Annotation on seperate layers...

[lidds]

I need some advise on how to acheive the following, I am knew to PDF X-Change so I do not know all the functionality:

What I want to do is have a PDF on a network that multiple users can open at the same time, which is not a problem. However I want the users to be able to mark-up the PDF, but then for their mark-ups to be be saved in a seperate file/layer/PDF (NOT the original that they have opened). Then I want the ability to load each users mark-ups into a single PDF but for them to be on seperate layers so I can easily turn them on and off.

As I said I am new to the whole PDF thing, so layers may not be the best option, but hopefully it illistrates my problem quite well.

Thanks in advance

Simon

[Corwin - Tracker Sup]

You can export comments to an FDF file (in main menu: Comments->Export Comments to Data File...) and then import them from this file to the same PDF document.

[lidds]

I saw the export option, however I could not see an import option. Could you also give me some guidance as to the commands to export and import the annotations, as I can't seem to find it in the manual and it would make it easier for me to find if I knew the command syntax.

Thanks for you help

Simon

[Corwin - Tracker Sup]

Using Viewer UI:
Comments->Export Comments to Data File... - export comments and forms values to FDF (or XFDF) file.
Comments->Import Comments... - import comments from FDF (or XFDF) file to current opened document.
You can also export/import comments via code by using next JS functions:
"exportAsFDF" and "importAnFDF". How to use this functions you can read at JavaScript for Acrobat API Reference.

[lidds]

Thanks Corwin,

For your help, this is exacually what I wanted. However I am not to sure how to actually implement the code in VB.Net. Would it be possible for you to give me some example code?

Thanks in advance

Simon

[John - Tracker Supp]

Hi,

will try and get a code snippett together and post ASAP

Thanks for your patience

[Corwin - Tracker Sup]

In VB.NET to export annotations you can use next code:

Code: Select all

Dim bsResult As String = ""
Try
   AxCoPDFXCview1.RunJavaScript("this.exportAsFDF(true, true, null, true, ""/c/annots.fdf"", true);", bsResult, 0, 0)
Catch ex As Exception
End Try

(this will export annotations to c:\annots.fdf file)
and for import:

Code: Select all

AxCoPDFXCview1.RunJavaScript("this.importAnFDF(""/c/annots.fdf"");", bsResult, 0, 0)

[lidds]

Corwin,

Once again you have answered my questions perfectly.

Thanks for all your help

Simon

[John - Tracker Supp]

Yes Simon - he's a good guy and we are lucky to have someone who works so hard and does such a dilligent job !

[lidds]

Corwin,

1) As I said awhile ago this worked fine, however what I want to do is be able to save the file to a location that is stored within a variable

e.g.

Code: Select all

Dim bsResult As String = ""
Dim strDir as string = "C:\temp\annots.fdf"
Try
   AxCoPDFXCview1.RunJavaScript("this.exportAsFDF(true, true, null, true, " & strDir & ", true);", bsResult, 0, 0)
Catch ex As Exception
End Try
[code]

I have tried a number of variations but can't get it to work.

2) Also once I have imported the annotations is there a way that I can then unload them e.g. switch .fdf files on and off?

3) Also is it possible to import annotations from a .fdf file into a PDF but make all these annotations readonly?

Thanks

Simon

[lidds]

bump.... Is anyone able to help me with this?

Thanks

Simon

[Corwin - Tracker Sup]

Hi Simon.
Sorry to have kept you waiting.

1. In your code you forgot to add quotes for the path to file. Also you should use doubled backslash for a JS file path.
So your code should look as below:

Code: Select all

Dim bsResult As String = ""
Dim strDir As String = "C:\\Temp\\annots.fdf"

Try
   AxCoPDFXCview1.RunJavaScript("this.exportAsFDF(true, true, null, true, """ & strDir & """, true);", bsResult, 0, 0)
Catch ex As Exception
End Try

Please note, that to make this code work, "C:\Temp" directory should already exist.

2. No, you cannot do this. But you can reopen the PDF document (if it was not saved after the import of annotations) and then import another FDF file.

3. Only way to do this is to make all annotations in the document read-only.

HTH.

[lidds]

Hi Corwin,

Thanks for your help.

Just had a thought with regards to point 3. I have modified the annotation properties to contain the users name from my application e.g. after they log in. Is it at all possible to override the annotation selection code in your ActiveX so that when the user selects an annotation element it checks their current login name with the login name saved on the annotation element. If they do not match then it deselects the annotation element, therefore not allowing them to manipulate it as it is not selected.

This was just a thought and I have no idea how to override this selection, therefore if it is possible would you mind providing me with a code snippit.

FYI I am coding in VB.Net

Thanks in advance

Simon

[Ivan - Tracker Software]

Hi,

No, there is no way to override the selection.