Insert images into interactive PDF

[dabo78]

Hello All,

I am trying to create an Interactive PDF (forms) for users that should insert:

- Name

- Surname

- Profile picture

These information are then used to generate a badge and print it.

So far I was able to figure out the textfields and the button that runs the print() function within Javascript.

I am looking for a flexible solution that allows user to choose a profile picture on their local machines through a file dialog window (or something similar).

Does anybody know how can I do it?

Thanks

[MarkWalsh]

Look at the .buttonImportIcon() method of a button field.

[dabo78]

Thanks Mark. It looks that if you don't have a Acrobat Pro installed on the machine you won't be able to insert images though....

[gkaiseril]

Reader can not use this feature, but it is available to Standard and Professional. With versions prior to 9, one would need to create and add the necessary tools to import the Icons, but there would be some significant JavaScript coding or the creator would need to have provided all of the images.

[mjrosner]

Has a new solution been developed to this problem for Mac users? I need to be able to create forms where the end user can click button to insert image.... the end result needs to work for Adobe Reader users (not Acrobat Pro). So far I cannot find a solution without using LiveCycle Designer (which of course does not run on Mac OS).  Any solutions for Mac OS user?

[George_Johnson]

The buttonImportIcon method is now available with Reader 11, but the source of the image has to be a PDF. It is easy to convert an image to PDF on a Mac (e.g., with Preview), and it's not much more difficult on Windows (e.g., with Word). Post again if this sounds feasible and someone can help with the code.

[mjrosner]

Thanks George! I had just done a test myself today using current versions of Acrobat Pro and Reader on my system and was surprised it worked just as you had described (could place a PDF image).... but when I then tested it on a PC system running reader it didn't work, so I assumed it was still not possible. It sounds like it would possibly just be a matter of updating the version of Reader being used by our end-users on their PCs. Thanks so much for pointing out the new feature!!

[George_Johnson]

Yes, Reader 11 is required, or any version of Acrobat.

[1BigTimeBookie]

George I realize I am months late again but if you could help that would be great.

UPDATE:   About 5 mins after posting my initial question, I found the answer!!! Yay!!!

I didn't know how to use Javascript but found an old Adobe docunent explaining how to do this in Adobe 7.  I have followed the instructions but it's not working in either Acrobat or Reader XI. 

Here is the link, http://partners.adobe.com/public/developer/en/tips/lc_dynamic_images.pdf 

When I completed the instructions, everything works except when I insert the pdf picture, I can't see it on the form and it does not print. 

I have enabled the use of Java in both Acrobat and Reader XI. 

Fill is set to > None

Do I need to do anything in the OPTION fields? 

I'm on a Mac. 

Thanks for your help!!

Message was edited by: 1BigTimeBookie

instructions for picture insertion, using Java in Acrobat, inserting pictures,

[George_Johnson]

On the options tab, be sure that the Layout is set to something other than "Label only". I usually use "Icon only".

The code in the Mouse Up event of the button should be (at minimum):

// Mouse Up script for button - Propmt user to select icon source

event.target.buttonImportIcon();

[1BigTimeBookie]

Changing OPTIONS to ICON ONLY was the ticket!!!! 

Wow George I am soooo happy!!! 

Thanks so much for your help!!

[Indigo8 Jo Murray]

Does anyone know if you can change the script so you can fit the content to the frame, when you import a photo?

[George_Johnson]

You configure the scaling (when and how) by setting the corresponding button properties, so it's not something you'd normally do at runtime with a script.

[Indigo8 Jo Murray]

Hi George,

Can I ask one more question? Normally I insert a button on the pdf and insert the java script there. Is there anyway you can insert the javascript event.target.buttonImportIcon();

on the button in Adobe Indesign? In this section on the right - see attached jpeg.

Thanks for your help.

[George_Johnson]

No, not in InDesign. You can automate the process of setting up the field properties and field actions using a script or by importing an FDF. I often will use a spreadsheet to keep track of such things so that the script and/or FDF is automatically generated, so it's a simple matter to configure the fields after the PDF is exported from InDesign. Post again if you'd like more info.

[Indigo8 Jo Murray]

Hi George, I would be keen to know more. Thank you!

[Joel_Geraci]

Ok - I strongly suggest that you don't use InDesign to add form fields to a PDF if your intention it to further edit those fields in Acrobat. If all of your form authoring is done in InDesign, your ok. If InDesign doesn't have enough of the capabilities that you need, only create the PDF page content there and add your fields in Acrobat... yes... it's ugly... but it's safe... it's like driving an Audi.

George presents a great solution but there are solutions that can help streamline the process. I use InDesign and Illustrator to create my PDFs almost every day. I keep an "Art" file and a "Form" file. The form file has all my fields and I just use replace pages to slip the updated Art pages "under" them.

[Indigo8 Jo Murray]

Ok. Thanks Joel

[rupjitc18738944]

when Open the pdf form in adobe acrobat I able to insert the image.

but the same pdf form open in adobe reader... So instead of insert the images, it shows to upload pdf file... Why?

[Bernd Alheit]

What version of Adobe Reader?

[try67]

It doesn't upload the PDF file you select as an attachment. It shows the page as the image of the button field, just like with a regular image field.

[Bernd Alheit]

You can use a Image Field in a LiveCycle Designer form.

[Wings_of_Success]

WTF! This is all so stupid.

The guy wants to insert an image field so his user can insert an image when the doc becomes interactive. Why should he have to go out and buy some more over engineered ADOBE crap to do this?

This is a post that really should not be deleted since ADOBE moderaters do not bother to admit that ADOBE products are over engineered for geek heads and the simplest needs are muddled entirely.

Clear answers to simple questions? Forget it. How about a long drawn out explanation that describes the water instead of the man drowning?

That's if you are lucky enough to even glean a response from these people.

Just like Microsoft Word 2007 and 2010, I need a simple developer tool that allows me (The developer) to allow the user (The client) to open up an interactive PDF and click on a button or an image area and have an Explorer window open up so that an image can be selected from that newly opened window.

Why can't you people just fix the damn thing. You are the most expensive product on the market and Word 2007 kicks your ass on this simple and manageable tool.

This subject is absolutely one of the most frustrating items on many people's lists of creating sleak and elegant interactive PDF files for their clients and users. Almost every thread I have read from other forums; from PC Magazine and onwards, all agree that ADOBE is slothful in responding to questions.

C'mon ADOBE. Get off your asses and respond. Can this be done as easy as MS Worrd, or not? Or does one have to get a degree in macro-java-html code-ology just to understand your BS work around answers?

[Bernd Alheit]

The guy wants to insert an image field so his user can insert an image when the doc becomes interactive. Why should he have to go out and buy some more over engineered ADOBE crap to do this?

LiveCycle Designer comes with Adobe Acrobat Pro.

[mjrosner]

LiveCycle Designer is not available to Mac users. What solution to this problem does Adobe offer Mac users?