The key to making the text fields grow to accommodate text is to. Paste a 12 paragraph excerpt of text into either field in the first sample: FlowableTest.pdf, all the resulting text will be visible across pages, and it will be printable. On PDF: making text fields grow to accommodate text.
Oracle Business Intelligence Publisher User's Guide Release 10.1.3.2 Part Number B40017-01 |
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Overview
To create a PDF template, take any existing PDF document and apply the BI Publisher markup. Because the source of the PDF document does not matter, you have multiple design options. For example:
- Design the layout of your template using any application that generates documents that can be converted to PDF
- Scan a paper document to use as a template
- Download a PDF document from a third-party Web site
Note: The steps required to create a template from a third-party PDF depend on whether form fields have been added to the document. For more information, see Creating a Template from a Predefined PDF Form.
If you are designing the layout, note that once you have converted to PDF, your layout is treated like a set background. When you mark up the template, you draw fields on top of this background. To edit the layout, you must edit your original document and then convert back to PDF.
For this reason, the PDF template is not recommended for documents that will require frequent updates to the layout. However, it is appropriate for forms that will have a fixed layout, such as invoices or purchase orders.
Supported Modes
BI Publisher supports Adobe Acrobat 5.0 (PDF specification version 1.4). If you are using Adobe Acrobat Professional 6.0 (or later), use the Reduce File Size Option (from the File menu) to save your file as Adobe Acrobat 5.0 compatible.
For PDF conversion, BI Publisher supports any PDF conversion utility, such as Adobe Acrobat Distiller.
Designing the Layout
To design the layout of your template you can use any desktop application that generates documents that can be converted to PDF. Or, scan in an original paper document to use as the background for the template.
The following is the layout for a sample purchase order. It was designed using Microsoft Word and converted to PDF using Adobe Acrobat Distiller.
The following is the XML data that will be used as input to this template:
Adding Markup to the Template Layout
After you have converted your document to PDF, you define form fields that will display the data from the XML input file. These form fields are placeholders for the data.
The process of associating the XML data to the PDF template is the same as the process for the RTF template. See: Associating the XML Data to the Template Layout: Associating the XML data to the template layout.
When you draw the form fields in Adobe Acrobat, you are drawing them on top of the layout that you designed. There is not a relationship between the design elements on your template and the form fields. You therefore must place the fields exactly where you want the data to display on the template
Creating a Placeholder
You can define a placeholder as text, a check box, or a radio button, depending on how you want the data presented.
Note: If you are using Adobe Acrobat 5.0, the Form Tool is available from the standard toolbar. If you are using Adobe Acrobat 6.0 or later, display the Forms Toolbar from the Tools menu by selecting Tools > Advanced Editing > Forms > Show Forms Toolbar.
Naming the Placeholder
The name of the placeholder must match the XML source field name.
Creating a Text Placeholder
To create a text placeholder in your PDF document:
Acrobat 5.0 Users
- Select the Form Tool from the Acrobat toolbar.
- Draw a form field box in the position on the template where you want the field to display. Drawing the field opens the Field Properties dialog box.
- In the Name field of the Field Properties dialog box, enter a name for the field.
- Select Text from the Type drop down menu.You can use the Field Properties dialog box to set other attributes for the placeholder. For example, enforce maximum character size, set field data type, data type validation, visibility, and formatting.
- If the field is not placed exactly where desired, drag the field for exact placement.
Acrobat 6.0 (and later) Users
- Select the Text Field Tool from the Forms Toolbar.
- Draw a form field box in the position on the template where you want the field to display. Drawing the field opens the Text Field Properties dialog box.
- On the General tab, enter a name for the placeholder in the Name field.You can use the Text Field Properties dialog box to set other attributes for the placeholder. For example, enforce maximum character size, set field data type, data type validation, visibility, and formatting.
- If the field is not placed exactly where desired, drag the field for exact placement.
Supported Field Properties Options
BI Publisher supports the following options available from the Field Properties dialog box. For more information about these options, see the Adobe Acrobat documentation.
- General
- Read OnlyThe setting of this check box in combination with a set of configuration properties control the read-only/updateable state of the field in the output PDF. See Setting Fields as Updateable or Read Only.
