Printing a dotCMS form

Mark Orciuch

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Mar 25, 2021, 1:42:03 PM3/25/21

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Hello,

I would like to utilize dotCMS form to collect data (to avoid creating custom pages and writing JS code to handle everything; many forms are needed). One challenge that I am running into is printing. Using the browser print function cuts off portion of the form. Is there any creative way to print content collected via dotCMS form? I know that I could probably create form content detail page and format it anyway I want (wait, there is no Detail Page property for Forms).

But how could I open the content and have a Print Preview workflow step that would send the user to the detail page.

If I could merge the content field values with existing PDF document and print it, that would be a bonus.

Many thanks in advance for any tips or techniques that you could share.

Mark Pitely

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Mar 25, 2021, 1:51:18 PM3/25/21

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I don't think there is any reason at all you couldn't make a PDF file served that parses velocity; I've done it with csvs and, well, jpegs (don't ask).

I'm pretty sure I did this at least once before, but I can't find the code easily. I will look.

It would be exactly the same way you mix/serve html/velocity. Just need to get the headers and formats right. (blank template):

#if (!$EDIT_MODE)
$response.setContentType("text/csv")
$response.addHeader("Content-Disposition", "attachment;filename=myfilename.csv")

$response.addHeader("Access-Control-Allow-Origin", "*")

#set ($puller=$dotcontent.pull("+structureName:building",0,"modDate desc"))
#foreach($con in $puller)
"$con.title", "$con.longTitle","$con.buildingCode"
#end
#end

But having a nice print.css should obviate this method! This isn't really a code issue.

M

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Mark Orciuch

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Mar 25, 2021, 2:49:36 PM3/25/21

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Hi Mark,

Thanks for your reply! Not sure how to make PDF file served that parses velocity. I would have to be able to read an existing AcroForm PDF and then merge it with content field values, all this from Velocity. Wouldn't this require using a plugin?

Also, how could I integrate this in the content editor? For example, the user would search and open the content and then have a workflow link Print like shown in the attached screenshot.

Mark Pitely

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Mar 25, 2021, 3:03:54 PM3/25/21

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You make an advanced template that just has a simple container that just parses velocity content (or webpagecontent, it doesn't actually matter)

You then make an htmlpage /myfolder/mypage.pdf that uses that template and runs the code I have above, instead of <html>></html>

(well, that example code is for CSV, but you can look up the correct header).

dotCMS can serve *arbitrary* files in this manner. To the browser there is absolutely nothing but headers and text. PDF/HTML/CSV, etc.

The line about EDIT_MODE is necessary, because otherwise you won't be able to edit it in the browser.

Mark Pitely

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Mark Pitely

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Mar 25, 2021, 3:09:15 PM3/25/21

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Here, I made one on the dotCMS site (well, it will be there for 24 hours)

demo.dotcms.com/store/mycsv.csv

M

Stefan Schinkel

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Mar 25, 2021, 3:17:42 PM3/25/21

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I would stay far far away from Advanced Templates to be frankly honest. It kills the NoCode editor experience in a heartbeat. There are other options. Checking in ternally and will share here...

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Mark Pitely

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Mar 25, 2021, 3:22:44 PM3/25/21

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An 'advanced template' that just parses a vtl file isn't really 'advanced'.I guess I meant don't use a themed template.

I just picked 'blank template' from the site, and then used a piece of Rich Text to make the code.

There are many ways to make this work, my example was meant to demonstrate a solution rather than show best practices.

I wouldn't use Rich Text for my content, either, in a real example, but it works.

M

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Stefan Schinkel

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Mar 25, 2021, 3:39:32 PM3/25/21

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Mark, I did actually meant to use a Theme-based template and do the PDF conversion via a JS

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Mark Orciuch

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Mar 25, 2021, 5:05:44 PM3/25/21

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Hi Stefan,

Thanks, I am looking forward to see any alternatives.

Mark Orciuch

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Mar 25, 2021, 5:09:59 PM3/25/21

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Mark,

It finally dawned on me what you're proposing. I put together quick test page with this code:

#if (!$EDIT_MODE)

$response.setContentType("application/pdf")

$response.addHeader("Content-Disposition", "attachment;filename=test.pdf")

$response.addHeader("Access-Control-Allow-Origin", "*")

#foreach($con in $dotcontent.pull("+contentType:calendarEvent",10,"modDate desc"))

$con.title

#end

However, as expected, the generated file is not a valid PDF file. I would Velocity tool that would generate valid PDF file. Or I am still missing something.

Mark Orciuch

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Mar 25, 2021, 5:10:53 PM3/25/21

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Hi Stefan,

Thanks! Is there any example on how to do this that you can point me to?

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