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Linking Graphics

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    #1

    Linking Graphics

    I would like to scan reciepts and link them into a database, one per record. Does Alpha 5 accept Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) documents? Thanks. Jan B
    Tags: None
    #2
    RE: Linking Graphics

    Alpha Five can act as a "shell" program. This means you can have a button in Alpha Five that will start Acrobat Reader, and open a file if you keep the file name in a record. Would this work for you?

    Code is something like
    sys_shell("AcroRd32 yourfilefilename",1)

    Comment

      #3
      RE: Linking Graphics

      Yes, I suppose that it could work OK. I have already seen comments on line that it is not working with linked .pdf files properly or consistently.
      For one thing, all of my scanned image files would be assigned a file name anyway, and I would not necessarily wish to keep them in the same database, or even on the same hard drive for that matter. I would probably prefer to keep the image files on a CD. So, yes it is OK for me. It would be nice to be able to merge the image and .dbf files for versatility of use, however.
      In the mean time, how can A5 work as a "shell" program? Will it automatically open up Adobe Acrobat Reader when I click on a linked .dbf file? Also, can I still actually link the file and just right click and pull up options for .dbf files, same as any linked Adobe Acrobat files.. say, on an html page? Thanks! Jan B

      Comment

        #4
        RE: Linking Graphics

        Janice,

        SyS_shell() is a function native to Alpha. What Jerry said is right,
        the expression [sys_shell("AcroRd32 yourfilefilename",1)] can be put on the "onarive event of a button and it will do exactly what you had asked.

        efs

        Comment

          #5
          RE: Linking Graphics

          OOPS that was Stephen not Jerry.
          efs

          Comment

            #6
            RE: Linking Graphics

            Thank you! I know absolutely zip, nada, zilch about programming, but I guess I can try.
            Even being able to use the shell function is not absolutely critical to me at this particular point. But it would be nice.
            In the mean time, I just bought a copy of Adobe Acrobat 5 last night at Fry's.. on sale, $199.95 (normally $249.95). I was able to scan directly from the Adobe platform, and everything looks like it will work really well for what I want.. If I can eventually figure out how to integrate it with Alpha 5, that is. LOL
            One of the things that looks really kewl with Acrobat 5 is that you can secure the .pdf file so that it cannot be altered without a password, which would be very important to the integrity of records.

            Comment

              #7
              RE: Linking Graphics

              Can you please elaborate on what the "onarive event is? Would that be "onarrive"? Thanks! Jan B


              SyS_shell() is a function native to Alpha. What Jerry said is right,
              the expression [sys_shell("AcroRd32 yourfilefilename",1)] can be put on the "onarive event of a button and it will do exactly what you had asked.

              efs

              Comment

                #8
                RE: Linking Graphics

                I suggest you look at the pdf file "XBasic Reference Manual" that ships with version 4. At the control panel go to Help->Books->XBasic Reference Manual.

                If you are new to programming you may wish to buy Dr Waynes books on programming.

                You can also just bull your way in...

                Look at the pdf file I mention. Then make a new button on a form and select a "custom action" option. This will create a button to run an Action script.

                Right click on the new button, select "Actions" and create an Action Script. First select a "Value Get" action to capture the contents of the field that holds your file name. This will be put in a variable that you will name.

                Next select the "Start Program" action. You enter the program to start and the command line (= file to open with selected program). Use the Browse button to find your way to the Acrobat Reader program, then put the variable you named that holds the filename in the the command line.

                Save it and save the form. Then (hopefully) it will read the current records filename and open Adobe Acrobat with that file...

                Now - I haven't actually DONE all this... Just looked top point the way. Personally I don't use Action Scripting as I know xbasic well enough.

                But read those manuals... and give it a shot.

                Comment

                  #9
                  RE: Linking Graphics

                  Thank you, kind Sir! :0) Jan B

                  Comment

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