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Watermark always on by default

PowerTools
Registered: May 2 2008
Posts: 2

Virtually every file that I create as a PDF needs to be stamped with a watermark stating "Uncontrolled Document." I only want to see it on the printed file and Acrobat 8 watermarks certainly work perfect for this except that I have to open each PDF and select the watermark.

I'm looking for a way to have my watermark always selected when I create a PDF. I can't run a macro on the files after creation since they are locked in a PDM Vault and editing the files would create a new revision. So, that's why I'm stuck finding a way to have this as my default. The other reason is that guys and gals on the shop floor print these files out and don't want to have to mess around with options. They just want to print the files as is.

Any suggestions on how to set up Acrobat options so that every time I print a file this lovely watermark is always on the PDF? Thanks so much.

My Product Information:
Acrobat Standard 8.1.2, Windows
thomp
Expert
Registered: Feb 15 2006
Posts: 4411
Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a way to control the watermarking defaults, or to set the "Show on Print" option through JavaScript. Many of these types of options are undocumented registry entries (or config file entries on the MAC), but I did a quick search and couldn't find anything.

But you do have some options.

1. Get a 3rd party Acrobat plug-in or application for applying watermarks that can set the watermark print option. I can't think of any off hand but you could do a Google search on "PDF Watermark Tool" and see what comes up. I'm sure there are plenty out there. Watermarks are popular.

2. Write your own Tool or Acrobat plug-in to do this.

3. Purchase the Adobe LiveCycle Server that applies watermarks. I'm sure they have one.

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