To generate a PDF with PDFShift in PHP, send a JSON POST request to https://api.pdfshift.io/v3/convert/pdf, put the webpage URL or HTML in the source field, authenticate with the X-API-Key header, and save the successful response body as a PDF. The example below uses PHP’s cURL extension and checks both transport errors and the HTTP status before writing the file.
What you need
- A PDFShift API key. Keep it server-side; do not put it in browser code or commit it to a public repository.
- PHP with the cURL extension enabled.
- A destination directory that the PHP process can write to.
Set the key in an environment variable named PDFSHIFT_API_KEY. How you configure environment variables depends on your hosting environment; the code below reads the value with getenv().
Generate a PDF from a webpage URL
Use a URL as source when PDFShift can reach the page and you want the service to fetch it. This standalone example saves the returned PDF as webpage.pdf in the current directory.
<?php
$apiKey = getenv('PDFSHIFT_API_KEY');
if (!$apiKey) {
throw new RuntimeException('Set the PDFSHIFT_API_KEY environment variable.');
}
$params = [
'source' => 'https://example.com',
];
$ch = curl_init('https://api.pdfshift.io/v3/convert/pdf');
curl_setopt_array($ch, [
CURLOPT_POST => true,
CURLOPT_POSTFIELDS => json_encode($params, JSON_THROW_ON_ERROR),
CURLOPT_HTTPHEADER => [
'Content-Type: application/json',
'X-API-Key: ' . $apiKey,
],
CURLOPT_RETURNTRANSFER => true,
]);
$response = curl_exec($ch);
if ($response === false) {
$error = curl_error($ch);
curl_close($ch);
throw new RuntimeException('PDFShift request failed: ' . $error);
}
$status = curl_getinfo($ch, CURLINFO_HTTP_CODE);
curl_close($ch);
if ($status < 200 || $status >= 300) {
throw new RuntimeException('PDFShift returned HTTP ' . $status . ': ' . $response);
}
if (file_put_contents(__DIR__ . '/webpage.pdf', $response) === false) {
throw new RuntimeException('Could not write webpage.pdf. Check the destination path and permissions.');
}
echo "PDF saved to webpage.pdfn";
The request body is JSON; source is the URL being converted. A successful response body is binary PDF data, so do not print it as text or treat it as JSON. The example reports a non-2xx response body in its exception to make API errors easier to diagnose.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Generate a PDF from HTML already in PHP
If your application already has the document markup, pass the HTML string as source instead of making PDFShift fetch a webpage. This also works for content that is not publicly reachable by URL.
<?php
$html = '<!doctype html>
<html>
<head>
<meta charset="utf-8">
<title>Invoice</title>
<style>body { font-family: sans-serif; }</style>
</head>
<body>
<h1>Invoice #1042</h1>
<p>Thank you for your order.</p>
</body>
</html>';
$params = ['source' => $html];
// Send $params using the same cURL request, authentication, status checks,
// and file-writing logic shown in the URL example.
PDFShift recommends raw HTML and says that inlining CSS and JavaScript can reduce resource requests and loading time. If your markup references external stylesheets, scripts, fonts, or images, PDFShift must be able to retrieve those resources for them to appear in the output. Its PHP guide index also documents separate approaches for styles and scripts supplied as strings or URLs.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Choose URL input or raw HTML
| Approach | Use it when | What to account for |
|---|---|---|
URL in source |
The page is reachable by PDFShift and you want it to fetch the rendered page. | Page availability and external resources can affect what is captured. |
HTML string in source |
Your PHP application already has the markup, or the document is not publicly accessible. | Include or make available the resources the document needs; PDFShift recommends raw HTML and inlining CSS and JavaScript to reduce fetching. |
Both methods use the same conversion endpoint and request field. PDFShift’s PHP guide recommends raw HTML; that is vendor guidance, not a performance measurement for your particular document.
Authentication, response handling, and security
Send the API key in the current header
Use X-API-Key for authentication. PDFShift’s help article says a missing key can leave a request unauthenticated and result in a watermark. It identifies X-API-Key as the current API-key header and says the API moved to it on May 6, 2025. Avoid older examples that use a different authentication method unless PDFShift’s current documentation specifically directs you to do so.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Keep the key private and validate the response
- Store the key in server-side configuration, not a template or client-side JavaScript.
- Handle cURL transport failure separately from an HTTP error. A failed connection does not provide a normal API response.
- Check for a successful HTTP status before saving the body. Error responses should not be written with a
.pdfextension. - Choose an output location that is writable and appropriate for potentially sensitive documents.
To inspect authenticated credit usage, PDFShift’s help article documents GET https://api.pdfshift.io/v3/credits/usage.
Common problems and fixes
| Symptom | Likely cause | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| The PDF has a watermark. | The request may be unauthenticated because the API key header is absent or incorrect. | Confirm PDFSHIFT_API_KEY is set and the request sends X-API-Key with the correct key. |
| PHP reports a cURL error. | A transport problem prevented a normal HTTP response. | Read curl_error(); check network access, the endpoint, and the PHP cURL extension. |
| The response is an HTTP error rather than a PDF. | The API rejected the request or could not process the source. | Keep and inspect the response body, verify the JSON request and source, and confirm the URL is accessible to PDFShift. |
| The PDF is missing styles, scripts, fonts, or images. | The document depends on resources that are unavailable to the conversion request. | Check resource URLs and access; consider raw HTML and inlining CSS or JavaScript where appropriate. |
| The request succeeds but no file appears. | The destination path may not exist or PHP may not have write permission. | Check the file_put_contents() result, directory path, and permissions. |
Other PDFShift PHP options
PDFShift’s PHP guide index provides cURL and Guzzle examples. Pick the HTTP client your application already uses; the documented materials do not establish a universal performance winner between them. The index also links to dedicated guides for URL conversion, raw HTML, styles and scripts, time limits, page selection, protection, webhooks, hosted output, S3 delivery, headers, cookies, and waiting for a custom page element. Consult the relevant guide for the exact option names and syntax before adding them to a request.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
PDFShift displays vendor-reported figures on its homepage, including conversion totals, developer counts, an average conversion time, and uptime. Those are the provider’s own figures, not independent measurements or a guarantee for an individual conversion.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Or skip the browser setup
If you need a clean image of a webpage rather than a PDF, ScreenshotNeo takes a screenshot through one API request. Its service handles cookie and consent banners, newsletter popups, and chat widgets before capture; bot checks, blank pages, and failed loads are not billed. It also offers an MCP server for AI agents. The free plan includes 1,000 screenshots a month with no card, and paid plans start at $5 for 3,000 screenshots.
cURL example, documented at ScreenshotNeo’s API docs:
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
curl -G "https://api.screenshotneo.com/v1/shot" -d access_key=YOUR_API_KEY --data-urlencode url=https://example.com -o shot.webpThis returns a webpage screenshot, not a PDF; use PDFShift above when the required output is a PDF. ScreenshotNeo also supports PDF capture, but the one-call example here requests an image. Sign up for 1,000 free screenshots a month with no card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can PDFShift convert a page that is not public?
Yes, if your PHP application can supply its markup directly as the raw HTML `source`; PDFShift does not need to fetch that document from a public URL.
Can I use Guzzle instead of cURL?
Yes. PDFShift’s PHP guide index documents both cURL and Guzzle tracks.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteQuick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
