Edit/Manipulate PDF

[QB]

In a previous post I have been concentrating on editing PDFs using Acrobat
Reader. I thought I'd try things from a different approach.

Is there an API, or other, that would permit me to edit an existing PDF.
Actually all I need is the ability to add text to specific areas within the
PDF. The solution has to be open-source, or free...

I've used stephen lebans report2pdf and saw that he user dynapdf.dll and
wondered if that might hold the key, but have been unsuccessful at finding
documentation.

Any ideas are welcome.

Thank you,

QB

 

[Stefan Hoffmann]

hi,

Is there an API, or other, that would permit me to edit an existing PDF.
Actually all I need is the ability to add text to specific areas within the
PDF.

The Offical Way: Pay for an Adobe developer account, then you get access
to the API's you need.

The solution has to be open-source, or free...

I don't know any free and good solution.

While the list is in German, it shows you Open Source projects:

http://www.heise.de/software/download/o0g0s1l11k0?f=5s&T=PDF

Maybe you find an appropriate solution here.



mfG
--> stefan <--

 

[QB]

Thank you the response! I just wanted to clarify your post. It is easier to
talk to a real person then spend hours sifting through Adobe's website (which
is horribly slow anyways). It is amazing how a simple post can allow novices
such as myself to learn so rapidly from experienced veterans!!!

"The Offical Way: Pay for an Adobe developer account, then you get access
to the API's you need."

The API's, are they independant of software installed on the client's PC?
Or do they need still require Adobe Acrobat to use them?

Thank you once again for the help. I was not aware of 'Adobe developer
account'.

QB

 

[Stefan Hoffmann]

hi,

"The Offical Way: Pay for an Adobe developer account, then you get access
to the API's you need."

The API's, are they independant of software installed on the client's PC?
Or do they need still require Adobe Acrobat to use them?

The information I have is 2 years old, but I don't think Adobe has
changed its habit:

You need an Adobe Developer account on

http://www.adobe.com/devnet/

The basic account should be free. There was an area about using the
Adobe Acrobat SDK. This SDK has to be paid for.


mfG
--> stefan <--

 

[QB]

For anyone else following this thread:

(1) The Adobe Developer account is free, simply signup

(2) The SDK is free, simply download once you have an account (see 1)

(3) I did some digging and reading and some more reading and found out:

"It is not sufficient to install just an ActiveX control or DLL to enable
OLE automation. You must have the full Acrobat product installed."

So no matter how you cut it, you have to install Acrobat on each pc you wish
to automate anything on. Even if all you wish to do is fill-in a form you
created on another machine with the full blown acrobat. That sucks! At
least I have an answer.

QB