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jnm1980
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How to apply formatting/graphics to an ASCII text file & output to PDF

Aug 28, 2012 8:52 AM

Categories: Windows

Hi, I need to know is there the ability in Acrobat or any other Adobe product to take an ASCII text file, apply formatting & graphics, then output to PDF?

 

The format of the file is

 

textA

textB

textC

textD#1

textD#2

textD#3

textD#4

textD#5

textD#6

textD#7

textD#8

textD#9

textD#10

textD#11

textD#12

textD#13

textD#14

textD#15

textD#16

textD#17

textD#18

textD#19

textD#20

textE#1

textE#2

textE#3

textE#4

textE#5

textE#6

textE#7

textE#8

textE#9

textE#10

textE#11

textE#12

textE#13

textE#14

textE#15

 

I need to output textA to textC at the top & the repeats of textE beside those of textD, draw boxes around various bits of data, add a few graphics & output to PDF.  Basically I need to do an advanced version of a mail merge.  I need to specify what to pick up & where to output it

 

Thanks

345 Views   5 Replies   Latest reply: jnm1980, Aug 29, 2012 4:18 AM
 
Replies
  • MichaelKazlow
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    1. MichaelKazlow,
    Aug 28, 2012 9:10 AM   in reply to jnm1980
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    You apply any and all formating and graphics in a Word Processing or DTP program. You then use Acrobat to convert the resulting file to a pdf file. If you want to programatically change a ascii file to a formatted pdf file, it probably can be done but it would require a heavy amount of programming on your part or purchasing server-based software, a server, and hiring someone that knows how to work with the software.

     
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  • jnm1980
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    2. jnm1980,
    Aug 28, 2012 9:14 AM   in reply to MichaelKazlow
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    Hi Michael, thanks for the reply.  I guess what I need is information on the server-based software you are referring to - it would be used on a server.  I am hoping that Adobe have a one stop option.

     
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  • Steve Werner
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    3. Steve Werner,
    Aug 28, 2012 10:44 AM   in reply to jnm1980
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    There is a server version of InDesign. You might ask in this forum:

     

    InDesign Server Developers

     
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  • Test Screen Name
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    4. Test Screen Name,
    Aug 28, 2012 11:28 AM   in reply to Steve Werner
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    There's also the LiveCycle range of products, if you want to take a different approach, e.g. LiveCycle PDF Generator.

     
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  • jnm1980
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    5. jnm1980,
    Aug 29, 2012 4:18 AM   in reply to Test Screen Name
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    LiveCycle Production Print looks like it could be good - now all I need is a manual to read up more (the search continues).

     

    Thanks everyone.

     
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