Prepopulating PDF Fillable Forms with data from XML files

Question

How can I get a PDF fillable form to open pre-populated with data from an XML file automatically? I've been using Adobe Standard 9.0 and am willing to upgrade in a modest fashion if necessary. I am aware of the Navigation method > Forms > Manage Form Data > Import Data. This works fine, however, my users are not smart enough to do tis much clicking and selecting. Is there an automated way to have this XML data merged into the PDF file on the fly. These files will reside on an internal local area network and will be operated on local PC's that will probably have Acrobat Reader ONLY. I have been told that the only way to accomplish this is through Java Scripting. I would prefer to do this the 'old fashioned' way of command line switches, but that does not appear to be an option. Does anyone have a sample Javascript that would accomplish what I am trying to achieve. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Hi Sharon
The easiest way is:
- Open your PDF form within Acrobat
- From the File menu, import the XML form data into the form
- From the File menu, use Save As... to save the file with a new name.
The new PDF will be identical to the original one, but will have the data embedded in it. Voila.
If you want the same form to pre-populate with different XML files depending on the circumstances, or if you're generating the XML on the fly, then things get more complicated. (And more expensive.) As your consultant said, LiveCycle Forms is one option, but it is expensive (actually even more than 10K). There are other options, including Cold Fusion, custom servlets, etc.
Howard
http://www.avoka.com