Is it possible to add a back button and/or a previous view button to multiple pdf files using Adobe Pro 2017 Action Wizard?

[dhljudi]

I have a folder containing a chapter list file linked to almost 500 separate chapter files. I'd like to be able to add a previous view button, and a back button to take the user back to the chapter list. I'd like to be able to do this as a batch process rather than having to add the buttons to each file separately if possible. It seems as though I should be able to do this using Action Wizard, but I can't find the option to add a button. Any help would be much appreciated!

[Bernd Alheit]

With JavaScript you can add buttons.

[try67 · Accepted solution]

Buttons that are created in JS can only execute JS code. To execute the Previous View command use this:

app.execMenuItem("GoBack");

And Next View:

app.execMenuItem("GoForward");

[dhljudi]

Thanks!

I've just gotten the Adobe Pro program and am not very familiar with JavaScript. Do I create a new action in action wizard and execute a JavaScript? I guess I would add the commands you've listed above in "specify settings?

[try67]

That's correct. And then add a Save command, after the Execute JavaScript one.

[dhljudi]

I've added the JavaScript commands and a save command, and run a test on several docs. The program seems to run fine, but there are no buttons added to the docs. I'm probably missing a simple step- sorry!

[try67]

You misunderstood. That code is what the button itself needs to execute.

You need to run a script that adds the button and then applies that code as its MouseUp event.

To do that you would need to use the Document object's addField method, and then the Field object's setAction method.

[dhljudi]

Okay-it sounds like this process is pretty complicated and beyond the ability of a newbie like myself. I wouldn't know where to start.

Thanks very much for the help though!

[try67]

It is a bit complicated, yes. If you're interested in hiring a professional to do it for you, feel free to contact me privately (try6767 at gmail.com).