Generating PDFs with Gotenberg and n8n Workflow

Gotenberg empowers users to generate customizable PDF documents from HTML on their own servers effortlessly.

### Generating PDFs with Gotenberg and n8n
Gotenberg can be installed on your own server to generate PDF documents from HTML files, **eliminating additional costs**. The tutorial demonstrates creating a workflow in n8n to convert an example invoice URL into a PDF file. By making a POST request to Gotenberg's API with the invoice URL, you can **download the generated PDF file**.

### Installing Gotenberg with Docker Compose
Installation of Gotenberg is straightforward using Docker Compose. Simply paste the **last two lines of code** into the existing docker-compose file, then use **three commands** to update n8n. After the installation, create the **index.html file** for Gotenberg by using the **Move Binary Data node** and configuring it with the necessary options.

### Converting HTML to PDF with Gotenberg
The Gotenberg API's **convert/html** endpoint is used to convert an HTML file to PDF. The workflow involves sending the binary data of the **index.html** file and changing the file's extension to **result.pdf** using code. Gotenberg offers customizable parameters for the PDF, such as **site size and layout**, which can be modified in the workflow.

### Adjusting Gotenberg Parameters for PDF Invoices
Two parameters are being added: landscape (set to **true**) and scale (set to **0.5**). The workflow is executed, resulting in a PDF preview that is in **landscape mode** and **half the size** of the original. The video encourages viewers to **like, subscribe, and join the newsletter** for more content.

### Generating PDFs with Gotenberg and n8n: A Step-by-Step Guide
* 🖥 In this tutorial, you'll learn how to **install Gotenberg on your server** and create a workflow in n8n to **generate PDF documents from HTML files** without incurring **additional costs**.
* 📄 The goal is to convert an example invoice into a **downloadable PDF file**, which can then be **processed or sent to customers** as needed.
* 🔗 To understand Gotenberg better, it's recommended to check the **live demo provided in the documentation**, where you can send requests and observe how the **endpoints function**.
* ⚙ To install Gotenberg, you will use Docker Compose, where you'll need to add **specific lines of code** to your existing docker-compose file and execute three commands: `docker compose pull`, `docker compose down`, and `docker compose up -d`.
* 📑 In your n8n workflow, you'll create an HTML node containing the **invoice code**, then convert this data into a binary format using the **Move Binary Data node**, ensuring to set the correct file name as **index.html**.
* 🌐 The HTTP Request node will be configured to make a **POST request** to the Gotenberg API's **convert/html** endpoint, and you'll set the content type to **Form-Data** to process the **index.html** file.
* 📜 Finally, you'll modify the file extension to **PDF** using code nodes, execute the workflow, and upon completion, download the PDF to verify that the invoice has been **successfully converted**.
* 🎨 Gotenberg allows for customization of the PDF output, such as **changing the layout to landscape mode** or **adjusting the scale**, enabling you to **tailor the documents to your specific needs**.

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Generate PDFs in n8n with Gotenberg (for free!)

Generate PDFs in n8n with Gotenberg (for free!)