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
administration console is set high enough. In 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.
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 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 AEM forms Server, 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.
To improve performance, use Output operations
in short-lived processes when you use Open Type fonts for PCL. See
AEM forms XDC Editor Help
.
For information about using the Output service, see
Services Reference for AEM forms
.
