Software Alternatives & Startups

PDF Generator API VS Things

Compare PDF Generator API VS Things and see what are their differences

PDF Generator API

Generate PDF documents from templates and JSON data. Enable your users to create PDFs and manage document templates using a browser-based drag-and-drop editor!

PDF Generator API screenshot
Rating
5.0 · 1 review
Pricing
Paid Free trial $29 / Monthly
Things

Things is an easy to use task manager.

Things Landing page
Rating
0 reviews
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Things seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 58 times since March 2021.

social mentions
0 vs 58
PDF Creator popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
63 vs 240+

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

PDF Generator API
Things
Website pdfgeneratorapi.com culturedcode.com
Pricing
Paid Free trial $29 / Monthly Official pricing
Company 2012 Startup from Germany
Listed in

About PDF Generator API and Things

In their own words, as submitted to SaaSHub.

PDF Generator API
Things

Easily generate PDF documents from pre-defined PDF templates with JSON data. Enable your users to create PDFs and manage their document templates using a browser-based drag-and-drop PDF editor to reduce development and support costs.

Read more about PDF Generator API

No description of Things yet.

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

PDF Generator API 9 features
Things 7 features
  • Users can edit and manage document templates
    We provide a workspace logic that allows creating a separate workspace for each of your users where they can store and manage document templates.
  • Allow your users to edit document templates
    You can embed the document template editor into your application to allow your users to modify their own PDF templates.
  • Powerful Expression language
    You can write mathematical and logical expressions to manipulate and customize values displayed in components.
  • Share document templates with your users
    You can set up default document templates that can be used as base templates by your users.
  • A wide range of smart components
    You can use different components like Text, Table and Barcode and define the formatting for number and date values.
  • Merge PDF template and data via API
    Powerful Web API to merge templates with data from your software.
  • Data Security
    GDPR Compliance, ISO 27001, HIPAA
  • Convert HTML to PDF
    Leverage our scalable html to pdf conversion functionality in order to focus all your development time on your core functionality.
  • PDF Forms
    You can collect data through fully customizable online forms and automatically generate PDFs using your existing templates. No coding required.
  • User Experience
    Things is known for its clean, intuitive, and beautifully designed user interface, making it easy to use.
  • Integration with Apple Ecosystem
    Seamlessly integrates with macOS and iOS devices, offering features like Handoff and deep Apple Calendar integration.
  • Powerful Task Management
    Supports projects, areas, headings, and tags, providing a robust system for managing complex tasks and workflows.
  • Quick Entry
    Provides a quick entry function allowing users to capture tasks efficiently, which can later be categorized and detailed.
  • Updates and Support
    Regularly updated with new features and enhancements, backed by reliable customer support.
  • Keyboard Shortcuts
    Offers extensive keyboard shortcuts for power users to navigate and manage tasks quickly.
  • Natural Language Processing
    Allows users to input tasks using natural language, which is then intelligently parsed and scheduled.

Possible disadvantages

  • Cost
    Things requires a one-time purchase for each platform (macOS, iOS), making it relatively expensive compared to some subscription-based competitors.
  • Platform Limitation
    Only available on Apple devices (macOS and iOS), making it inaccessible for users on Windows, Android, or other platforms.
  • No Collaboration Features
    Lacks built-in collaboration tools, which can be a drawback for teams looking to share and manage tasks collectively.
  • Learning Curve for Advanced Features
    While the basic interface is user-friendly, fully utilizing advanced features can require time and a deeper understanding.
  • Limited Automation
    Offers fewer automation options and integrations compared to some competitors like Todoist or Microsoft To Do.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

PDF Generator API
Things

Overall verdict

  • PDF Generator API is a solid, developer-friendly solution for automating document generation, offering a drag-and-drop template editor and reliable REST API that make it easy to produce professional PDFs at scale.

Why this product is good

  • Intuitive drag-and-drop template editor lets non-developers design and edit document layouts without coding
  • Well-documented REST API with SDKs and integration guides for quick implementation
  • Supports dynamic data merging, making it ideal for invoices, reports, and personalized documents
  • Cloud-based service that scales with demand and reduces infrastructure overhead
  • Offers flexible pricing tiers suitable for startups and larger businesses
  • Allows end-users to customize templates within your own application via workspace features

Recommended for

  • SaaS companies needing to embed document generation into their platforms
  • Developers automating invoices, receipts, and financial reports
  • Businesses requiring personalized, data-driven PDF documents at scale
  • Startups looking for an affordable alternative to building PDF generation in-house
  • Teams wanting to give non-technical users control over document templates

Overall verdict

  • Things is widely regarded as an excellent productivity tool, especially for Apple ecosystem users. It combines elegance with functionality, making it a top choice for those who prefer a minimalist but powerful task manager.

