Creating XML & Merging to PDF

[1DMF]

Hello Peeps,

Right before I outline my question I just wanted to point out I know NOTHING about XML, it's format or structure and I don't have a clue about PDF's, that said I'm not looking for some one to write my code and I am more than willing to learn, all I need is some help pointing me in the right direction.

I want to be able to create a PDF template from a WORD doc, and merge it with data in our MS SQL Database.

So the end result to the user is a PDF document, that has some fields with their Name, Address etc.. pre-populated from the SQL.

I am assuming I need to create an XML file with the SQL data and some how tell the PDF template to use the XML file to populate it.

So where do i start and what's the best approach for doing this.

Regards,
1DMF

"In complete darkness we are all the same, only our knowledge and wisdom separates us, don't let your eyes deceive you.

 

[JontyMC]

You don't need to create XML to create a PDF. There's a variety of third party tools available to create PDF's depending on what technologies you are using. If you have visual studio, you can use crystal reports to generate the PDF's.

If you do want to use XML though, you will need to create your XML file, then transform it to FO using XSL (XSL-FO):

http://www.w3schools.com/xslfo/default.asp

Then use a XSL-FO processor to output the PDF

Jon

"I don't regret this, but I both rue and lament it.

 

[1DMF]

The problem is the starting form/template is in MS Word, the office admin forever change it, I need to take that MS Word doc, merge with data in the SQL and produce a PDF.

if not i'll just upload the word copy for people to download and fill in themselves.

was a nice thought

"In complete darkness we are all the same, only our knowledge and wisdom separates us, don't let your eyes deceive you.