Introduction:
iText is a library that allows developers to extend the capabilities of their web server (and other JAVA) applications with dynamic PDF document generation. In this tutorial, you will find lots of standalone examples to learn how to use most of the iText functionality and features. It should be easy to integrate most of the solutions in a Servlet, a Java Web Start application or some other Java program.
This tutorial is far from complete; for a more comprehensive overview of iText's functionality, please buy the book iText in Action. You can also download the first and third chapter for free from http://manning.com/lowagie/.
Table of contents of this online tutorial
Part I: General Use of iText
Hello WorldHow-to generate a PDF document with iText in 5 easy steps.
iText in a Web ApplicationHow-to use iText in Web Applications.
Manipulating existing PDF documentsHow-to copy/manipulate existing PDF documents.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThis is a basic technical reference that answers some frequently asked questions.
Go to top of the pagePart II: Using Basic Building Blocks
Basic Text ObjectsSome basic text objects that are used in iText.
The Chunk ObjectDescribes the functionality of the Chunk object.
Anchors, Actions and AnnotationsDeals with all the RemoteGoto, LocalGoto, Action, Annotation,... functionality
Viewerpreferences, Pagelabels, Optional Content and BookmarksDeals with all the PDF Viewerpreferences, Bookmarks, Outlines, Destinations,... functionality
ImagesDeals with all types of images that are supported by iText
Selected examples: EPS, TIFF, BarcodesSelected examples: Embedding PostScript, importing TIFF files, Barcodes
TablesHow to organize text and data in tables with iText
PdfPTableSome extra PdfPTable functionality
Alternatives for PdfPTableSome alternative ways to create a Table
ColumnTextHow to organize text and data in columns with iText
Go to top of the pagePart III: Fonts
The Font objectsDescribes the different Font objects in iText.
Font characteristicsChanging the style of a Font.
Getting fontsOverview of the different types of fonts supported by iText.
Go to top of the pagePart IV: Direct Content
Direct ContentAdd content directly to the PDF file using the PdfContentByte class.
Coordinate SystemsCoordinate Systems - changing the Current Transformation Matrix (CTM)
Graphics StateAdd graphics directly to the PDF file using the PdfContentByte class.
ColorsColors, Transparency, Spotcolors, Patterns and Shading.
TextAdd text content directly to the PDF file using the PdfContentByte class.
Page EventsAdd content directly to the PDF file using the PdfContentByte class.
Optional ContentAdd optional content to a PDF file.
Graphics2DIf you don't want to read all the chapters on PDF syntax, just use the JAVA API
Go to top of the pagePart V: Interactive Features (AcroForms)
Interactive FormsStep for step creation of an Acroform.
Creating FormsStep for step creation of an Acroform.
Working with existing PDF documentsHow-to copy/manipulate existing PDF documents.
Go to top of the pagePart VI: RTF
Rich Text FormatHow-to generate RTF documents using iText.
Go to top of the page