Quick Start Guide Leave feedback

This guide provides a quick and practical overview of how to set up and start using GroupDocs.Conversion Document Conversion Plugins. In this example, you’ll learn how to create C# console application and use the GroupDocs.Conversion.LowCode package to convert a DOCX file to PDF. The steps are similar for other conversion plugins.

Before you begin, make sure:

1. You have configured your development environment as described in the System Requirements.
2. Optionally, request a temporary license to evaluate the full functionality.

To build the example application, ensure .NET SDK 6.0 or later is installed. Visit the .NET download page to get the latest LTS version.

Tip

You can also skip the next steps and download the sample app that we’re going to buid here.

Create and navigate to a working folder:

mkdir convert-docx-to-pdf
cd convert-docx-to-pdf

Use the .NET CLI to generate a console app:

dotnet new console

Your project folder should now look like this:

📂 convert-docx-to-pdf
 ├── obj
 ├── convert-docx-to-pdf.csproj
 └── Program.cs

Use the .NET CLI to install the package:

dotnet add package GroupDocs.Conversion.LowCode

This adds a reference in your .csproj file with the latest available package version:

<Project Sdk="Microsoft.NET.Sdk">

  <PropertyGroup>
    <OutputType>Exe</OutputType>
    <TargetFramework>net9.0</TargetFramework>
    <RootNamespace>convert_docx_to_pdf</RootNamespace>
    <ImplicitUsings>enable</ImplicitUsings>
    <Nullable>enable</Nullable>
  </PropertyGroup>

  <ItemGroup>
    <PackageReference Include="GroupDocs.Conversion.LowCode" Version="25.6.0" />
  </ItemGroup>

</Project>

Replace the contents of Program.cs with the following code to convert a DOCX file to PDF:

using GroupDocs.Conversion.LowCode;

// Copy and paste your license keys
var publicKey = "<your public license key>";
var privateKey = "<your private license key>";

// Set the license
License.Set(publicKey, privateKey);

// Create a converter for a DOCX file
var converter = new DocxToPdfConverter("business-plan.docx");

// Convert to PDF
converter.Convert("business-plan.pdf");

To run the app:

dotnet run

After execution, the business-plan.pdf file should appear in the project directory.

• new DocxToPdfConverter("business-plan.docx"): Initializes the converter with the input file.
• converter.Convert("business-plan.pdf"): Converts the document and saves the output.

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, explore more:

• Developer Guide: Learn about each document conversion plugin features.