Hey, here's a nugget from the Workflow gold mine. This tutorial demonstrates how to automate the conversion of an Excel file (that can be modified by the unscrupulous) to a PDF file (that cannot).
We're thinking this would really make that distribution of monthly reports a snap!
Prerequisites: None
Objective: To learn the use of the Convert Excel to PDF component and its features.
Estimated time to complete: 20 minutes
Step 1: Create a new Decision Only project. Add the Pdf.xdll library.
Click to view.
Step 2: Drag and drop the Convert Excel to PDF component from the Components palette, PDF category. Also drag and drop the Write File component from the Input Output / Files category and link the components as shown below:
Step 3: Right click on the Convert Excel to PDF component and select Edit Component. Click the selector button next to the Source File field and set the source file property by selecting an Excel file to be converted from the Constant Value tab.
Step 4: Select the Output Variables tab and set the output file as 'RetFile' by typing in the text box.
Step 5: Right click on the WriteFile component and select Edit Component. Click the selector button next to the File Variable Name field andselect 'RetFile'.
Step 6: Click the selector button next to the Output File Name field and set the path under the Constant Value tab.
Step 7: Run and Execute the project. Click the Run project button on the toolbar (bug with green arrow over it) and double-click on Execute.
Step 8: The converted file can be seen in the specified path.
Step 9: This is the PDF file:
Step 10: Finished!