PDF Graphics and naming

[J]

Hello,

I am a newbie and I have 2 questions.

I am trying to use the save as pdf in fmp8. The pdf has several graphical elements from a couple different tables. I need the pdf to be as small as possible.

My questions are:

1) How do I get transparent graphics? I need to make sure what was white space in and around the graphic show up as transparent so the graphic behind them shows through. I have the graphics in vector art in Illustrator and freehand. I need the final pdf to be as small as possible. Less than 2 megs. I have about 8-10 graphics on the page. I need to make sure that someone can zoom in on the pdf to see if the appropriate trademark or registration mark is on each logo. What is the best format for small pdf size, but still allows you to zoom in on the pdf?

2) How do I name the pdf? I need to name it based on fields from 2 different tables along with the date the pdf is created. For example, I draw a school name from a school table, I draw a graphic template name from a templates table, then I want to add the date as 09292005. Final name would be "SchoolTemplate09292005".

3) I am just switching from Lotus Approach to FM8 Server. We are going to connect FM to a mysql ecommerce site. We want to set up automatic imports every 10 minutes that will import new and changed records into read only tables in FM. Any suggestions or warnings?

Thanks.

Jason

BTW We are going to be donating approximately 15,000 this season to the Red Cross and PTA for hurricane relief. Last year, we donated over 18,000. I only mention this because you offer some free training of donations.

[D-fendr]

I'm giving unique names to PDFs using script variable. In my case I set a global script variable that defines the path - unique for different systems or users if you wish.

Then I set a local script variable = calc, the first part is the global path, last part is file name calc, just before I save as PDF.

In the save as PDF step you can enter script variable in the "Specify Output Path" box. If your variables are a valid path and file (see the bottom of the window for proper syntax) then the file will be saved where you want with the name you want.

Note of caution: If you're in a Windows world, be sure to append the ".pdf" suffix.

Summarizing. I set a Global Variable of the path for all documents. Just before saving the doc, I set a local variable that includes the global variable and a calc for the file name.

This local variable looks like this:

$IC=$$IC & "ic_" & Prospect::zk_prospect_p & "_" & Prospect::counterDoc & ".pdf"

Then when saving I save define the output path to "$IC"