Close form and export data as csv with button

[jd44]

Hi,

I am trying to write some code on the "exit" button of a survey that will close the form and export the data as a .csv file to a location on the user's computer of their choice. The data consists of simple radio button answers, some yes / no, and some multiple choice (four possible answers).

I've been messing around but haven't found a good solution..

Is this possible?

Thanks!

[try67]

Only if you can install a script on the local machine of each user.

[jd44]

Ok... is there a way I can at least get the document to save and close when the exit button is pushed?

Thanks!

[try67]

Saving the file silently also requires installing a script on the local machine.

[Thom Parker · Accepted solution]

Acrobat JavaScript has lots of security issues, and so it is sandboxed and simply does not provide many features, such as saving non-PDF files to the user's file system, and even that is restricted. So there is no way to use JavaScript to export a CSV file out of Acrobat to file system.

Here's an article on Acrobat trust/security:

Trust and Privilege in Acrobat Scripts

There are ways around these issues, but they all pretty much require a trust mechanism such as the folder level script mentioned by Try67, or something other than JavaScript, like an Acrobat plug-in or an external (visual basic) application that uses the IAC (interapplication communication) API, or a server script, cause you can send a csv file to a server from Acrobat.

[jd44]

Great information! Thank you!