DocSpring vs CraftMyPDF

Preserve an existing form or build a new layout

CraftMyPDF offers a drag-and-drop layout builder and a PDF filler for existing documents, plus an e-signature step. A comparison that describes it only as a visual document designer misses part of the product.

DocSpring focuses on mapping fields onto existing PDFs. For a new document whose tables or text need to grow, it uses HTML/CSS and Liquid. Both products can be relevant to a supplied PDF form; their dynamic layout tools are quite different.

Feature comparison

Follow the feature links for details in DocSpring's documentation. Sources for each CraftMyPDF cell are listed at the end of the page.

Scroll the table sideways to see both products.

A dedicated integration is different from connecting an API through a generic HTTP action. Plan requirements and product boundaries are noted in the cells.

Fill an existing customer application

Use the original application PDF in both services. Map a customer name and email first, then add the fields and signature steps needed for a complete application.

A DocSpring request for the application

Create customer_name and customer_email fields on your PDF before running this request. This example fills the document; signing requires Data Requests as an additional step.

curl --fail-with-body \
  "https://sync.api.docspring.com/api/v1/templates/${DOCSPRING_TEMPLATE_ID}/submissions" \
  --user "${DOCSPRING_TEST_TOKEN_ID}:${DOCSPRING_TEST_TOKEN_SECRET}" \
  --header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  --data '{
    "test": true,
    "data": {
      "customer_name": "Mira Patel",
      "customer_email": "[email protected]"
    }
  }'

Set the environment variables to your template ID and test API credentials. Accounts in our EU region send requests to sync.api-eu.docspring.com instead. The response includes a download URL for a watermarked PDF. See the request and response guide.

Run the same form with a long name, a blank optional field, and a checked box. For an invoice with a growing table, evaluate CraftMyPDF's designer against a DocSpring HTML template rather than a fixed PDF background.

Credits for generation, and ten credits per signature

For 1,000 applications a month that must also be signed, CraftMyPDF uses 1,000 generation credits plus 10,000 signing credits, which means the $99 Professional plan. DocSpring's 1,000-PDF plan includes signing with Data Requests at no extra charge per signature, with your application sending the emails.

Moving CraftMyPDF workflows to DocSpring

For existing-PDF templates, keep the original PDF and recreate the field mapping in DocSpring. Match names and field types to your data, then test the output before changing the production request.

For layouts built in the visual designer, recreate growing tables and sections with HTML/CSS and Liquid. Translate expressions into Liquid or calculate the values in your application. Exporting a static PDF preserves appearance but not dynamic layout behavior.

Replace generation and signing callbacks separately. CraftMyPDF sends signer emails; with DocSpring Data Requests your application sends the signing links and can embed the signing form. Keep completed signed files and their audit records with the original transaction.

Discuss your documents with us.

Questions about CraftMyPDF alternatives

Can CraftMyPDF fill an existing PDF?

Yes. Its PDF Filler imports the document and detects fields with AI. Test it with your actual document, particularly field placement and existing form fields, before assuming you must rebuild the layout.

Can customers edit templates inside my application?

Both offer embedded editing, but the editors serve different jobs. DocSpring embeds an editor for fields over an existing PDF. CraftMyPDF embeds its document designer. Choose based on what customers should be allowed to change.

Can I embed CraftMyPDF signing in my app?

No. CraftMyPDF sends signing links by email and its own comparison lists embedded signing as unavailable. DocSpring Data Requests can be embedded in your application with a one-time authentication token.