Posting a FileMaker created PDF via HTTP

[maverik_uk]

Dear All

From a FMP9 runtime, I am trying to print/save a pdf to a known location (this bit is easy bit) and then post it via HTTP using FileMaker to a web server.

I know I could do a VB script/Applescript to capture the PDF code from TextEdit/WordPad and then paste it into a FileMaker text field which I could then POST using Troi URL or TCPdirect, but I am looking for something a little more eloquent.

FTP and SMTP methods are not an option as they are too insecure. SFTP is an option but I am not aware of a plug-in which supports it.

Any ideas?

[bcooney]

I am curious, how are you creating PDFs in the runtime on WinXP? Are you on a Mac (you mention Applescript).

[AudioFreak]

Before we were able to do it within Filemaker I used CutePDF Writer . You could easily use this in a runtime solution.

Michael

[maverik_uk]

FMPA v9.0 (Runtime) can save as PDF as a script. As the solution will be cross-platform (two separate versions), I will need VB Script for PC, Applescript for Mac but it's not ideal.

[maverik_uk]

Yes - creating the PDF is the easier bit - it's posting it via http that I am struggling to find a clean eloquent solution. I can post it if the PDF code was in a text field, but not if the PDF itself is in a container field.

[Fenton]

Why not use Export Field Contents? Then post the exported file.

[Jesse Barnum]

I agree with Fenton - exporting and then using a plugin to upload seems like the best way to do this.

[bcooney]

Runtimes cannot save as pdf. So, I assume you'll use a third party solution. I was curious which one you chose.

I ship our runtime packaged by an installer, and the use of a third party pdf writer makes the installer too complicated and error-prone. (Commercial app, so I'm not there for the install).

PS: I needed a cross-platform solution, and many were Windows only. Yes, I could probably have used Mac's built-in pdf capability, but I didn't want to diverge the code to be so platform specific. So, no pdf capabilities in our solution. I was keeping my fingers crossed for FM9A. Oh well.

Edited August 25, 2007 by Guest
Add PS

[maverik_uk]

I don't think I am explaining this right. To create the PDF is not the issue. It is posting it from my runtime solution that is causing me the difficulty.

The PDF is a report. The user will fill in various forms in the runtime (I want the user to have offline ability hence use of runtime) and create a PDF which the runtime will post to a server.

Troi have led me to believe that you cannot post a multiple page PDF from a container field. I understand FileMaker does not store the PDF code within the field () even if the relative checkbox is ticked. Referencing the file from a url doesn't work either as it sends the filename and not the PDF code.

Like I say I could do it with Applescript and VB script but this leaving alot to chance. I would rather do it native in FileMaker or with a cross-platform plug-in as this is less likely to be interupted by firewall / spyware software.

Barbera - your suggestions have been helpful. I too have had difficulty with Intel Mac. Some crash everytime you try to SaveAs PDF - FM are aware of this bug.

[maverik_uk]

Sorry you were right - Runtime on Windows cannot create PDFs.

I am going to try this plug-in:

http://www.schubec.com/en/product_details_883818.html

Still yet to solve posting though.

[Digitalfusion]

I may be able to help with TCPdirect.

We have an update in the pipeline that may solve your problem.

Drop me an email at [email protected]