Saving a form data file on the computer

Unfortunately the real functionality for saving an FDF file does not match the documentation, which states that the "doc.exportAsFDF()" function will work in Reader if the form is enabled for Reader Form/Save Rights and no path is specified. So it should work but it doesn't, at least it doesn't work on the Windows Reader 8 version. It might work on the Mac Reader 8. I didn't test it on 9.

This is exactly the kind of functionality that tends to change between verions, even between subversions. I suggest you give it a try on the target platforms.

Thom Parker
The source for PDF Scripting Info
[url=http://www.pdfScripting.com]pdfscripting.com[/url]

The Acrobat JavaScript Reference, Use it Early and Often
[url=http://www.adobe.com/devnet/acrobat/javascript.php]http://www.adobe.com/devnet/acrobat/javascript.php[/url]

Then most important JavaScript Development tool in Acrobat
[url=http://www.pdfscripting.com/public/34.cfm#JSIntro][b]The Console Window (Video tutorial)[/b][/url]
[url=http://www.acrobatusers.com/tutorials/2006/javascript_console][b]The Console Window(article)[/b][/url]

Hello,

I'm a little confused. Are you saying that in theory I should be able to perform this function using the javascript you provided but may encounter some problems between versions?



So in theory all I need to do is create a button and add the following javascript line:
doc.exportAsFDF

should I include any parenthesis, quotes, etc.



My apologies again, I am new to scripting.


Thanks again

Yep, that's what I'm saying. Since the exportAsFDF function touches the outside world its in a grey security zone. What Acrobat does or doesn't alow for this kind of thing is subject to change between versions.

You must include the parenthesis sine this is a function. But you've got the right idea. Add a button with a MouseUp "Run a JavaScript" action. Then place this code in the button

this.exportAsFDF();

Take a look in the Acrobat JavaScript Reference.

Thom Parker
The source for PDF Scripting Info
[url=http://www.pdfScripting.com]pdfscripting.com[/url]

The Acrobat JavaScript Reference, Use it Early and Often
[url=http://www.adobe.com/devnet/acrobat/javascript.php]http://www.adobe.com/devnet/acrobat/javascript.php[/url]

Then most important JavaScript Development tool in Acrobat
[url=http://www.pdfscripting.com/public/34.cfm#JSIntro][b]The Console Window (Video tutorial)[/b][/url]
[url=http://www.acrobatusers.com/tutorials/2006/javascript_console][b]The Console Window(article)[/b][/url]

Should this work for those using Adobe Reader 8 and higher? I have professional and it seems to work but when I tested it in Reader, it failed to export.

I tested this in Adobe Reader 9 just with no luck

Thanks again

Have you applied extended form rights to the PDF?

This is restricted in Reader and requires the extended form rights. See the Acrobat JS API Reference.

Actually that was in my first comment. Even though the reference states that this function should work in reader if the document Has Form Save Rights, it does not. At least on the versions I tested it on. You just have to try it out and see. That's what I do.

Thom Parker
The source for PDF Scripting Info
[url=http://www.pdfScripting.com]pdfscripting.com[/url]

The Acrobat JavaScript Reference, Use it Early and Often
[url=http://www.adobe.com/devnet/acrobat/javascript.php]http://www.adobe.com/devnet/acrobat/javascript.php[/url]

Then most important JavaScript Development tool in Acrobat
[url=http://www.pdfscripting.com/public/34.cfm#JSIntro][b]The Console Window (Video tutorial)[/b][/url]
[url=http://www.acrobatusers.com/tutorials/2006/javascript_console][b]The Console Window(article)[/b][/url]

Hello,

The did enable user rights for Reader.


I've tested the document on the Mac, so far so good.
I'm running tests on the PC tomorrow. Hopefully it will work
Thanks for all your help!