We are doing this but we are using xfdf instead so that it is an xml file. We have a table that is a cross-reference between the form's field names and our variables/field names in our app. We also have another table for each pdf form that lists the fields for each form. As we add a new form, we add the appropriate records to each table, but typically we do not have to add records to the cross-reference table much after initial forms are completed because whenever possible, we use the same field names on the form each time. When a user wants to print the pdf form, we step through the tables and create an .xfdf file with the appropriate tags taken from the form table. The values are determined by the cross-reference table which has for instance:

FORM       FIELD OR
FIELDNAME  VARIABLE

lastname   m.last
firstname  m.first
policyno   po_pol

etc.

Placing the fields on the form in Acrobat 5 or 6, entering dummy data, and then exporting the form data to type xfdf will create an example xfdf file that works that you can use as a template for creating the file yourself in code later. Then place the xfdf file in the same directory as the pdf form and when you open the xfdf file the pdf form is automatically opened and populated with the data in the xfdf file. You can place them in different directories if you include the path in the href tag.

Right now I am experimenting with storing the pdf file in a table's general field so that we do not store the pdfs on the workstation. Then the user's cannot print the form outside of our app even without the data on it or open it up and type the data in manually except through our app.

Update: I should note that the reason for the cross-reference table and the form fieldnames not matching our app's field names is because it is in the insurance industry and we are using Acord forms which already has an xml standard and form field standard industry-wide. Our app's variables and field names are not identical so we created a cross-reference table. Ideally, you would create the fields on the pdf form and the fieldname would match your app's field names for the same data and then it would be much easier and less code.


>Is it possible to programatically create a FDF file for a PDF file that has imput fields. I have looked at the structure of several FDF files and it looks like it would be fairly easy to create with the exception of the code that goes after the '/F' tag. I know I can get a tool kit from Acrobat but I just don't want another ActiveX control to keep track of. Thanks!