InDesign automation using watch folder

Hi InDesign experts,
Can we use InDesign desktop version (CS5) for a remote batch processing work without any manual intervention?
For example, a script automatically picksup the input file and create pages automatically using watch folder. Is this allowed in desktop license agreement.
Thanks in advance.

Marc,
Power Switch is available for both platforms. Trial period is 30 days.
Here are some topics I recommend you to read at start in the User Guide: JavaScript for applications,
AppleScript for applications and Adobe InDesign. Here are some samples (see Javascripts for CS applications).
If you, or somebody else is interested, I can post the script I wrote.
Here are a few short tips to get you started:
Don’t confuse Javascript/AppleScript for CS applications with Internal scripting in PowerSwitch (scripts written in SwitchScripter). You need the former: the script attached to an InDesign/Photoshop/Illustrator/Acrobat/Quark/etc configurator. You drop a configurator into the flow, attach In and Out folders and a script to it.
You can add up to 5 arguments which are simple strings that can be passed from the Properties panel in PS to the script.
Attach the script to Command property. Don't use Open and Save in the script -- PS handles them on its own (Open and Save as parameters)
Use $doc in the script instead of activeDocument
If you had any questions, I would gladly answer them. Probably we could even start a new thread on the Power Switch topic.
Kasyan

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Print PDFs using watched folder

Hi,
I am new to Adobe livecycle. I created webservice which generates PDFs in a folder. I want to set that folder as a watch folder and want to print PDFs generated in specific interval. Basically it should figure out if there are any new PDFs and print it to the network printer. I could able to figure out how to set up a watch folder using existing services as a endpoint for watch folder, but none of the exixting services serves exact purpose of printing PDFs from folder. So I am stuck. How should I proceed? Can I create my own process and register it and use it as a end point for watched folder? If yes then how?
Can somebody help me?
Thanks!

Everything is a service in LiveCycle so, yes, generatePrintOuput is a service.
You can create a new process with Workbench (e.g. TestPrint). Then add the generatePrintedOutput step and a print step (from the Output category). Then save and activate your new process. This will become a new service (TestPrint) which you can add an watchfolder endpoint to.
Then drop the file in the watch folder for that new service (TestPrint) and the service will call generatePrintedOutput and print.
Jasmin

Using watched folder

Hi, I'm having problems with watched folder endpoint. I have a very simple process which consists of one activity - assign task and I want to start this process by copying a PDF to specified folder. I've added a watched folder endpoint for this process and it automatically created appropriate sub folders (input, result, failure etc.). The problem starts when I copy a PDF file to the input folder. LiveCycle picks up the file but the process doesn't start. PDF gets moved to the failure folder and the failure.log shows the reason: ALC-DSC-119-000: com.adobe.idp.dsc.util.InvalidCoercionException: Cannot coerce object: <document description here> of type: com.adobe.idp.Document to type: class com.adobe.idp.taskmanager.form.impl.xfa.XFARepositoryFormInstance What am I doing wrong? Thanks Bartek

When you create your watch folder endpoint, you have to map some of the input variables for your process to a file pattern.
This will take the file matching the pattern and put it in that variable. Now the variable type needs to be the right type to receive the file.
From your error, it looks like you're trying to put a PDF file in a xfaForm variable, which wouldn't work. You need to put the PDF in a document variable.
So, make sure in your process that you have an input document variable. Then in your watch folder configuration, when you map your input varibale to a file pattern, make sure you select literal and a pattern like *.pdf
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When you create your watch folder endpoint, you have to map some of the input variables for your process to a file pattern.
This will take the file matching the pattern and put it in that variable. Now the variable type needs to be the right type to receive the file.
From your error, it looks like you're trying to put a PDF file in a xfaForm variable, which wouldn't work. You need to put the PDF in a document variable.
So, make sure in your process that you have an input document variable. Then in your watch folder configuration, when you map your input varibale to a file pattern, make sure you select literal and a pattern like *.pdf
Jasmin

Any Tutorial / Sample to create Single PDF from multiple source files using PDF assembler in a watched folder process.

