Generate PDF using Contact Form 7 Pro creates PDF documents from Contact Form 7 submissions. After a successful submission, a PDF can open in a new browser tab, appear as a link in the success message, or be attached to notification emails for the visitor, administrator, or both. Each form can have its own PDF content, filename, layout, and delivery settings.

Form settings shape each PDF

Create or select a PDF configuration in the Contact Form 7 form settings, then create its content from submitted data. The editor supports HTML and CSS according to the mPDF library’s capabilities, so the output depends on the markup and styles that library supports. Add a header logo, form values, and a thank-you message. Header and footer text, font size, formatting, and available fonts let you adjust the document’s presentation.

Use form tags in PDF content and filenames, and Contact Form 7 special mail tags where supported. The [_post_title] tag inserts the post or current page title. To show an acceptance value, use a tag that matches the acceptance field, such as [acceptance-terms-condition]. Dates can be formatted with the PHP Date function.

Layout options include templates, page numbers with custom text, page breaks, background pictures, colors and gradients, watermark text, and a CSS editor. You can set the header image position, select page sizes such as A4, A3, or Letter, and use right-to-left text alignment. Signatures can be captured and embedded as PNG or image files using shortcodes. Uploaded Contact Form 7 files can also appear in the PDF. A preview lets you inspect the document before saving or sending it, and a compression option can reduce PDF file size.

Email settings connect PDFs with notifications

Pro supports dynamically generated or predefined PDFs in Mail 1 and Mail 2, with configurable recipients and controls for enabling or disabling PDF attachments. You can include an additional file alongside the PDF attachment. For browser delivery, choose whether the PDF opens after submission or appears as a link in the success message.

Password protection is available for generated PDFs to help control access. The setting applies to the PDF; it does not establish how the document is handled after it is delivered or stored.

Submission records and analytics show PDF activity

The PDF Submission List keeps generated documents available for viewing and record-keeping. A dedicated PDF area in the WordPress administration panel lets you view and manage created PDF forms and submissions. Submitted form data can be saved to the database and exported as CSV. Plugin settings can also be imported or exported for use across sites.

The Pro analytics dashboard tracks total PDFs generated, downloads, and emails sent. It includes error monitoring for failed generations, charts for daily, monthly, yearly, or custom date ranges, and recent activity with user email, actions, and timestamps. Dashboard widgets can be enabled or disabled.

Storage settings choose where PDFs are kept

Store PDFs on the server or use Amazon S3, Google Drive, or Dropbox. The administration interface also includes customizable colors and branding, accessibility enhancements, and performance improvements.

Setup connects a form to its PDF delivery

Add the add-on to WordPress, then open the administration settings for the Contact Form 7 form you want to use. Select or make its PDF configuration, customize the content and fields, choose a filename and delivery method, and preview the document before saving. Set the delivery choice to open the PDF after submission, show a link in the success message, or attach it to notification emails.