ReportLab

ReportLab is an open-source Python library used for creating PDF documents. It provides a flexible and powerful way to programmatically generate PDFs, allowing for the creation of complex layouts, charts, and reports. The library is widely used in applications where dynamic PDF generation is required, such as invoicing, report generation, and automated document creation.

The core of ReportLab is its ability to define graphical elements and place them on a PDF canvas. It offers tools for drawing shapes, text, images, and tables. ReportLab also includes a higher-level framework called PLATYPUS (Page Layout and Typography Using Scripts), which simplifies the creation of multi-page documents with flowing content. PLATYPUS allows developers to define document templates, paragraphs, headings, images, and tables, and then assemble them into a coherent PDF.

ReportLab supports various features essential for professional document creation, including styling with fonts and colors, page numbering, headers and footers, and the inclusion of vector graphics. It can also be used to generate charts and graphs directly within PDFs, making it suitable for data visualization. The library is cross-platform, meaning it can be used on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its extensive documentation and active community contribute to its popularity among Python developers.