Creating Dynamic Documents with 4D Write Pro in Qodly application
In a professional environment where document management and production are crucial, having powerful and flexible tools is essential. Imagine being able to design dynamic document templates directly from your Desktop client, integrating formulas and data from your database, and then generating these documents with a single click through an intuitive web interface. That’s precisely what 4D Write Pro and 4D Qodly Pro allow you to do!
In this week’s blog, we’ll explore how these two solutions complement each other perfectly to automate and optimize your document processes. You’ll discover how to create custom templates in 4D Write Pro and how, thanks to 4D Qodly Pro, web users can enter the necessary data, trigger document generation, and even choose to store them in the database or return them via a calculated attribute.
To demonstrate this process, we’ll use the Performance Review application, which is available for download. Get ready to transform how you create and manage your documents while simplifying your workflows and boosting efficiency.
PDF/A3 Attachment Extraction
In previous posts, we explored embedding documents within PDF/A-3 files using 4D Write Pro, including generating electronic invoices. As e-invoicing becomes mandatory in various European countries—such as France and Germany—the ability to extract embedded XML files from these PDFs is becoming crucial. But the utility of PDF/A-3 extends beyond invoices; these files can embed various document types that may require extraction.
While tools like Adobe Acrobat Reader offer manual extraction, this post introduces an efficient, automated method using 4D 20 R6 to easily handle the process.
4D Write Pro: More display options for anchored pictures and text boxes!
So far 4D Write Pro documents, pictures can be either in line (just like a big character), behind or in front of the text. Text boxes (appeared in 4D v20) can also be placed in front or behind the text. A huge improvement comes with 4D 20 R5 where pictures and text boxes can now be surrounded by wrapping text!
4D Write Pro : PDF/A Format Is Now Available For Export!
The PDF format is now a classic and has been available for exporting 4D Write Pro documents for several versions. The PDF/A format is available optionally while exporting 4D Write pro document to PDF from 4D v20 R3 and will open the door to other possibilities, such as electronic invoicing in the near future. But before that, let’s focus on PDF/A and its differences (positive or negative) from the conventional PDF format.
PDF format for Print Previewing on Windows
PDF format is a viable alternative to XPS for print previewing on Windows, providing users with a more accessible option. Microsoft’s decision to make the XPS Viewer an optional Windows feature has caused issues for many users when deploying applications, resulting in end-users being unable to preview their printings. Although installing the free XPS Viewer is straightforward, some administrators are hesitant to install additional features, particularly on Remote Desktop environments.
Fortunately, 4D v20 now offers the option of using the PDF format for print previewing. Since almost all current Windows versions have either XPS or PDF pre-installed, end-users should no longer encounter issues with print previewing. This new option offers a more flexible and efficient solution that meets the needs of both end-users and administrators.
4D Write Pro : Say Welcome to Floating Text Boxes!
4D Write Pro is an essential product for creating business documents. That’s why with every feature release, we give you more features to nail your work, and this time, 4D v19 R8 is bringing floating text boxes to 4D Write Pro.
So if you are required to use text boxes, let’s say, to create company letters in compliance with the company identity, you are free to get started right away.
Use 4D Write Pro to Create & Print a Batch of Documents
Whatever your business, you must create listings, inventories, tracking sheets, product sheets, invoices, and many other documents. These documents are usually printed or saved in PDF for archiving.
4D Write Pro is the ideal tool to create all your documents. Here is a list of several features available in 4D Write Pro that can help you make beautiful documents for printing:
- page layout and margin management for printing,
- pdf export,
- document protection,
- table creation,
- table formatting with repeated headers,
- definition of a data context,
- inserting ORDA formulas in a table (new in 4D v19 R6).
Using these different features, here are some examples of documents produced.
4D Write Pro interface widget: Import & Export
You asked for a way to import and export different document formats via the 4D Write Pro widget and once again, 4D listened!
In addition to the 4D commands that already allow you to import and export documents in different formats, such as export .docx format with 4D v17 R4 and PDF format with 4D v18 R4. Now, 4D Write Pro can import and export different document formats via the widget from the toolbar and sidebar.
4D Write Pro – Direct export to PDF!
What if I told you that with 4D v18 R4 you can export 4D Write Pro documents directly to PDF format (on both macOS and Windows), without needing to install any printer drivers or additional software? Now you can … and that’s not all! You’re also able to set several options for both the form and the content. Keep reading to learn more!
4D View Pro: Manage Printing and PDF export
With the VP PRINT and VP EXPORT DOCUMENT commands, you can now print a document or create a PDF version of it. However, in order to create an appealing document for your customer, you not only need to print a document, but also add headers, footers, define the zoom, define the paper orientation, and so on. With 4D v18, it’s all possible thanks to the VP SET PRINT INFO command that allows you to define these attributes and more in your document!
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