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

[Guest]

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

[Test Screen Name]

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

[Thom Parker · Accepted solution]

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.

[Guest]

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]

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

[Guest]

Ok I understand,

That's what I taught, if I want to edit a PDF from Access, I need at least a PDF version that allow it, i.e. Acrobat Standard at minimum.

Do you have any documentation about editing PDF with VBA, I looking for it but I found barely nothing.

Thank you for you anwser

[Thom Parker]

Here's the SDK reference for the IAC, which is what you use from VBA to talk to Acobat.

Acrobat DC SDK Documentation

[Guest]

Thank you, I will dig in it.

[Test Screen Name]

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

[Guest]

Thank you, I will take a look at it