[BUG] Cropping adds extra space at PDF export

[jakobjung10]

I have found a similar issue from the past that has been "resolved".
Old issue: #4353
I was asked to create a new issue.

Describe the bug
I expect the cropping to choose the most minimalistic area.
However, when I use PDF export, sometimes the area is not minimal.
Other export options (e.g. PNG, SVG, ...) have the correct cropping behaviour.
Below is an example of an unsatisfying PDF export.

To Reproduce
Steps to reproduce the behavior:

extra-space.drawio
extra-space.drawio.pdf

Expected behavior
No unnecessary white margins when cropping an image at PDF export.

Screenshots

• draw.io version 29.6.1

Desktop (please complete the following information):

• OS: Windows 10
• Browser: Chrome
• Browser Version: Version 129.0.6668.71

Additional Information

• 'Crop' option is enabled in the PDF export dialog
• extra white space does not appear consistently for all diagrams. I have encountered it only in this specific diagram for the first time.
• I havetried adjusting the page settings (e.g., disabling 'Page View' or changing page size) before exporting to PDF but it does not solve the problem

[draw-io-triage-bot]

👋 Thank you for opening this issue!

---

Summary: When exporting a diagram to PDF with cropping, extra whitespace/margins are added around the diagram content that do not appear when exporting to other formats (PNG, SVG). This is a recurrence of a previously reported issue (#4353), and the user was directed to file a new issue.

---

🔍 Possible Related Issues

This issue might be related to existing issues:

🟡 #4938 - Exporting to image has alignment issues
Both issues relate to incorrect bounding/alignment during export, though #4938 is about image export while this is specifically about PDF export adding extra whitespace.

Please check if any of these address your issue. If this is a duplicate, we may close this issue and continue the conversation there.

📝 Additional Information Needed

To help us investigate this more effectively, could you please provide:

• Can you confirm whether the 'Crop' option is enabled in the PDF export dialog, or are you relying on the default behavior?
• Does the extra white space appear consistently for all diagrams, or only for specific shapes/layouts (e.g., the vertical flowchart in your example)?
• Have you tried adjusting the page settings (e.g., disabling 'Page View' or changing page size) before exporting to PDF to see if it affects the margins?

📋 Bug Report Template

**Environment:**
- draw.io version: [e.g., web app / desktop 24.x.x / Confluence plugin]
- Browser (if web): [e.g., Chrome 120, Firefox 121]
- OS: [e.g., Windows 11, macOS 14, Ubuntu 22.04]

**Steps to Reproduce:**
1. Go to ...
2. Click on ...
3. See error

**Expected Behavior:**
What you expected to happen.

**Actual Behavior:**
What actually happened.

**Screenshots/Files:**
If applicable, add screenshots or attach the .drawio file.

---

---

_{🤖 This is an automated response to help with initial triage. A human maintainer will review this issue. If you've provided all the requested information, no further action is needed - we'll get back to you soon!}

[davidjgraph]

Works fine for me on https://app.diagrams.net/ on 29.6.6.

extra-space.pdf

[jakobjung10]

That's weird.
I have also tried with drawio version 29.6.6 but still have the problem.

[alderg]

DId you set the border to 0?