modify pdf with php

[coderwasp]

I have to write a program that opens up a pdf document and inserts a code somewhere inside the pdf and then saves the file on the server.

Right now the pdf has a line that reads

Your code is ______.

I need it to say your code is 7889. for example.

Anyone know how this could be done?

 

[courtarro]

My personal favorite way to do this is to create a form field in the PDF and fill it using FDF data. An FDF has a set of field names (from the PDF) and text to put into each field. You can create an FDF file using forge_fdf, then merge the PDF with its FDF data using Pdftk. Pdftk can also "flatten" the PDF to turn the form fields into areas of locked text. Both are free.

 

[coderwasp]

I downloaded both programs but I can't seem to figure out how to ude forg_fdf. It is one file forge_fdf.pdf. How do you create an FDF file?

 

[coderwasp]

courtarro,

I was able to create fdf data, but pdftk is a command line tool. I need something that can run on a linux server and can be launched from a php script.

 

[sleipnir214]

Nearly any command-line application can be launched from a PHP script, and in fact PHP has program execution functions to do just that. It's just a matter of making sure the user as which your PHP scripts run (typically the user as which your web server runs) has permission to run the app and permission to access whatever data the app must use.


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[coderwasp]

Ok, so I'm running a Linux server remotely. Can you please pick out what I need to install on it from this list:

http://www.accesspdf.com/article.php/20041130153545577

Also do I need to involve the tech people or can I do this myself. The client has a dedicated server hosted by interland.

 

[sleipnir214]

Insufficient data for a meaningful answer.

What Linux distribution are you running?
Do you have permission to install software on this server?


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[coderwasp]

I'm not really sure of the version. I was hoping that I can do this without trouble tickets, tech support calls, and headaches.

Let's assume I have permission to install software on the server, can you suggest one of the packages listed? If this is not enough info I can contact the host in the morning, and get back to you then.

thanks,

 

[sleipnir214]

Again, I need to know what you're installing this on. It can make a difference.


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