Create a PDF Table in PHP using FPDF Cell()

A table can be created in an FPDF document by placing a series of Cell() elements next to each other. Each column keeps a fixed width, and the final Cell in every row moves the cursor to the next line.

Header row
   |
   +-- ID
   +-- NAME
   +-- CLASS
   +-- MARK
        |
        v
Data row 1
        |
        v
Data row 2
        |
        v
Data row 3

This example creates a four-column table, adds a colored header and then displays sample student records.

FPDF Cell() Parameters Used for Tables Top ↑

The Cell() method draws one rectangular cell and can place text inside it.

$pdf->Cell(width,height,text,border,line,align,fill);

For a PDF table, these parameters control the table layout:

Set the Width of Each PDF Table Column Top ↑

Store the column widths in an array:

$width_cell=[10,30,20,30];

The four values correspond to:

ID     = 10 mm
NAME   = 30 mm
CLASS  = 20 mm
MARK   = 30 mm

The table width is therefore:

10 + 30 + 20 + 30 = 90 mm

Using an array makes it easy to keep every Cell in the same column at exactly the same width.

Create the PDF Table Header Top ↑

Set a bold font and a background color for the header:

$pdf->SetFont('Arial','B',12);
$pdf->SetFillColor(193,229,252);

Then create the four header cells:

$pdf->Cell($width_cell[0],10,'ID',1,0,'C',true);
$pdf->Cell($width_cell[1],10,'NAME',1,0,'C',true);
$pdf->Cell($width_cell[2],10,'CLASS',1,0,'C',true);
$pdf->Cell($width_cell[3],10,'MARK',1,1,'C',true);

The first three cells use 0 for the line parameter so the next cell remains on the same row.

The final MARK cell uses:

1

This moves the cursor to the next line after the header row is complete.

Understanding One Header Cell Top ↑

$pdf->Cell($width_cell[2],10,'CLASS',1,0,'C',true);

This means:

• $width_cell[2] - width of the CLASS column.
• 10 - cell height.
• 'CLASS' - text displayed inside the cell.
• 1 - draw the border.
• 0 - keep the next cell on the same line.
• 'C' - center-align the text.
• true - apply the current fill color.

Add Data Rows to the PDF Table Top ↑

After the header, change to a normal font:

$pdf->SetFont('Arial','',10);

A complete data row can be added like this:

$pdf->Cell($width_cell[0],10,'1',1,0,'C',false);
$pdf->Cell($width_cell[1],10,'John Deo',1,0,'L',false);
$pdf->Cell($width_cell[2],10,'Four',1,0,'C',false);
$pdf->Cell($width_cell[3],10,'75',1,1,'C',false);

Again, the last Cell uses 1 so the next record begins on a new line.

Generate PDF Table Rows using a PHP Loop Top ↑

Repeating four Cell() calls for every record works, but storing the data in an array makes the example easier to extend.

$data=[
    [1,'John Deo','Four',75],
    [2,'Max Ruin','Three',85],
    [3,'Arnold','Three',55]
];

Loop through each row:

foreach($data as $row){
    $pdf->Cell($width_cell[0],10,(string)$row[0],1,0,'C',false);
    $pdf->Cell($width_cell[1],10,$row[1],1,0,'L',false);
    $pdf->Cell($width_cell[2],10,$row[2],1,0,'C',false);
    $pdf->Cell($width_cell[3],10,(string)$row[3],1,1,'C',false);
}

This structure is also closer to the next step, where the rows will come from a MySQL or SQLite database instead of a manually created array.

Complete PHP FPDF Table Example Top ↑

The script creates one header row and three data rows. The browser displays the resulting PDF using the filename student-table.pdf.

View the PDF Table Output Top ↑

Video: Create a Table using FPDF Cell() Top ↑

Display MySQL or SQLite Records in an FPDF Table Top ↑

Once the table layout is understood, the manually created $data array can be replaced by records collected from a database.

Database
   |
   v
PDO SELECT
   |
   v
Rows
   |
   v
foreach()
   |
   v
FPDF Cell()

The complete database example is available here:

Use MultiCell for Long or Wrapped Text Top ↑

The Cell() method is suitable when each value fits on a single line. If a column contains longer text that must wrap, use the FPDF MultiCell() method.

This is important because a normal Cell does not automatically increase the row height to accommodate long text.

Common Problems when Creating FPDF Tables Top ↑

Columns do not line up Top ↑

Use the same width value for every Cell belonging to the same column. Keeping widths in one array helps prevent inconsistent column sizes.

All Cells appear on one line Top ↑

The final Cell in each row must move to the next line. In this example the line parameter of the final Cell is set to 1.

Header background color is not visible Top ↑

Call SetFillColor() first and pass true as the fill argument of the header Cells.

Long text crosses the Cell boundary Top ↑

Increase the column width or use MultiCell() when text needs to wrap.

PDF output gives an output-already-started error Top ↑

Do not send HTML, spaces or debugging output before the PDF is generated. The FPDF script should call Output() before any unrelated browser output.

Frequently Asked Questions Top ↑

Subhendu Mohapatra

Author & Instructor at plus2net

I write and maintain practical tutorials on Python, PHP, SQL, JavaScript, HTML, jQuery, and web development at plus2net. The tutorials focus on clear explanations, working examples, and code that readers can test and adapt while learning.

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