Import XML data into PDF opened in Reader

[NL_Erik_G]

Hello,

here is a question:

Is it possible to import XML data into a PDF-document using Adobe Reader?

I have created a new PDF-document using LiveCycle Designer. I have added a button with "xfa.host.importData();" (Javascript). When clicked, a browse windows opens and the selected XML-file (located locally on disk) is imported into the PDF. However, this only seems to work using Adobe Acrobat, not Adobe Reader.

Am I doing something wrong, or is the Reader just not good enough ;-)

Thanks for you responce!

Erik

[Niall_O_Donovan]

Hi Erik,

Unfortunately unless the form is Reader Enabled in Adobe's server product LiveCycle Reader Extensions ES2 then a user with Reader will not be able to import (or export) XML data.

Summary is available here: http://assurehsc.ie/blog/index.php/2010/05/using-livecycle-forms-in-acrobat-and-reader/

Hope that helps (probably not much though),

Niall

[NL_Erik_G]

Hi Niall,

thanks very much for your answer. You confirmed what I was not hoping for ;-(

Do you know what it takes to set the required extentions into our pdf''s? It is just a software module that we buy? Is it something like 'Extent features in Adobe Reader' from the Adobe Acrobat?

Any idea what the costs are for the LiveCycle Reader Extensions ES2?

Thanks,

Erik

[Niall_O_Donovan]

Hi Erik,

You would need to contact the Adobe representative in your area.

It is a server based product and is intended for large volumes of data processing. I would not be able to give a ball park on the costs.

Good luck,

Niall

[NL_Erik_G]

Hi Niall,

thanks again!

It sounds like it should be possible to import a xml-file into a pdf using the Reader. However, I have not the correct software. Just to be sure: this is what I have, and what I need to make:

Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro

Adobe LiveCycle Designer ES 8.2

Adobe Reader 9

I have created about 20 PDF's using LiveCycle Designer containing several field that an user needs to fill using the Reader. After filling all the fields, the user saves the pdf to a local folder.

However, there is also a XML available with data that can be imported into those PDF's. This will save the users a lot of time. I have got this working in Acrobat, but since the users do not have Acrobat, I want it to be enabled into the PDF's.

Now, I have been advised that this is not enabled in the Reader. But I also read about using the LiveCycle Reader Extensions ES2. Do you know if these Extensions are just an extra software-module for my existing LiveCycle Designer, or do I need to install all new software?

I hope that I do not have to do very much additional actions, for it only concerns 20 pdf's

Thanks,

Erik

[Niall_O_Donovan]

Hi Erik,

You are right, you do not apply Reader enable the form in LC Designer ES. This is only used to develop the form. The form is also not Reader enabled in Reader. Reader is only a viewer.

There are two routes to Reader enable a form:

1. Using Acrobat 9 Standard or above (or Acrobat 8 Professional or above). This has licensing restrictions though, to less than 500 data processes per form. See the EULA.
2. LC Reader Extensions ES2 is a server product and is intended for large volumes of data processes. As it is a server product there are additional costs involved. You should contact your local Adobe Rep.

If the form is not Reader Enabled then users with Reader will have a lot of restrictions, like the ability to save and import/export XML. Even if you Reader Enable the form through Acrobat, while users with Reader will now be able to save the form, they will NOT be able to import/export XML.

The PDF summary is here: https://acrobat.com/#d=3lGJZAZuOmk8h86HCWyJKg

If you hover over the ? in this PDF there are screenshots for Reader enabling the form in Acrobat and LC Reader Extensions ES2.

Given that your main requirement seems to relate to XML, you need to get a quote for the full LC Reader Extensions ES2. http://www.adobe.com/uk/products/livecycle/readerextensions/

Hope that helps,

Niall