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A
Anonymous
December 1, 2017
Answered

What is the minimum version needed to modify a PDF document from MS Access with vba?

  • December 1, 2017
  • 3 replies
  • 1506 views

Hi,

I'm currently working on a project where we fill a report in MS Access, export in PDF (so far everything work), and (this is a this point that we have trouble) we want to add a signature field with a textbox (to allow the user to sign it and make comments), and send the file location by email.

I saw on many forum that we can edit a PDF file with VBA code, especially the function "AcroExch.App", only with Adobe Pro. Is that true or we can use it with other version (Reader or Standard)?

I'm sorry if this question was already asked, I hope that one of you have the answer.

I look forward to your answer,

Nick

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Thom Parker

You can only do major modifications directly in Acrobat Standard or Pro.

However, Acrobat Reader connects to an online signature service (I believe its a subscription). 

You can actually add both comments and fields to a PDF in Reader for free.  But, there is no UI for added fields, this can only be done programatically, which you could do through VBA. 

Why use the IAC from VBA?  It seems convenient, but it might be better to just get Acrobat Standard add these features yourself.

3 replies

T
Test Screen Name
Legend
December 4, 2017

The Acrobat SDK has thousands of pages. Nothing on VBA specifically, you need to know how to interface to COM.

A
Anonymous
December 4, 2017

Thank you, I will take a look at it

Thom Parker
Community Expert
Thom ParkerCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
December 1, 2017

You can only do major modifications directly in Acrobat Standard or Pro.

However, Acrobat Reader connects to an online signature service (I believe its a subscription). 

You can actually add both comments and fields to a PDF in Reader for free.  But, there is no UI for added fields, this can only be done programatically, which you could do through VBA. 

Why use the IAC from VBA?  It seems convenient, but it might be better to just get Acrobat Standard add these features yourself.

Thom Parker - Software Developer at PDFScriptingUse the Acrobat JavaScript Reference early and often
A
Anonymous
December 4, 2017

Thank you for you reply.

I'm working on MS Access that's why I use VBA. I'm trying to to this programatically to avoid  any modifications of the document by the user (except his signature and comments) and save his time by just clicking on the good field instead of creating it.

I have to admit that I'm new to this, can you explain me what do you mean by this:

But, there is no UI for added fields, this can only be done programatically, which you could do through VBA.

Once again thank you for you time and answer.

Thom Parker
Community Expert
Thom ParkerCommunity Expert
Community Expert
December 4, 2017

Reader does not provide any UI for adding form fields to a PDF. But, the Acrobat JavaScript doc.addField() function will work. Here's a link to a file that proves the point. Swat the Fly Game

Thom Parker - Software Developer at PDFScriptingUse the Acrobat JavaScript Reference early and often
T
Test Screen Name
Legend
December 1, 2017

Definitely not for free. Acrobat Standard probably. Not all APIs are in Standard.

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