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Custom Stamps that are User Editable after placing into document

Forum Index > General Acrobat Topics > Custom Stamps that are User Editable after placing into document
2011-03-03 10:31:02
SeattleUser
Registered: Nov 21 2008
Posts: 108
Answered

I'm wondering if anybody knows how to do this? I'm basically trying to create a custom stamp that is a simple text box with certain attributes that users can select, place, and edit after placement.
 
I could tell them how to create a text box but, honestly, most won't be bothered to do it or wouldn't know how even if the instructions were right in front of them.
 
Thank you in advance.

My Product Information:
Acrobat Pro 9.1.1, Windows
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2011-03-03 10:44:55
#1
gkaiseril
Online
Expert
Registered: Feb 23 2006
Posts: 4307
Have you looked a the tutorials about Dynamic Stamps?

The data needs to be gathered before the stamp is placed. Once placed, the contents of the stamp if flattened into the stamp and the user can only move and resize the stamp.

George Kaiser

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2011-03-03 11:37:56
#2
SeattleUser
Registered: Nov 21 2008
Posts: 108
Yeah, I have created a custom stamp for my users that will stamp their name and the current date. There are some occasions where somebody may be logged into a computer with a different person looking over their shoulder, and the onlooker is the one whose name needs to be inserted, instead. I was trying to figure out a way to preconfigure a text box with all the attributes they would need so they could basically drag & drop it, then fill it in. But it sounds like stamps are inherently flattened (aside from the dynamic portions that we have figured out). Thanks for the input, though.
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2011-03-04 09:15:22
#3
thomp
Expert
Registered: Feb 15 2006
Posts: 4411
Accepted Answer
It is possible to ask the user to enter a name when the stamp is placed, i.e., before it is flattened.

See this article:
http://acrobatusers.com/tutorials/2007/02/dynamic_stamp_secrets

And you might be interested in this video, which covers the variety of things that can be done with a dynamic stamp.

Stamps Gone Wild

Thom Parker
The source for PDF Scripting Info
www.pdfscripting.com
Very Important - How to Debug Your Script

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2011-03-08 11:02:45
#4
SeattleUser
Registered: Nov 21 2008
Posts: 108
Thom, that article is great, as is the video. I toyed with the sample PDFs in the link and could make them work when unmodified. I apparently need to brush up on my tinkering skills though since I couldn't get them to work with some very simple modifications. Anyway, I figured with enough scripting knowledge one could create custom stamps that ask users for input - and your company is the place that does it!
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2011-03-08 11:44:39
#5
thomp
Expert
Registered: Feb 15 2006
Posts: 4411
Yes, we do a lot of dynamic stamps. Pretty fancy ones too. But before spending the money on custom development you should try implementing it yourself. The coding is not too difficult. From my experience the hardest part is getting past the dynamic stamp basics. Once you understand the dynamic stamp creation process, and the importance of the stamp name. The input script will be easy.


Thom Parker
The source for PDF Scripting Info
www.pdfscripting.com
Very Important - How to Debug Your Script

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2011-03-09 21:55:24
#6
SeattleUser
Registered: Nov 21 2008
Posts: 108
Oh, I haven't given up yet, Thom! I'm stubborn and I like a challenge. I just need to create a little more time at my job to fit it in and run a few more tests. I've had success on other dynamic stamp adjustments, so I'm hoping to learn some more with this one. Thanks for the encouragement.
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