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T
taras.h
Participant
May 4, 2017
Answered

Programmatically convert html to pdf?

  • May 4, 2017
  • 2 replies
  • 3477 views

Is there any way to use Adobe Acrobat (or any other Adobe product) to programmatically convert html to pdf.  I have developed a desktop application that generates reports in html format that users can view in their browser.  From their browser, uses can either save to or print to PDF.  I would like to be able to by-pass the need for users to open the html in their browser and to manually save each report as pdf; ie, I would like to implement the ability in my app for the app to generate the html and then use Adobe to convert and save the report as pdf.  So far, despite extensive searching on the Internet and the Adobe website, I haven't found a way to to that so I am hoping that someone in this Adobe forum may have a solution.  Many thanks

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Correct answer Test Screen Name

Do you have the Acrobat SDK? Are you experienced in C/C++?

2 replies

T
Test Screen Name
Legend
May 4, 2017

Your reading is correct. Adobe do not include this converter in the free Reader. Think of the Acrobat SDK as a marketing tool for Acrobat. Getting a Reader plug-in license would be unlikely to help; Reader does not include this function hidden away, it just isn't included. Adobe do want a sale for each user who converts to PDF.

T
taras.hAuthor
Participant
May 4, 2017

Thanks for that clarification.  I will mark your answer as the correct answer as it has fully addressed my queries.  Much appreciated.  Cheers.

T
Test Screen NameCorrect answer
Legend
May 4, 2017

Do you have the Acrobat SDK? Are you experienced in C/C++?

T
taras.hAuthor
Participant
May 4, 2017

Hi, yes, I am very experienced in C/C++.  No, I wasn't aware that there is an Acrobat SDK (I haven't previously had a need to do any development involving Adobe products).  I presume that the SDK provides the capability for me to do the conversion from html to pdf so I will check out the SDK.  Thank you for pointing me in that direction.  I'll report back on how I go. Cheers.

T
taras.hAuthor
Participant
May 4, 2017

Hmmm, I was excited by the prospect of the Acrobat SDK but, after doing quite a bit of reading on the Adobe site, I think that using the Acrobat SDK is not a feasible option.  Correct me if I'm wrong but, from my reading, my understanding is as follows:

I can use the SDK to develop a regular Acrobat plug-in but these work only with Acrobat Professional or Acrobat Standard, not with the free Acrobat Reader.  That rules out this option as I can't expect the users on the 500 computers on which my application is deployed to each have to pay for either Acrobat Professional or Acrobat Standard.

I can use the SDK to develop an Adobe Reader-enabled plug-in but that involves getting permission from Adobe and paying a fee to Adobe (I couldn't find out how much) but the hassle and potential costs make this an unappealing option.

I can't use the only remaining option, which is IAC (inter-application communication), because that doesn't work with the free Acrobat Reader.

So, it seems, there isn't any feasible option (in terms of cost and ease) to for me to use Adobe to achieve what I am trying to do.

Anyway, thanks for the suggestion.  It was worth exploring.

Cheers

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