How to automate PDF Generation with n8n and pdforge

What is n8n?

n8n is a versatile workflow automation platform that allows users to connect applications and services through an intuitive visual, node-based interface. With over 1,000 pre-built nodes, it supports both simple automations and complex workflows without requiring advanced coding skills. Unlike many automation tools, n8n offers a self-hosted option, providing greater control over data privacy, security, and cost management.

Its modular node system enables seamless integration with APIs, databases, cloud services, and internal applications, making it a powerful tool for automating tasks across various platforms. Whether you’re triggering workflows from webhooks, processing structured data, or orchestrating multi-step automation, n8n ensures scalability and flexibility without vendor lock-in.

By integrating n8n into your internal and external processes, you can eliminate repetitive tasks, save time, and significantly boost productivity, allowing teams to focus on more strategic work.

What is pdforge?

pdforge is a third-party pdf generation API. You can create beautiful reports with flexible layouts and complex components with an easy-to-use opinionated no-code builder. Let the AI do the heavy lifting by generating your templates, creating custom components or even filling all the variables for you.

With native n8n integration, pdforge transforms raw data into structured, professional PDFs—whether it’s invoices, reports, contracts, or lead-generation documents. You can handle high-volume PDF generation from a single backend call or using our native node inside n8n.

Automating PDF Generation with n8n and pdforge

To automate PDF generation in n8n, you’ll need access to both pdforge and n8n platforms to leverage the PDF Generation API within your workflows.

In this section, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of setting up and automating PDF creation seamlessly. Let’s get started!

Creating Your PDF Template with pdforge

Here's the simple steps to generate your first pdf template on pdforge:

1. Create your account on our sign-up page.
   
   

2. Select the type of template you're trying to create
   
   

   

   
   
   

3. Use our AI Agents to create your first template.
   
   

   

   
   

4. Edit your template on our no-code builder
   
   

   

   
   
   

5. Use our 7-day free trial to access your API KEY on the Dashboard
   
   

   

   
   
   

Method #01: Installing pdforge Node in n8n (self-hosted)

If you're using the self-host version of n8n (we have a guide on how to do it here), you have access to all the integration nodes that were made by the community, where you can find our oficial node.

The oficial pdforge node is the easiest way to integrate pdforge with n8n. You can find the node in our Github repository but you'll install it in your n8n interface, following this steps:

1. Open your n8n instance and navigate to Settings > Community Nodes
   

   

   
   

2. On "npm Package Name", type on the n8n-nodes-pdforge
   
   

   

   
   
   

3. Now go to any workflow you want to generate the PDF, click Add node and search for pdforge
   
   

   

   
   
   

4. Select the node and enter your API Key
   

   

   
   

5. Choose the PDF template you created in pdforge and the output format (PDF/PNG)
   

   

   
   
   

6. Map input variables from previous nodes (e.g., form submissions, API responses).

   

   Hint: You can see all the variables you need to fill on your template page
   
   

7. Execute the workflow to test the PDF generation.

   

This method ensures a low-code, hassle-free setup with native compatibility.

Method #02: Using HTTP Request Node in n8n (hosted by n8n)

n8n only allow access to community nodes on its self-hosted, so if you're using the version that is hosted by n8n, you'll need to use the HTTP Request node.

Here's the information that you're going to need:

• Method: POST

• URL: https://api.pdforge.com/v1/pdf/sync

• Authentication: none

• Send Headers -> Authorization : Bearer {{your_api_key_here}}

• Send Body -> Body Content Type: JSON:

  {  
    "template_id": "your_template_id_here", //Template ID here
    "convertToImage": false, //true if you want the output to be PNG
    "data":{} //your_variables_here
  }

You can get all these information on the template visualization, on the "No-Code" tab, inside pdforge's application:

In case you need to know more about the parameters, you can access the full documentation here.

In a step-by-step process:

1. Add an HTTP Request node to your workflow

2. Set the method to POST and enter the pdforge API URL

3. Include the required headers (e.g., authentication token)

4. In the body, pass the JSON payload containing template ID, output format (PNG/PDF) and variables data

5. Execute the workflow and retrieve the generated PDF URL.

This method is useful for customized API calls, advanced error handling, or integrating pdforge with multiple services within n8n.

Connecting Other Nodes to Your n8n Workflow

Once the pdforge node is configured, additional nodes can be linked to fully automate document workflows:

• Trigger nodes: Start the process when a new form submission, CRM update, or e-commerce transaction occurs.

• Storage nodes: Save the generated PDF to Google Drive, AWS S3, or a local server.

• Email nodes: Automatically send PDFs as email attachments to customers, employees, or leads.

• CRM nodes: Attach generated PDFs to client records in HubSpot, Salesforce, or Airtable.

By combining multiple nodes, complex workflows can be automated with minimal human intervention.

Use Case Examples for PDF Generation in n8n

Generating Invoices

Automating invoice generation eliminates manual processing delays. When an order is placed:

1. n8n extracts order details from Stripe, Shopify, or a database.

2. Data is sent to pdforge, generating a branded invoice.

3. The invoice is stored in Google Drive or sent via email to the customer.

This reduces human errors, speeds up invoicing, and ensures compliance with financial reporting standards.

Generating Weekly Reports

Instead of compiling data manually, n8n can generate automated reports by:

1. Retrieving analytics data from a database or third-party service (Google Analytics, PostgreSQL, etc.).

2. Formatting the data into structured fields for pdforge.

3. Generating a PDF report and automatically sending it to stakeholders via email or Slack.

This automation ensures that reports are delivered on time, consistently, and formatted professionally.

Generating Value to Incoming Leads

PDF generation can be used as a lead magnet to engage potential customers:

1. A lead submits a form on a website.

2. n8n captures the submission and sends personalized content to pdforge.

3. pdforge creates a branded PDF (e.g., proposal, eBook, or custom offer).

4. The PDF is emailed to the lead, enhancing engagement and conversion rates.

This automated document delivery helps businesses nurture leads efficiently without manual intervention.

Conclusion

Automating PDF generation in n8n with pdforge makes document workflows easier, eliminates manual errors, and significantly enhances efficiency. Whether you’re generating invoices, reports, or lead magnets, automation frees your team from repetitive tasks, allowing them to focus on higher-impact work.

With our n8n native integration, generating PDFs at scale has never been easier. You don’t even need to know how to code! Simply set up your workflow, connect pdforge, and watch as professional-quality PDFs are created automatically.

If you haven’t tried n8n and pdforge yet, now is the perfect time to revolutionize your document automation and take your efficiency to the next level. Start automating today!