Using a PDF image as a report template

rbuser

Hi,

My client issues certificates to their clients who have achieved their
objective. I've created a report that maps firstname, surname etc onto the
places on the certificate which they'll put in the printer. That has been
working fine for ages now.

Now they want to be able to export the report to a JPEG file which I can do
with PsRBExportDevices Pro v2.05 from rarefind which works with
ReportBuilder. However they also want to have the printing that is on the
certificate aswell as the fields that I put on with ppReport in the JPEG
image so I'm wondering if I can somwhow import the PDF file they've sent me
and use it as a 'soft' template for the ppReport either at design or
runtime?

I'm currently using Delphi 6 with Report Builder 7.04.

Many thanks for any help
Cheers
Colin

nicocizik

Hi Colin,

ReportBuilder does not have the ability to display a PDF file inside a
report. The best option would be to use a conversion utility to convert
the PDF to an image or RTF format then add that to the report as the
starting template.

The latest version of ReportBuilder now supports exporting to image
files as well as many other file formats. Moving forward, we hope you
will consider upgrading.

http://www.digital-metaphors.com/rbWiki/General/What's_New/RB_12


Regards,

Nico Cizik
Digital Metaphors
http://www.digital-metaphors.com

rbuser

Hi Nico,

Many thanks for this, does RB12 export include export to JPEG?

Cheers
Colin

rbuser

Hi Nico,

I've downloaded version 12 RB and as it now can export to JPEG I'll be
upgrading and charging to the client! ,

Could you tell me where I can find the documentation / tutorial to create a
report with the RTF image as a starting template please? Any
recommendations on any converter to take a JPG to an RTF format?

Could you also please confirm that the Standard version 12 of RB does this
please?

Many thanks and kind regards
Colin

nicocizik

Hi Colin,

There are a number of on-line and downloadable conversion tools to
convert PDF files to image or RTF format. A quick search in Google
gives a number of options. I know some customers in the past have used
a tool named VeryPDF.

If you would like to do this in code, I believe Gnostice develops a PDF
to RTF converter library.

Once you convert your PDF to an image or RTF, then simply place the
image/RTF inside the report. Ideally this will be placed in the
PageStyle band behind the rest of the report so you can then position
the actual report components to match up with the template.


Regards,

Nico Cizik
Digital Metaphors
http://www.digital-metaphors.com

rbuser

Hi Nico,

Thanks for this, I assume you mean loading the rtf into an rb image
component on the report, but do you know if there is a limit on the size in
megs that the image can be?

Cheers
Colin

nicocizik

Hi Colin,

Sorry if I wasn't being clear.

You have two options.

1. Convert the PDF "template" to an image (jpeg, gif, bmp, etc.) and
place it inside the report using a TppImage component.

2. Convert the PDF to an RTF file and place it inside the report using a
TppRichText component.

I believe we have had customers successfully perform both methods.
There is no set limit on the size of an image you can place inside a
report. The only limitation would be the amount of memory/resources
your computer has available.


Regards,

Nico Cizik
Digital Metaphors
http://www.digital-metaphors.com

nardmoseley

The best solution is to find a high quality conversion utility that can
convert the PDF to a metafile. Unlike a jpeg, a metafile can contain a list
of windows graphics commands (GDI commands) that can be 'played' to render
the image. For text based info, this provides a much smaller file and
produces higher quality output.


-
Nard Moseley
Digital Metaphors
www.digital-metaphors.com

rbuser

Hi Nico,

re being clear, it was more likely me plus I am more informed now. Hurrah!

I've got the client to send me the certificate as a jpg now and so far I've
used Word to load that in as an image and save out to a RTF file.

Where I got confused was that I put a TImage into the PageStyle band and got
an access violation which led me to think there was a limit on the size of
image it would take.

What I didn't realise however is that I should use a TppRichText component.
It's been years since I did any Delphi work and I'd never used a TppRichText
component.

Thanks very much I'll see how I go.
Best
Colin

I have the image as a jpg now and I can

rbuser

Hi Nard,

As you'll see from my reply to Nico I think I may be able to get away with
the JPG option but definitely take your advice on board.

Great to hear you've got export to jpg on v12 and had I known my clients
subsequent requirement for that I would have bought the upgrade the month
before last or so when we talked about orientation of text fields!

Best from an aftershockful night in Christchurch NZ :-)
Colin