Centering Your DataTable in PDFs with jQuery.pdfHtml5
Generating PDFs with complex data layouts can be tricky, especially when using JavaScript libraries like jQuery.pdfHtml5. A common challenge arises when trying to center a DataTable within the PDF document. This article will guide you through the process, providing a solution and explaining the underlying principles.
The Problem: Misaligned DataTables
Imagine you have a DataTable containing a wealth of information that you need to present in a professional PDF format. However, when you generate the PDF using jQuery.pdfHtml5, the DataTable ends up awkwardly placed on the page, often off-center. This can disrupt the visual appeal and readability of your document.
Original Code and the Issue
Let's assume you're using the following code snippet to generate your PDF:
<table id="myDataTable">
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Column 1</th>
<th>Column 2</th>
<th>Column 3</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Data 1</td>
<td>Data 2</td>
<td>Data 3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Data 4</td>
<td>Data 5</td>
<td>Data 6</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<script>
$('#generatePdf').click(function() {
// ... Your existing code to initialize jQuery.pdfHtml5 ...
// Generate PDF from the table element
pdf.fromHTML($("#myDataTable")[0]);
});
</script>
This code might work, but the resulting PDF will likely have the DataTable positioned at the top-left corner of the page.
The Solution: Leveraging CSS for Centering
The key to achieving the desired centering lies in utilizing CSS styles within your HTML code. jQuery.pdfHtml5 allows you to include styles directly before generating the PDF. Here's how you can modify the code:
<table id="myDataTable" style="margin: 0 auto; display: block;">
<!-- Table content remains the same -->
</table>
<script>
$('#generatePdf').click(function() {
// ... Your existing code to initialize jQuery.pdfHtml5 ...
// Generate PDF from the table element with added styles
pdf.fromHTML($("#myDataTable")[0], {
"styles": "body { text-align: center; }"
});
});
</script>
Explanation:
margin: 0 auto; display: block;: These CSS properties are crucial for horizontal centering.margin: 0 auto;sets the left and right margins to "auto", causing the element to be horizontally centered within its parent container.display: block;ensures the table behaves as a block-level element, allowing themargin: 0 auto;property to work effectively.text-align: center;: This CSS style centers the table content itself within the table cell.
By including these styles, you'll ensure that your DataTable is both horizontally and vertically centered within the PDF.
Additional Tips
- Fine-tuning: You can further customize the centering using more specific CSS properties like
widthandmax-widthto adjust the table's size within the PDF page. - Page Breaks: To prevent page breaks within the DataTable, you can use the
page-break-inside: avoid;CSS property within thestylesobject.
Conclusion
Centering your DataTable in PDF documents generated using jQuery.pdfHtml5 is straightforward using CSS styles. By understanding the principles of CSS positioning and including the appropriate styles, you can achieve professional and visually appealing results. Remember to experiment with different CSS properties to fine-tune the centering and presentation of your tables.
