Populating PDF fields

[Pablo Ramirez]

Hello,

I have several proprietary PDF files/forms that I would like to insert in a layout and populate the PDF fields with information that I have in different tables in Filemaker.

What would be the best way to do that:

a)Create a layout with the fields's position/size identical to the proprietary pdf form, fill the fields using a simple script and manually feeding the printed with pre-printed proprietary form. (VERY cumbersome)

: Insert/Paste the pdf form in a layout and populate its fields with a script?

Is it possible?

c) Is there another way? or am I overthinking this?

Thank you

Pablo

[transpower]

I don't see how; an FMP layout is not a PDF. You could do a screen dump of the PDF and copy it to the layout, but you would still have to insert all the fields and create all your buttons.

[QuinTech]

Hi, Pablo. If the PDFs are fill-in type forms, you can populate the fields through the use of an FDF file. I can't tell you a whole lot about them, but i know they're XML-like files that allow you to specify which PDF fields you want to fill and what data you want to fill them with.

I know that you'll have a bunch of data in a certain format, followed by a reference to the PDF file you want to feed. When a user (or, i suppose, a program) opens the FDF, that file automatically opens the specified PDF and populates it. The PDF can even be on the web, you would just need to point the FDF to the appropriate web location.

I wish i could give you more info, and maybe i will if i get a few extra minutes today, but in the meantime try looking into FDF's yourself. I know Adobe has some sort of developer's kit (which i don't remember finding very useful); and of course, Google will give you a ton of stuff to wade through.

HTH,

Jerry