Head-to-head · PDF Creation Software
iText Core vs CraftMyPDF
iText Core leads on 0 checks, CraftMyPDF on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreiText Core · 8.9/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresCraftMyPDF · 4 of 4
iText Core scores higher on our rubric for pdf creation software: 8.9 against 7.3 out of 10; our editors rank them #4 and #18.
On deployment, iText Core gives you Self_hosted where CraftMyPDF offers Web.
iText Core is the better fit for java and .NET PDF engineering teams. CraftMyPDF is the better fit for visual PDF templates with forms and bulk output.
- iText Core fits best
Java and .NET PDF engineering teams
- CraftMyPDF fits best
Visual PDF templates with forms and bulk output
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Side by side
| Feature | iText Core 8.9/10 Visit ↗ | CraftMyPDF 7.3/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.9 | 7.3 |
| Ranking | #4 in PDF Creation Software | #18 in PDF Creation Software |
| Best for | Java and .NET PDF engineering teams | Visual PDF templates with forms and bulk output |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | — | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Self-hosted | Cloud |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Web |
| Support | Docs, Community, Email | Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features iText Core 3/4 · CraftMyPDF 4/4 | ||
| Data merge | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bulk PDF generation | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| API access | ✓ | ✓ |
| Fillable form creation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Maximum pages | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Input sources | text, images, existing PDF documents | JSON, CSV and connected workflow data |
| Deployment | Self_hosted | Web |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | iText Core is a programmable PDF library for Java and .NET developers building document functionality into applications and workflows. It supports creating, manipulating, splitting, merging, filling, flattening, signing, encrypting, and… Read the review → |
CraftMyPDF is a web-based PDF creation platform for developers, businesses, and non-technical teams that need repeatable document production. Its drag-and-drop editor supports reusable templates, JSON data binding, expressions, page… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
iText Core — where it wins
- High- and low-level APIs for programmatic PDF creation
- Supports PDF/A, PDF/UA, PDF 2.0, signatures, and security
- AGPL access with unlimited PDF generation
Where it doesn't
- AGPL requires disclosure of the application's full source code
- Commercial pricing is customized or based on PDF volume
- Focused on APIs and self-hosted development rather than broad integrations
CraftMyPDF — where it wins
- Drag-and-drop editor with reusable JSON-bound templates
- Bulk generation from CSV files or multiple data records
- REST API plus Zapier, Make.com, and Bubble.io integrations
Where it doesn't
- Free plan is limited to 50 PDFs or images monthly
- Free and lower tiers have relatively small template allowances
- Teams, storage, and password protection start at Professional
- iText Core8.9/10 · Free plan · pricing on request
A focused, self-hosted PDF library for teams that need code-level control.
Visit iText CoreFull verdict → - CraftMyPDF7.3/10 · Free plan
A flexible PDF workflow for teams creating templated, data-driven documents at scale.
Visit CraftMyPDFFull verdict →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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