Any Tutorial / Sample to create Single PDF from multiple source files using PDF assembler in a watched folder process. I have a client application which will prepare number of source files and some meta data information (in .XML) which will be used in header/footer. Is it possible to put a run time generated DDX file in the watch folder and use it in Process. If possible how can I pass the file names in the DDX. Any sample Process will be very helpful.

If possible, make use of Assembler API in your client application instead of doing this using watched folder. Here are the Assembler samples : LiveCycle ES2.5 * Programming with LiveCycle ES2.5
Watched folder can accept zip files (sample : Configuring a watched folder to handle multiple input files and write results to a single folder | Adobe LiveCycle Blog ). You can also use execute script to create the DDX at runtime : LiveCycle ES2 * Application Development Using LiveCycle Workbench ES2
Thanks
Wasil

Watch folder lost issue in Acrobat 7.0

We have using Distiller 7.0 in Macintosh. Set the Watch folder in Distiller to assign folder path in Network. The watch folder is missing after disconnecting the network or Quit the Distiller and reopen it again. We didn't have this issue in Acrobat 5.0. Eventhough server disconnects and relaunch the Network the Watch folder assign accordingly. No need to create a watch folder every time like Distiller 7.0
Going forward we are annoying to use Distiller 7.0 or later version because of the Watch folder issue. The Distiller watch folder doesn't recognize the path from Network. I have been facing a lot of issue in Acrobat Distiller 7.0. Kindly help me out.
If we assign the path to Desktop by using watch folder in Acrobat 7.0. We couldn't have this issue.
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Watch folder found a new file and this is what my picture looks like in PSE13. It looks fine in my other photo programs but no image here. Just started doing this yesterday.

Hi luv2digiscrap,
It will be helpful if you answer following queries.
- Is this happening with all files imported using Watch Folder since yesterday. or,
- if it is happening with any specific file type what is that file format.
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Raushan

How to invoke the running process via email or watch folder?

Hi,
I initial a process in workspace using a pdf form(xfaFrom type) variable.
It's a simple process. Just one assign task node to transfer the initial form to process creater.
The process works fine when submit in workspace.But I have some problem on offline submit.
I initialed the form on workspace and saved it to local file to edit it.
After editing the pdf form, how to let the local saved form go back to the process whith the correct data?
Here is my variable setting in process:
form type: xfaForm
render service : render PDF form (in forms sample catagory)
submit service : Submit PDF Form (in forms sample catagory)
I've tried to use email endpoint.
It will be back to the next step of the process, but the data will not be transfer to the form.
Then I've tried to use watchFolder endpoint.
And it did not work by some exceptions.
Failure Time----Tue Mar 18 10:23:52 GMT+08:00 2008
source location ---- Reason of failure is-----Cannot coerce object: <document state="active" senderVersion="3" persistent="false" senderPersistent="true" passivated="false" senderPassivated="true" deserialized="true" senderHostId="127.0.0.1/192.168.65.143" callbackId="0" senderCallbackId="0" callbackRef="null" isLocalizable="true" isTransactionBound="false" defaultDisposalTimeout="600" disposalTimeout="600" maxInlineSize="65536" defaultMaxInlineSize="65536" inlineSize="0" contentType="application/pdf" length="265731"><cacheId/><localBackendId/><globalBackendId/><senderLocalBackendId/><send erGlobalBackendId><DocumentFileID fileName="C:\Adobe\LiveCycle8\jboss\server\all\svcnative\DocumentStorage\docm120580620223 4\b680381b2f382c4aba702061e12876d6"/><senderGlobalBackendId/><inline/><senderPullServantJn diName>adobe/idp/DocumentPullServant/adobejb_server1</senderPullServantJndiName><attribute s file="C:\Adobe watch folder\offline\stage\Wxebcb14694b8ef1aee4b27261\off.pdf"/></document> of type: com.adobe.idp.Document to type: class com.adobe.idp.taskmanager.form.impl.binarycontent.BinaryContentFormInstance
Cannot coerce object: <document state="active" senderVersion="3" persistent="false" senderPersistent="true" passivated="false" senderPassivated="true" deserialized="true" senderHostId="127.0.0.1/192.168.65.143" callbackId="0" senderCallbackId="0" callbackRef="null" isLocalizable="true" isTransactionBound="false" defaultDisposalTimeout="600" disposalTimeout="600" maxInlineSize="65536" defaultMaxInlineSize="65536" inlineSize="0" contentType="application/pdf" length="265731"><cacheId/><localBackendId/><globalBackendId/><senderLocalBackendId/><send erGlobalBackendId><DocumentFileID fileName="C:\Adobe\LiveCycle8\jboss\server\

