A pure-Java library for rendering XML/XHTML with CSS 2.1 to Swing, PDF, and images.
Flying Saucer is a pure-Java library that renders XML or XHTML documents using CSS 2.1 for layout and formatting. It converts structured markup into visual outputs like Swing panels, PDF files, and images, solving the need for programmatic document generation in Java applications.
Java developers who need to generate PDFs, images, or Swing-based displays from XML/XHTML content, such as those building report generators, document processors, or printing systems.
Developers choose Flying Saucer for its pure-Java implementation, support for CSS 2.1 standards, and ability to output multiple formats from a single source, avoiding reliance on external rendering engines or browser dependencies.
XML/XHTML and CSS 2.1 renderer in pure Java
Open-Awesome is built by the community, for the community. Submit a project, suggest an awesome list, or help improve the catalog on GitHub.
Runs entirely within the Java ecosystem without external native dependencies, ensuring portability and easy integration into Java applications as highlighted in the README.
Supports rendering to Swing panels, PDF documents, and images from the same XML/XHTML source, providing flexibility for various use cases like report generation or UI displays.
Offers separate Maven artifacts for core rendering, PDF output, SWT support, and logging, allowing developers to include only the necessary components for their projects.
Uses CSS 2.1 for layout and formatting, aligning with web standards for consistent styling in document generation, though it lacks newer CSS versions.
Only supports CSS 2.1, missing modern CSS3 features like animations or responsive design tools, which limits styling options for contemporary documents.
The project has infrequent releases (every 4-6 months) and deactivated issues on GitHub, indicating lower activity and potential delays in bug fixes or feature additions.
Cannot process JavaScript, making it unsuitable for rendering interactive web pages or content that relies on client-side scripting, a key limitation for dynamic applications.