PDF Document Management Software, Services & Support

Acrobat JavaScript - Examples

While the vast majority of PDF files are intended for viewing and printing, PDF is a superb environment for scripted solutions to a wide array of functional and aesthetic applications.

Dynamic Data, Validation, Calculations and More

Set up invoices, expense reports and other complex forms that require calculations to automatically generate results as the user enters data. PDF forms can administer tests, calculate a score and display the results.

Allow users to customize their form based on previous user selections. Sets of data installed into the PDF allow users to can "Look Up" information or have fields automatically populated based on a single user selection.

Generate a graph on the page based on data entered by the user, allow the user to graph multiple sets of data on the same page. Merge database information, and communicate with servers.

Examples

Here are just a few examples of what can be done with PDF and JavaScript.

Desktop Form Filling

JavaScript may be used to import data into a PDF and merge it with an existing form. The merged results can be output as saved files or sent to the printer.

In this case, tab delimited data files were imported and the output generated a printout for each data record.

When clicked, a non-printable button in the top left hand corner prompts the user to select the desired data.

To let the user know what's going on, a progress bar shows in the lower right hand corner of the screen while the data is merged and the output PDF files are generated.

Graphing Data in the Field

When pouring concrete, it's vital to maintain specific records of measurements and choices made for each pour. Reliable server connections aren't necessarily available at construction sites, and Excel wasn't in the cards - users wanted a bulletproof document-based approach that didn't require the MS Office to read and use.

PDF was an excellent solution, with JavaScript used to dynamically set up a form based on user selections, then save and graph the results.

In this example, the form (and resulting graph) is initialized by first selecting English or Metric units.

When units are selected, both the x-axis labels and the available drop down selections in the table are populated with the correct values based on datasets stored in the PDF as javascript arrays.

Once the form is filled, additional javascript is used to perform the various complex calculations and finally graph the data. Multiple sets of data may be stored in the PDF; each set may be retrieved and displayed at will.

Why PDF?

You probably already use PDF files, or else use a format that's easily converted to PDF such as Word, Excel or InDesign. PDF offers key advantages for document automation applications. 

Cross-Platform, Cross-Version Portability

From Windows to Mac OS and Linux, PDF and Acrobat have a long history of dynamic document functionality via the Acrobat JavaScript API.  In most cases, users with software as old as Acrobat or Reader 5.0 may still be supported.

Cost Effective Development

The reliability, power and scope of Adobe Reader and the Acrobat JavaScript API makes developing even very sophisticated PDF-based applications quick and easy compared with other solutions.

Typical Applications for JavaScript in PDF documents

• Calculations of almost any sort
• Validation tests, from simple radio-buttons to sophisticated database-driven models.
• "SmartForms", including questionnaires, tests and polls
• Managing interactions with servers
• Document automation / workflow operations
• Dynamic graphing
• "Kiosk" applications such as catalogs and CD-ROM interfaces
• Interactive training and presentation materials

Check out some case studies, or simply get in touch today to learn more about our PDF scripting services.