Import folder to container field - resolution problem

[joshl75]

Hi - this is a real SOS as it's giving me a real headache to work out!

Here is what I am trying to do:

Using the import folder action within Filemaker Pro 7.0v3 (Mac OSX) to import brochure adverts that have been exported (from Quark XPress) as individual hi-res pdfs (each has its own unique reference number which can be identified by it's filename - also imported).

I am then required to position those pdfs as graphics in an exact area of a printed pre-designed booking form for each customer.

PROBLEM: I am having no problem importing the folder of pdfs into the container field or (obviously) positioning them where required on the page, however, when I print them out they are very low-resolution. It is worth noting that this problem does not occur when you individually insert the pdf into the container field for each record (prints perfectly) - only when importing as a folder. Inserting each pdf indivudally is not an option as there are over 10,000 to do. I have also tried changing the format of the image files to jpeg or tiff before importing the folder, but the same low-res printout problem occurs.

UPDATE: I have set up a calculation field with result Container using the file path to auto-enter the image however the only result it is returning is the desktop icon for the file and not the hi-res image itself - this is doing my nut in!! Is there a way around this little conundrum too?

Please help!

[Fenton]

The problem is that Import folder (which came out with FileMaker 6) sees PDFs as Quicktime movies, not pictures. This allows you to flip through the possible multiple pages of a PDF.

It imports them "as reference only" no matter whether you uncheck that choice or not. It will not "embed" them; and only embedded PDFs print with full resolution.

But what you want is to import them as Picture. Which you can do manually, using Insert Picture. So, the solution is script a routine which can do all the files in a folder. This is not too difficult, esp. using FileMaker 8. It can be done with FileMaker 7, but it's much easier with 8.

FileMaker 8 has a Set Variable step that lets you put a file path in it (in FileMaker syntax), which you can then use in an Insert Picture step. In FileMaker 7 you can only Insert from a fixed path; so you have to use AppleScript to do a "switcheroo" on each file, renaming it, Insert, then renaming back again.

In any case you need to use AppleScript (or Troi File, or something) to get the list of files in the folder. Then it's a fairly simple matter of converting the OS file path to FileMaker syntax, Insert the file (with a FileMaker script), then do the next.

The resulting file is going to be big to huge. You probably want to use a separate linked file for this. Hopefully the file name (or path) can be matched to your other FileMaker file?

Here's a simple example. It is Mac-only as it uses AppleScript to get the file list from a folder. But that's all it uses it for, so you could use Troi File or something for that instead. It requires FileMaker 8+, because it uses a script Variable.

Insert_Folder_Pictures_Embed.zip

[joshl75]

Fenton - you are a legend.

I have downloaded the trial version of 8.5 to see your file in action and am ecstatic to see that it works. I will upgrade to version 8.5 and use your script for the job.

Thanks a million - you've saved me going bananas!! Much appreciated.