PDF-making Script

[woopit@adobeforums.com]

Is there a script to get pdfs made automatically? Currently, I am making pdfs by processing ad after ad by making a ps file and then dragging it into distiller. Is there a script that will take the file all the way through distiller and create the pdf? Thanks.

[graffiti]

A good place to ask is the Acrobat scripting forum.

<http://www.adobeforums.com/cgi-bin/webx?14@@.3bb55d70>

Good luck.

[Mark_Larsen@adobeforums.com]

Woopit, the best place to start is with your ad creator software. What is it? does it support scripting? Acrobat Reader and Distiller are both scriptable, also if you have the Pro version of Acrobat you could just have your creator software target the PS file to a watched folder if not you can have the script call Distiller to process the file once it is created. Can you give a better description of your workflow software and all?

[woopit@adobeforums.com]

Mark-

I am using Quark to create ads. I do not use the pdf-making part of that applciation because I don't like the way that it works. I do have Acrobat Pro 7.0.5, but as far as I understand, sending the ps files to a watched folder just leaves them there until I physically choose to make a pdf. Is that not right? I want a script that will take me thru distiller AND make the pdf like Quark does, but only I need it to work right the first time, everytime, which is why I don't use it in Quark unless I'm making lo-res pdfs. I need the pdfs that I am talking about to be X1a's. I didn't realize there was a Scripting Category on these frums I will look at that per the other post. Thanks.

[woopit@adobeforums.com]

Graffiti- Thanks for pointing me to the Scripting Forums... I ovelooked that category. I will check it out.

[Mark_Larsen@adobeforums.com]

Woopit, your workflow sounds much like mine in terms of apps & processes. I have lots of scripts for printing to PS from Quark. Depending on what happens there after some send to watched folder some open distiller, open in reader, then open browser URL or FTP. Your Distiller sounds like its not been set up for watched folders have you ever had this working? you can set your job.options and watch for files every 10 seconds. Passing files about like this requires you to be able to do some coding yourself. Do you have any knowledge in AppleScript or other scripting language that may help you?

[woopit@adobeforums.com]

No, Mark, I am clueless when it comes to scripting. I have had watched folders set up in the past, but not here where I am currently working. As I said earlier I thought that it just sent the ps file to the folder. But, it sounds like from what you are saying that it can be set up to go ahead and make the pdf. Do I understand U correctly? And if so, how do I do it? Thank-U.

[woopit@adobeforums.com]

Oh, for heaven's sakes... that was so EZ even I could do it! Thanks for re-acquainting me that option, Mark.

[Mark_Larsen@adobeforums.com]

Now, what you want is a script that you can add to the "scripts" in Quarks menubar that will print a postscript file from you open doc straight into the watched folder. You can set up lots of watched folders all with there own options and have various scripts to point at each folder. You can even make playing the script done by Function Keys. 1 key and it's done.

[woopit@adobeforums.com]

Now, what you want is a script that you can add to the "scripts" in Quarks
menubar that will print a postscript file from you open doc straight into
the watched folder.<




Do U mean the script will set the page set-up, paper size, etc..etc.. without having to manually do it in the Print Dialog box?

[Mark_Larsen@adobeforums.com]

Yep, thats exactly what I mean I have scripts that get the height & width of a doc then set the page setup to my spec's bleeds, ticks the lot then output the PS file using this setup. You can have them calculate spread widths or each page as PS all numbered too. It's all up to you.

[peter kleinheider]

Hi woopit

You might want to try the MadeToPrint Tools from Axaio ([url]www.axaio.com[/url]). This is a Plug-In for InDesign or a Xtension for XPress that does all of the above. It also supports watched folders and font activation. With scripting you will not get such a rock solid solution. A person I know that made an automated scripting solution is smard at inpetto . cc

rgds

peter

[Tembowa@adobeforums.com]

What about just printing to the Adobe PDF Printer from Quark or am I perhaps missing some "Quirk" about printing from "Quark" (and since this the Mac OS X) in "Quartz"??

~T

[woopit@adobeforums.com]

Thanks, guys. I will check out the Axaio page. Mark, did you create the scripts you are using or can I look for them in these forums?

[Mark_Larsen@adobeforums.com]

Woopit, I write my own some can be found on Quarks site. For a test give this a try. Paste the following code in to Script Editor and compile it then save as file format "script" into your Quark Scripts folder. It is coded to look for a folder called "Ad PDF's" on your desktop which you have made into a watched folder (it has In/Out subfolders) you will need to change the name of the "printer type" I can't remember the name for Acrobat 7.
--
property FileName : ""
set PSFolder to (path to desktop from user domain) & "Ad PDF's:In:" as string
--
tell application "QuarkXPress"
activate
tell document 1
set MyName to "Please name your file."
set TheName to text returned of (display dialog MyName default answer FileName with icon note)
set MyDocWidth to ((width of bounds of current page) as millimeter units) as real
set MyDocHeight to ((height of bounds of current page) as millimeter units) as real
--
tell print setup
set printer type to "Adobe PDF" -- Rename this to your PPD
set paper size to "Custom"
set print spreads to false
set fit in area to false
set reduce or enlarge to "100%"
set paper width to MyDocWidth as millimeter units
set paper height to MyDocHeight as millimeter units
set bleed to 0 as millimeter units
set orientation to portrait
set page position to center position
set print colors to composite CMYK
set resolution to 2400
set print spreads to false
set registration marks to off
set include blank pages to false
set tiling to off
end tell
--
set filePath to PSFolder & TheName & ".ps"
print PostScript file filePath
--
end tell
end tell
--

[woopit@adobeforums.com]

Thanks, Mark. I'm a little afraid, it reminds me of when I flunked out of computer programming in high school! But, I'll give it a whirl!