enables you to:

• Generate invoices automatically
• Create reports in PDF format
• Convert dynamic web pages to downloadable PDFs
• Automate document workflows

Installation Steps

Step 1: Update Your Ubuntu System

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y

This ensures all dependencies are up to date.

Step 2: Install Required Dependencies

sudo apt install -y fontconfig libxrender1 libxext6 xfonts-base xfonts-75dpi

These libraries ensure proper font rendering and display support.

Step 3: Download WKHTMLtoPDF for Ubuntu

It’s recommended to install the official .deb package instead of using the default Ubuntu repository (as it may be outdated).

wget https://github.com/wkhtmltopdf/packaging/releases/download/0.12.6-1/wkhtmltox_0.12.6-1.focal_amd64.deb
sudo dpkg -i wkhtmltox_0.12.6-1.focal_amd64.deb

If you encounter dependency errors, fix them with:

sudo apt --fix-broken install

Verify the installation:

wkhtmltopdf --version

You should see the installed version number.

Step 4: Test HTML to PDF Conversion

wkhtmltopdf https://example.com output.pdf

If the PDF generates successfully, the installation is complete.

Common Installation Errors & Fixes

• WKHTMLtoPDF not found

  which wkhtmltopdf

  If the command returns no path, reinstall the package.

• Missing shared libraries

  sudo apt install -f

  This installs any missing dependencies automatically.

• Fonts not rendering properly

  sudo apt install ttf-mscorefonts-installer

Best Practices for Production Servers

• Always use the official stable release.
• Prefer the .deb package over snap installations for better stability.
• Keep the required dependencies up to date.
• For Laravel projects, consider integrating with barryvdh/laravel-snappy for easy PDF generation from Blade templates.

Final Thoughts

Installing WKHTMLtoPDF on Ubuntu is straightforward when you follow the correct steps and install the proper dependencies. Whether you’re building automated reports, invoices, or dynamic PDF systems, WKHTMLtoPDF remains a reliable solution for server‑side HTML‑to‑PDF conversion.