Why this product is good

  • Things by Cultured Code is highly acclaimed for its clean, intuitive design and effective task management features. It provides a seamless user experience with its natural language input, powerful integration with macOS and iOS, and features like projects, areas, deadlines, and reminders that help users organize their tasks efficiently. The app is particularly praised for its focus on simplicity and ease of use, which allows users to focus on their tasks without being overwhelmed by features.

Recommended for

    Things is ideal for individuals who are deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem and appreciate a minimalist design approach. It's perfect for users who prefer a straightforward, no-frills task management system that emphasizes ease of use, efficiency, and aesthetic appeal.

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

PDF Generator API 2 videos + Add
Things 3 videos + Add

PDF Generator API Introduction and Product demo

More videos

  • Review - PDF Generator API | HTML to PDF Platform - eDocAPI The easiest way to generate PDF Documents

Brandon's Cult Movie Reviews: THINGS

More videos

  • Review - Things 3: Full Review (2019)
  • Review - OmniFocus vs. Things 3 review: which is best for you?

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
PDF Generator API
Things
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%
100% 100%
0% 0%
0% 0%
100% 100%

Questions & Answers

As answered by people managing PDF Generator API and Things.

What makes your product unique?

PDF Generator API's answer

Easily generate PDF documents from pre-defined PDF templates with JSON data. Enable your users to create PDFs and manage their document templates using a browser-based drag-and-drop PDF editor to reduce development and support costs.

How would you describe the primary audience of your product?

PDF Generator API's answer

From small to large companies we can provide cloud infrastructure for PDF creation and multiple other PDF services. We also provide dedicated and on-prem infrastructure for Enterprises worldwide.

Why should a person choose your product over its competitors?

PDF Generator API's answer

It seems the PDF customization and generation tools market is quite abundant and there are many companies battling it out for the attention of customers. However, we also see that PDF Generator API has some features that are unmatched by any of the other platforms. Among other features, we are the only ones that offer our clients support video calls and last, but not least – we are by far the most cost competitive platform among the whole bunch.

You can see comparison of all functionalities in our section here: https://pdfgeneratorapi.com/comparison

What's the story behind your product?

PDF Generator API's answer

Our HQ is in Estonia. We provide PDF creation for hundreds of client for more than 10 years. We are part of PDF Association and ISO Certified subject, which highlight our commitment to the highest security standards.

Who are some of the biggest customers of your product?

PDF Generator API's answer

Bigbank, DFDS, Veeqo.

User comments

Share your experience with using PDF Generator API and Things. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

Log in or Post with

Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

PDF Generator API 5.0 · 1 review
Things no reviews yet
  • Easy, just do the things we need
    SaaSHub review
    · Oct 2025

    We did integration with PDF API and it is working as expected, we use forms to collect the data as well. Automated the invoice creation with their API. Great editor, btw.

  • 11 Ayanza Alternatives

    Things 3 is a multi-award-winning personal task manager that assists you in keeping track of your tasks. The environment of the application is attractive with a fresh new look, delightful integrations, and powerful...

  • Five of the Best To-Do Apps for iOS
    www.macrumors.com · Feb 2020

    Things 3 is one of the few to-do apps that's not subscription based, and it costs $9.99 to purchase. Things 3 is also available for Mac and iPad, though each app must be purchased individually.

Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

PDF Generator API 0 mentions
Things 58 mentions

Tracking PDF Generator API since May 2025.

  • We don't need startups, we need Digital-Mittelstand
    Correct: https://culturedcode.com/things/ Looks like the different apps (desktop, mobile, iPad) have different prices, but all are one-time payments of $10-$50. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Essential Software for Mac Users: Three Recommended Efficient Tools
    Things 3is an award-winning task management application known for its clean, elegant interface and intuitive usability. It employs a minimalist design style, allowing users to easily add, organize, and view tasks, helping individuals... - Source: dev.to / almost 2 years ago
  • Show HN: I built a task manager that separates "Do" & "Due" dates
    How badly do Twos want to SEO rank on searches for Things? https://culturedcode.com/things/. - Source: Hacker News / almost 2 years ago

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