The Output service merges data with a form
design, created in Designer, and generates the output in various formats.
Data is provided as a series of records. Records represent an XML element
that stores a set of form data values for merging with a form design.
You can have multiple records to represent multiple groups of related
data to merge with a form design. The output is created as an output
stream that can be sent to a network printer, local printer, email
attachment, or saved as a PDF document. The service is useful for
processes that merge large sets of data to generate output, which
is typical when providing on-demand document-generation services.
For example, use the
generatePrintedOutput operation
operation
to merge ten records with a form design to generate an output format
for each record. The form design is saved in an application to maximize
portability. The records are located within an XML data source.
Then, using the
sendToPrinter operation
operation,
you can send each output to a printer.
Note:
If you process large batches of records or input
files, ensure that the Default Document Disposal Timeout value in
LiveCycle Administration Console is set high enough. In LiveCycle
Administration Console, select Settings > Core System Settings
> Configuration. (See
Core
System Settings Help
.)
When you merge a form design with data, the Output service can
generate these output formats:
-
A PDF or PDF/A document output as PDF files.
-
Adobe PostScript
-
Printer Control Language (PCL)
-
Zebra Programming Language (ZPL)
-
Datamax Printer Language (DPL)
-
Intermec Printer Language (IPL)
-
TEC Printer Command Language (TPCL)
Use the OutputIVS sample to test your form designs.
Testing the form design is useful for troubleshooting the form design
and for accessing the generated output. (See
LiveCycle ES2.5 Samples
.)
The Output service can send output to a printer by using common
printer protocols. You can use default XDC files to specify printer
settings or create custom XDC files in LiveCycle ES2 XDC Editor.
The form designs, data files, and XDC files that are used can be
stored in various locations to meet your requirements. The locations
include an application, the repository in LiveCycle ES2.5, the HTTP
location, a network location, or the local file system.
In addition, you can flatten an interactive PDF form. The process
of
flattening
a PDF document converts an interactive PDF
document to a non-interactive PDF document. When you flatten a PDF
document, users cannot modify form fields in the PDF document. Typically,
you flatten a PDF document for archiving or printing. However, signature
fields on the PDF can remain interactive, depending on the operation
you use and how you configure properties in the operation.
For information about using the Output service, see
LiveCycle ES2.5 Services
.
