How to render pdf's

[elcaro2k]

I need to build temporary ID cards for our members. In other words depending on our member, I need to select an id card template and then populate fields and then present it to the member as a page. At that point the member should be able to print the temp card. The concern is that we don't the members to be able to edit the card or copy and paste to edit it.

I am guessing that rendering a pdf is the safest way, but I have no idea how to do that. Is there a way to do this without doing pdf's or how do I do the pdf thing?

Sorry to be so vague and broad but this is a new area for me


Thanks,
Ray

[oracleguy]

You'll need a new server component to generate PDFs and I'm not sure if there are any free ones. But I would lilke to point out that even a PDF isn't going to stop someone that wants to change their temporary ID cards. Possibly a cheaper method that would be similar to PDF but not require your users to have Acrobat Reader installed, is to just generate an image on the fly that is the ID card of course that isn't forge-proof either, but frankly nothing is.

[elcaro2k]

Thanks for the response, how would I go about generating an image on the fly?

[oracleguy]

Well, is this ASP classic or ASP.net? It will be easier in the latter.

[Len Whistler]

PHP can generate PDF files.

Leonard Whistler
www.stubby.ca

[elcaro2k]

Oracleguy,
We don't have .net implemented currently.

Len,
I am not familer with PHP. Is this a server side language? Would the server require some software to run PHP?

Thanks,
Ray

[Len Whistler]

elcaro2k....yes PHP is a server side language. PHP is very popular and the PHP forum on this site very active.

I am just starting out in PHP and some books have a few pages on PDF's with PHP. Its over my head but I'm sure that someone in the PHP forum can give you more information.


Leonard Whistler
www.stubby.ca

[elcaro2k]

Len,
If PHP has server side software that would have to be loaded then it is not an option. Company standards and all.

[glenngv]

Free PDF component (http://www.websupergoo.com/abcpdf-1.htm)

[elcaro2k]

Oracleguy,

Can you tell me where I can find information about creating images on the fly in classic asp? That sounds like the best soultion for my situtation.
Getting my company to install php would be a major problem so I am putting that solution on the back burner for now.

Thanks,
Ray

[glenngv]

Have you looked into the link I posted? It's an ASP component for PDF creation. It doesn't need PHP.