How do I create PDF forms from Access/Excel data?

January 3, 2007 5:34 PM

I need to generate fillable PDF forms with calculations from an Access db or Excel spreadsheet.

I know I can use Adobe LiveCycle Designer to create the forms, but I haven't come across a site that has a tutorial or instructions on how to set up the form and connect it to the spreadsheet or access database.

I need to run over 200 individual team rosters with fields for player names, addresses, etc., the total payment and the grand total. I don't relish making the forms by hand (though I don't mind a little manual work), so what would be the easiest way to generate the PDF forms?

I want the user to fill the form, then submit the data and send the PDF file back so that I can export the data.

I'm doing this in a Windows environment. An open source solution would be fantastic. As would a <$100 solution. Or, perhaps someone to set it up for me (for pay).

I have access to LiveCycle Designer 7 and 7.1.

Any help appreciated.

posted by elle.jeezy to Computers & Internet (3 answers total)

I'd export the db fields to an XML file, then use XSL and an open-source transformer to create the PDF. FOP is what I use at work. It's open-source, Java-based, and can run as a stand-alone program if you like.

If you need some help creating the XSL template, just let me know. It's not nearly as complicated as it may seem at first.
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 6:14 PM on January 3, 2007

Response by poster: Thanks Civil_Disobedient. I sent you an email at your profile address.
posted by elle.jeezy at 6:50 PM on January 3, 2007

In case anyone ever needs to go the other way (PDF > Excel), there's Cogniview.
posted by Alt F4 at 4:52 AM on January 4, 2007