What Is the Difference Between Dompdf and mPDF? 

Dompdf and mPDF are PHP libraries that create PDF files from HTML and CSS(dompdf) content. 

What Is Dompdf?

Dompdf is a PHP library that generates PDFs from HTML and CSS. Let’s check out a few advantages of using dompdf to generate PDFs.

  1. Offers a straightforward approach to converting HTML and CSS into PDF documents.
  2. Dompdf library is lightweight, which means it doesn’t add significant overhead to your website.
  3. It is standalone and doesn’t require any external libraries, plugins, or complex installations to function. 
  4. Supports modern HTML5 and CSS3.
  5. It is optimized for generating smaller PDF files, making it an ideal choice for applications that require quick and efficient PDF creation. 

What Is mPDF?

mPDF is a PHP library that converts UTF-8 encoded HTML content to PDF. Here are a few advantages of mPDF over dompdf:

  1. More features like support for advanced tables, headers, footers, watermarks, etc.
  2. Better support for right-to-left (RTL) languages like Arabic and Hebrew.
  3. More fonts.
  4. Suitable for large and complex documents.
  5. Better support for images and vector graphics.
  6. It has built-in language packs to generate PDFs in multiple languages.
  7. Suitable for complex layouts like multi-column, precise positioning, etc.

Dompdf vs. mPDF PHP Libraries Limitations

CriteriaDompdfmPDF
CSS SupportLimited support for CSS2 and CSS3 propertiesBroader support for CSS2 and CSS3 properties but still lacks full CSS3 support
HTML SupportLimited support for modern HTML5 elementsBroader support for CSS2 and CSS3 properties but still lacks full CSS3 support
JavaScript SupportNo support for JavaScriptLimited support for JavaScript
PerformanceSlow with large documents and high memory usageSlow with large documents and high memory consumption
Image HandlingSupports basic image handling.Performance issues while handling large imagesAdvanced support for images but has limited SVG support
Performance degradation with large images
FontsSupports a variety of fonts but has limited support for web fontsIssues rendering complex scripts
Output SizeProduces large PDF files as outputProduces large PDF files as output
Right-to-Left (RTL) LanguagesLimited support for RTL languagesIt provides better support for RTL languages but faces alignment or rendering issues when dealing with complex scripts
Complex LayoutsStruggles with multi-column layouts and intricate designsSupports more complex layouts but can still struggle with highly intricate designs
AccessibilityLacks support for creating accessible PDFs (e.g., tagged PDFs)Lacks robust support for creating accessible PDFs
MultithreadingLacks multithreading supportLacks multithreading support
PDF Features> Limited support for PDF metadata
> Lack of support for encryption
> Lacks support for digital signatures		> Limited support for PDF metadata (better when compared to Dompdf)
> Limited support for encryption
> Limited support for digital signatures

Dompdf and mPDF are PHP libraries that convert HTML content into PDF documents. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. If you’re looking for a simple, lightweight solution, Dompdf is the better choice. However, if you need more advanced features and broader support for PDF functionalities, mPDF is the preferred option.

Our WooCommerce PDF Invoices plugin offers PDF invoices and packing slips with the Dompdf and mPDF PHP libraries. The plugin includes Dompdf support, and mPDF can be integrated with a free add-on.