Software to create simple PDF templates?

January 22, 2007 8:05 PM

Does anyone know of any software that will let you take a PDF and make it into a simple template?

Currently, I use a publishing program to design the outer label of a DVD case, and when I need to print something, I alter the text and print it.

I figure it would be easier if I could turn the design into a PDF and add a "Title" field" that I could type once and the PDF would place it in the appropriate place and print it. Right now I have the title on the spine and cover, and its a pain having to clear out old data and type the info in twice. It'd be a lot easier to make more complex layouts too.

I'm guessing using Acrobat forms could be a solution, but I'm looking for something dead simple. Anyone?

posted by mphuie to computers & internet (5 comments total)

I personaly could not name any free software that you can download. Yet, there is a program which offers a free trail. It's an artsy type of PDF I think; you can create your own PDF.

Good luck in your quest. I hope this helps.
posted by thetenthstory at 9:16 PM on January 22, 2007

OpenOffice lets you save files as PDF. That may be the solution you're looking for.
You may also want to explore the fatures of the pro version of the Foxit PDF reader.
posted by Baud at 5:38 AM on January 23, 2007

If you decide to go with OpenOffice, use the database module. Then you can easily define fields that will be placed in various places on the artwork. You can also easily store all your previously created cover information for reference or future updates. It's a bit rough around the edges but it can handle something like this no problem.
posted by bcwinters at 8:09 AM on January 23, 2007

In general, you should think of PDF as 'digital paper'

It's a finished product, not something you want to edit. You're better off editing it in the original application.
posted by empath at 8:43 AM on January 23, 2007

I already have the PDF generation down.

I only want to add a "dynamic" field, akin to filling out a form, which is done after the PDF is made.

I guess I'll play with LiveCycle Designer (the forms part of Acrobat) a little bit more.
posted by mphuie at 12:36 PM on January 23, 2007