hi
The problem is not completely solved.
The solved part is countinue the process by Email and there is still need to be soloved by watch folder. Here are some steps.
First, I set the email endpoint on "complete task" service(in process management catagory). Then configure the input parameter of the endpoint. The attachment parameter set to *.* and the mail from set to %SENDER%.
Second, the xfa form variable of process must have process fields and use the default render. So the process field data which are required to counitnue the process will be keeped.
Then it worked.
But when I check the "complete task" component(process management --> task notification catagory) used in "complete task" process. Some input parameters(Sender, attachment map) are required and can't be found if using watch folder. So there is still a problem by using watch folder.
Bking Chuang

Acrobat Distiller Watched Folder problem with OSX 10.9

Probably not Adobe's problem but anyone else getting this?
Just upgraded to Mavericks and now when I try to print to a watched folder from Quark it keeps wanting to save the postscript file onto the desktop rather than directly into the "In" folder of the Distiller watched folder. Got so used to just hitting command/alt/p and then return.
Have recreated the watched folder just in case.
Quark 8 (ok not officially supported for OSX 10.9) but this seems more of a directory issue.
Preference is set to create postscript for later distilling and use watched folder.
Acrobat/Distiller X 10.1.8.
Am going to post this on Quark and Apple sites.
Somebody's costing me an extra few keystrokes per job printed !!!
Cheers.

Please read this whole message before doing anything.
This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, by a font conflict, or by corruption of the file system or of certain system caches.
Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards, if applicable. Start up in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. You must hold down the shift key twice: once when you turn on the computer, and again when you log in.
Note: If FileVault is enabled, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a Fusion Drive or a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
Safe mode is much slower to start up and run than normal, with limited graphics performance, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal startup may also be somewhat slow.
The login screen appears even if you usually login automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
Test while in safe mode. Same problem?
After testing, restart as usual (not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

Invoking long lived process by watched folder?

Hi,
I have to build a long lived process that starts when xml data is dropped into a folder.
Once the xml is received it should be populated in the form and assigned as a task in Process Management.
Long lived process should be defined with a task manager end point but when using watched folder to invoke process it is a watched folder..
How can I define such a process?
Thanks, Yan

Hi Yan,
actually, the process doesn't need to have a task manager end point. The task manager end point is only used if you want users to start the process from Workspace.
For your process, use a watched folder end point. In the process, the first step is an Assing Task operation that uses the xml data that you dropped in the watched folder (assuming the xml is in the correct structure for the form you are using).
scott

[IDCS2]How to move the Snippet in a folder inside the Indesign Document Using Script?

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How should i move all the snippet objects in a folder in to an Indesign Document using Javscript?
Thanks
myriaz

Once you have the snippet in your document, how do you move it/select it? My snippet is a text frame with a table in it.
This does NOT work:
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JS - Mac - CS3
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The Zune (RIP) watch folders were extremely easy: tell the player where to look and the service will add all music from that location verbatim and automatically rescan, importing any new files added to the folder. Any music I purchased was saved to the watch folder.
This worked long before ITunes (Apple) decided to add their own watch folder. To be honest I do not understand it. I moved my music from my primary music folder over to the "Automatically add to iTunes" folder. I guess the music was imported automatically as the name suggests however no music files remained, just empty artist folders. It seemed to just create more duplicates ( Although it seems duplicates are created whenever I mess with the folders.
Im tired of reading responses to "how-to" forums suggesting that tracks need to added manually. Zune is not given much credit for doing it right the first (and only) time. My point is the inconvenient method is usually posted without reference to an alternative. This alternative should not require third party applications (which are still are not as automated as the processes in Zune).
Sorry for the long post. I have already wrote about my ignorance on the "Automatically add to ITunes" folder. I would give anyone credit for providing any explanation in depth about that feature.

