4D Write Pro: print a form and store documents in the database

I’m pleased to present you two new features for 4D Write Pro available with 4D v15 R3.

It’s now possible:

  • To print a form containing a 4D Write Pro area.
  • To store 4D Write Pro documents in the database directly in an object field.

Printing in forms 

You can now print 4D Write Pro Objects inside a 4D Form using PRINTPRINT SELECTION or PRINT RECORD commands. They now work well with a 4D Write Pro area. You can either choose to print only the area (with the document truncated if it’s bigger), or all of the document (this will enlarge the area and shift the other objects). In either case, it permits you to print a 4D Write Pro document in a designated form: it’s a first step for printing a 4D Write Pro document, the next one will be printing a autonomous document without a form.

Storing in a field 

17199955Since they are C_Object variables, 4D Write Pro documents can be stored in an object field. If you have a specific document for each record, or linked to a record, you can easily store them in your database. You only have to rename the 4D Write Pro area the same as your field and select records; then your 4D Write Pro document will then be displayed just like any other field.

Since 4D Write Pro documents are C_Objects, you can add your own custom attributes to them as metadata. These attributes will help you to categorize, order, or add specific notes to your customer’s documents.

This feature permits you to integrate documents easily and smartly into your application.

Example

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Below there is an example database (How Do I) which will show you how to use these 2 features:
Example database

For more details, please refer to the 4D v15 R3 upgrade manual.

 

Roland Lannuzel
• Product Owner & 4D Expert •After studying electronics, Roland went into industrial IT as a developer and consultant, building solutions for customers with a variety of databases and technologies. In the late 80’s he fell in love with 4D and has used it in writing business applications that include accounting, billing and email systems.Eventually joining the company in 1997, Roland’s valuable contributions include designing specifications, testing tools, demos as well as training and speaking to the 4D community at many conferences. He continues to actively shape the future of 4D by defining new features and database development tools.