Is there a way to populate an acroform drop down from another source like a data base or spread sheet?
I'm helping a group who is using an order form to request / ship products. They need to look up product IDs and descriptions from a seperate source then type them into the acroform. Can the info be called from the acroform and prepopulate the drop down so the user can select from a list?
Populate Drop down from other source
2011-05-04 10:39:55
My Product Information:
Acrobat Pro 9.0, Windows
Acrobat Pro 9.0, Windows
2011-05-04 11:32:00
#1
Possibly. Include more details about the external source and how often it will change, and more information about how the form will be used. Does it need to work with Reader?
2011-05-04 11:44:12
#2
As George points out, there are a lot of limiting factors and different methodologies when it comes to acquiring data from an external source. Here is an article on acquiring external data, Getting external data into Acrobat X JavaScript
The article is on new features in Acrobat X, but it covers background material on some of the different methodologies and how this was achieved in the past, and provides links to other related information where you might find a solution.
The article is on new features in Acrobat X, but it covers background material on some of the different methodologies and how this was achieved in the past, and provides links to other related information where you might find a solution.
2011-05-04 12:02:57
#3
Nice article Thom.
2011-05-04 12:43:52
#4
Thanks, importing external data sources is always a pain. And the methodologies seem to change with each version. I have a much more detailed article (for members only), it covers older methodologies and importing remote data with the Net.HTTP object and there's an automation tool download at: Acquiring Raw File Data
2011-05-05 11:45:03
#5
Possibly. Include more details about the external source and how often it will change, and more information about how the form will be used. Does it need to work with Reader?
Yes the list could change on a monthly basis. The team using the form has Reader 7.
2011-05-05 11:48:49
#6
As George points out, there are a lot of limiting factors and different methodologies when it comes to acquiring data from an external source. Here is an article on acquiring external data, Getting external data into Acrobat X JavaScriptThe article is on new features in Acrobat X, but it covers background material on some of the different methodologies and how this was achieved in the past, and provides links to other related information where you might find a solution.
Great article. Thank you!!