I moved my music from my primary music folder over to the "Automatically add to iTunes" folder. I guess the music was imported automatically as the name suggests however no music files remained, just empty artist folders.
Correct. iTunes only cares about the song files. It creates its own Artist/Album folders based on the ID3 tags in the song files.
It moves (not copies) the files to /Music/iTunes/iTunes media/Music/ under the new /Artist/Album/ folders.
It seemed to just create more duplicates ( Although it seems duplicates are created whenever I mess with the folders.
You mean in iTunes, you now have duplicate songs?
If the song was already in iTunes and you add it to this folder, it will add it to iTunes again.
You can delete the duplicates in iTunes (which will delete the duplicate file in the iTunes folder).
See this -> http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2905

Conversion with settingsDocument using PDFG Watched folder

Hi all,
I am creating a PDF Conversion process.
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I configured inputDocument in DistillerService Endpoint to Variable:*.ps and it works. I put a ps file to input folder, then the PDF file was created in the result folder.
Then I configured settingsDocument to Variable:*.xml.
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I made a security setting named "Security" including password security and exported a configuration xml which includes this security setting.
I put a ps and this xml to the input folder, but the created pdf opened without password.
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When you create your watch folder endpoint, you have to map some of the input variables for your process to a file pattern.
This will take the file matching the pattern and put it in that variable. Now the variable type needs to be the right type to receive the file.
From your error, it looks like you're trying to put a PDF file in a xfaForm variable, which wouldn't work. You need to put the PDF in a document variable.
So, make sure in your process that you have an input document variable. Then in your watch folder configuration, when you map your input varibale to a file pattern, make sure you select literal and a pattern like *.pdf
Jasmin

Lightroom locks up when using auto import / watch folder

Hello All
Has anyone ran into a problem with Lightroom locking up when you are using the auto import / watch folder feature. Everytime i try to even drop one file in the watched folder, I get a lightroom is not responding message. This really suck...........Everything else seems to be working so far.
Thanks
Bill

I had the same problem. When i would auto import, it would stuck after one photo was imported. I have a separate partition on my harddisk for photo's (F:\) when i made an extra subdirectory (F:\Photo) and auto imported the photo's to that place the problem was solved. Why ? I don't know
greetz J.

Using Delphi, and the InDesign automation object ("indesign

Using Delphi, and the InDesign automation object ("indesign.application"), I need to open a indd file, move to a bookmark and insert text or picture at that exact location. Any examples of such code I could start with?

Hi Bill,
Sorry to be so late getting to this thread!
If you want to add something to a page, or find an object that's on a page, you need a reference to the page. Simply displaying the page with ShowBookmark won't give you a reference to the page--InDesign scripting, for the most part, doesn't rely on the selection and current view in the way that Word scripting does (this is a good thing, but that's a topic for another day).
You had to have a reference to a page to create the HyperlinkPageDestination that you used to create the bookmark--but, if not, you can get a reference to the page using (VBScript form):
Rem Given a reference to an instance of InDesign "myInDesign"...
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In general, though, you probably don't need the bookmark and the whole "ActiveWindow" construct--just use the reference to the page itself.
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If you have a text frame on the page that has the label "myLabel", you can get a reference to the text frame and add text:
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Set myTextFrame = myTextFrames(0)
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myTextFrame.Contents = "This is some text."
Rem Or add text to the end of the text frame:
myTextFrame.InsertionPoints.Item(-1).Contents = "This is some additional text."
If you know that there is only one text frame with the label "Description" in the entire document, you can even say:
Set myTextFrames = myDocument.TextFrames.Item("myLabel")
Rem myTextFrames will return an array--get the first item
Set myTextFrame = myTextFrames(0)
...to get to it directly. If, at that point, you want to get at the page containing the text frame (and assuming that the text frame is not in a group, pasted inside text, or pasted inside another page item), you can use:
Set myPage = myTextFrame.Parent
Have you looked through the "Working with Documents" chapter of the InDesign CS3 Scripting Guide: VBScript and the associated scripts archive? I realize that you're using Delphi, but it doesn't look too difficult to convert from one to the other.
Thanks,
Ole

InDesign automation using watch folder

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