How do I print a multipage doc to PDF from LabVIEW?

Question

I have an app which prints reports for my client.
The reports are mostly graphs, with some attached labeling info.
These might be one or a hundred pages, all results of a modeling run.
I have several dummy VIs, which are laid out the way the page should look (different from the screen), and it can print to the printer, a PNG file, a BMP file, or a JPG file.
Right now, each page is a separate PRINT VI operation. In other words, the same VI may be called multiple times, with different data, and told to print.
This has worked well for several years. But now, the client would like to print directly to PDF, with each PDF file containing one to a hundred pages.
I've tried things like "Win2PDF", but that makes a separate file for each page. That's understandable, since I'm calling the PRINT VI multiple times, but it's not what I want.
I have never used the REPORT GENERATION VIs in LabVIEW, but my first look at them was not promising. One example complained that I cannot move or rename the "Documents and Settings" folder (I didn't really want to, but it apparently tried). Another generated an OK HTML file and printed it, but HTML introduces all kinds of uncertainties about page boundaries and such.
Anyone have suggestions about a better answer?
Steve Bird
Culverson Software - Elegant software that is a pleasure to use.
Culverson.com
Blog for (mostly LabVIEW) programmers: Tips And Tricks

Answer 1

Hi Coastalmainebird,
I've done somehting like this myself, also without the report toolkit. I've found controlling Word/Excel myself gives more control, and is easier to understand (If you are familiar with macro programming in Office).
You can place the objects into a WORD file, setting their position to fixed and so on (I'd have to check for the exact details, but you probably know this part already). I DO remember that "inlineshapes" and "shapes" are handled seperately by word. Make sure to only use one of the two types (Inlineshapes move with text I think, whereas Shapes float). A simple way would be to take a snapshot of the front panel required and pop the picture into the word file (preferably one screen per page).
Once all pics are in the file, print using the required PDF generator. I've used JawsPDF in the past and it worked almost good. It had the odd problem of missing a print from time to time, but otherwise gave good results.
I have always placed some kind of notifier in the word file to let WORD know to print a PDF. Then, using a macro which is tied into the event structure of WORD (A tricky thing to get running by the way), I check at run-time when printing if it's a designated "PDF" print. I can then route to the correct "printer" to get the job done properly. The event structure of WORD is quite useful as you can (As in LV) capture most user actions and act accordingly.
If you have some time, I might be able to dig up an example. Could take a few days though since I'm in a new company since I've done this particular piece.
Hope this helps.
Shane.
Using LV 6.1 and 8.2.1 on W2k (SP4) and WXP (SP2)