libHaru review
A free native PDF generator for applications that do not need PDF editing or extraction.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
libHaru is a free, open-source ANSI C library for generating PDF files inside applications. It is aimed at developers who need native, client-side PDF creation rather than a complete document-processing suite. The library can draw lines, text, and images; create outlines; add text and link annotations; embed PNG and JPEG images; embed Type1 and TrueType fonts; apply Deflate compression; and create encrypted PDFs. It also supports multiple character sets and CJK fonts and encodings.
The pricing model is straightforward: libHaru is open source and has a free plan, with a commercial license also listed for the project. Its deployment options include static and shared-library builds. The product details identify Windows and Linux support, while the category specifications also list FreeBSD, NetBSD, Solaris, and other ANSI-C platforms. Language coverage centers on ANSI C and C++, with bindings for Ruby, Delphi/Free Pascal, and C#. That combination suits teams that want PDF generation embedded directly in an application and can work with a C-oriented library.
libHaru’s focus is narrow and clear. It handles PDF generation, drawing, annotations, outlines, compression, image and font embedding, and encryption, but it does not read or edit existing PDF files. It also does not provide the broader editing, conversion, forms, or extraction coverage available in more expansive PDF SDKs. The project has not been actively maintained for several years, which matters for teams evaluating long-term development needs. Choose libHaru for basic free PDF generation with native deployment; choose an alternative when document editing, conversion, form workflows, extraction, or ongoing maintenance are central requirements.
libHaru pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free, open-source PDF generation for client-side applications
- Supports fonts, images, outlines, annotations, compression, and encryption
- Offers static and shared-library builds with C-based deployment
- Where it doesn't
- Does not read or edit existing PDF files
- Does not cover PDF conversion, forms, or extraction
- The project has not been actively maintained for several years
libHaru fact sheet, pricing and score →
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