Adding an auto-generated serial number to a PDF download

[abstract_Star16E5]

Dear Adobe community,

I am currently looking into the possibility of adding an automatically generated serial number to a PDF during download. Therefore each download has a unique code added to it and could be used as proof of purchase or license to use. I looked into this about 3 or 4 years ago and my understanding was that this is possible but the PDF would need to be hosted on a ColdFusion server. I'm a designer, not a programmer, so I have a limited understanding of the implementation...but can someone confirm this and explain how it's done please? Also, is there an example of this anywhere that anyone knows of that I could point my client to?

Thanks in advance.

[try67]

I don't know about CF, but you would need some kind of web-server and a script or application to generate the code, insert it into the PDF and then save it into a database of some kind (or even just a text file) on the server, yes. This is not a very simple task and it goes beyond the scope of these forums as it doesn't really involve any Adobe software, certainly not Acrobat which can't be used on a server.

If you're interested in hiring someone to set it up for you feel free to contact me privately (try6767 at gmail.com). I've created similar solutions for my clients in the past and could help you do the same.

[abstract_Star16E5]

Thanks for your response. I'll bear in mind what you've mentioned. However, ColdFusion is by Adobe right? Therefore, it still remains in the scope of the community and I'd like to see what other people say as there may be an Adobe based solution.As mentioned, appreciate the connection.

[try67]

Well, this forum is about Acrobat. You can ask about CF here: ColdFusion