Generating PDFs in Glide without relying on third-party services like Make (formerly Integromat) can be both cost-effective and efficient. If you’re looking for a straightforward solution to generate PDF documents directly within your Glide app, you can achieve this without any complex integrations. This article walks you through an easy method using Glide’s native features, providing you with a seamless solution for your PDF generation needs.
Glide is a powerful no-code platform that allows you to build apps quickly and easily. While there are external tools like DocAutomator and PDFMonkey that can help generate PDFs, these often require additional costs and integrations. A cost-effective approach is to utilize a simple JavaScript solution directly within Glide, removing the need for external services and tools like Make.
Here’s how you can generate PDFs in Glide without Make or other third-party integrations:
This simple script automatically triggers the browser’s print dialog, allowing users to generate PDFs directly from their device. Although this isn’t a “100% no-code” solution, it’s a cost-effective workaround that doesn’t rely on external services or the use of Glide’s Updates feature.
By adding this script to your Glide app, you can give your users the ability to generate PDFs directly from the app interface. This eliminates the need for complex workflows or additional costs, making it a great option for simple use cases where PDF generation is required.
While this is a straightforward method, keep in mind that it doesn’t provide the customization and flexibility offered by more advanced PDF generation solutions, such as DocAutomator or PDFMonkey. However, for many users, this simple approach will suffice, especially if you don’t require intricate formatting or complex integrations.
Cost-Effective: No need for paid integrations or external services.
Easy to Implement: Just a few lines of JavaScript code to trigger the print dialog.
No Third-Party Dependencies: No reliance on tools like Make or other external platforms.
Limited Customization: The print dialog only offers basic options.
Not Fully “No-Code”: This approach requires adding a custom script, which may not align with a true no-code philosophy.
Browser-Specific: The functionality depends on the browser’s print dialog, which might vary slightly between devices and browsers.
If you need more advanced features, such as custom PDF designs or integrating data dynamically into the PDF, you may want to consider using DocAutomator or PDFMonkey. These tools integrate seamlessly with Glide, providing more control over the PDF output. You can find more information on these tools on their respective websites:
Both solutions provide advanced options, but they require the use of external integrations like Make.
Generating PDFs directly within Glide without Make or third-party integrations is achievable through a simple JavaScript solution. Although it may not offer the same level of customization as paid services, it provides a cost-effective way to meet basic PDF generation needs. For more complex requirements, integrating tools like DocAutomator or PDFMonkey may be worth considering.
By understanding the different methods available for PDF generation in Glide, you can choose the best approach for your app’s specific requirements.
With the right guidance, you can turn your vision into a real, working app — no code needed.