- Appearance
- Border Settings: color, background, width, and style
- Text Settings: color, font, size
- Common Properties: read only, required, visible/hidden, orientation (in degrees)(In Acrobat 6.0, these are available from the General tab)
- Border Style
- Options tab
- Multi-line
- Scrolling Text
- Format tab - Number category options only
- Calculate tab - all calculation functions
Creating a Check Box
A check box is used to present options from which more than one can be selected. Each check box represents a different data element. You define the value that will cause the check box to display as 'checked.'
For example, a form contains a check box listing of automobile options such as Power Steering, Power Windows, Sunroof, and Alloy Wheels. Each of these represents a different element from the XML file. If the XML file contains a value of 'Y' for any of these fields, you want the check box to display as checked. All or none of these options may be selected.
To create a check box field:
Acrobat 5.0 Users
- Draw the form field.
- In the Field Properties dialog box, enter a Name for the field.
- Select Check Box from the Type drop down list.
- Select the Options tab.
- In the Export Value field enter the value that the XML data field should match to enable the 'checked' state.For the example, enter 'Y' for each check box field.
Acrobat 6.0 (and later) Users
- Select the Check Box Tool from the Forms Toolbar.
- Draw the check box field in the desired position.
- On the General tab of the Check Box Properties dialog box, enter a Name for the field.
- Select the Options tab.
- In the Export Value field enter the value that the XML data field should match to enable the 'checked' state.For the example, enter 'Y' for each check box field.
Creating a Radio Button Group
A radio button group is used to display options from which only one can be selected.
For example, your XML data file contains a field called <SHIPMENT_METHOD>. The possible values for this field are 'Standard' or 'Overnight'. You represent this field in your form with two radio buttons, one labeled 'Standard' and one labeled 'Overnight'. Define both radio button fields as placeholders for the <SHIPMENT_METHOD> data field. For one field, define the 'on' state when the value is 'Standard'. For the other, define the 'on' state when the value is 'Overnight'.
To create a radio button group:
Acrobat 5.0 Users
- Draw the form field.
- On the Field Properties dialog box, enter a Name for the field. Each radio button you define to represent this value can be named differently, but must be mapped to the same XML data field.
- Select Radio Button from the Type drop down list.
- Select the Options tab.
- In the Export Value field enter the value that the XML data field should match to enable the 'on' state.For the example, enter 'Standard' for the field labeled 'Standard'. Enter 'Overnight' for the field labeled 'Overnight'.
Acrobat 6.0 (and later) Users
- Select the Radio Button Tool from the Forms Toolbar.
- Draw the form field in the position desired on the template.
- On the General tab of the Radio Button Properties dialog, enter a Name for the field. Each radio button you define to represent this value can be named differently, but must be mapped to the same XML data field.
- Select the Options tab.
- In the Export Value field enter the value that the XML data field should match to enable the 'on' state.For the example, enter 'Standard' for the field labeled 'Standard'. Enter 'Overnight' for the field labeled 'Overnight'.
Defining Groups of Repeating Fields
In the PDF template, you explicitly define the area on the page that will contain the repeating fields. For example, on the purchase order template, the repeating fields should display in the block of space between the Item header row and the Total field.
To define the area to contain the group of repeating fields:
- Insert a form field at the beginning of the area that is to contain the group. (Acrobat 6.0 users select the Text Field Tool, then draw the form field.)
- In the Name field of the Field Properties window, enter any unique name you choose. This field is not mapped.
- Acrobat 5.0 users: Select Text from the Type drop down list.
- In the Short Description field (Acrobat 5.0) or the Tooltip field (Acrobat 6.0) of the Field Properties window, enter the following syntax:<?rep_field='BODY_START'?>
- Define the end of the group area by inserting a form field at the end of the area the that is to contain the group.
- In the Name field of the Field Properties window, enter any unique name you choose. This field is not mapped. Note that the name you assign to this field must be different from the name you assigned to the 'body start' field.
- Acrobat 5.0 users: Select Text from the Type drop down list.
- In the Short Description field (Acrobat 5.0) or the Tooltip field (Acrobat 6.0) of the Field Properties window, enter the following syntax:<?rep_field='BODY_END'?>
To define a group of repeating fields:
- Insert a placeholder for the first element of the group.Note: The placement of this field in relationship to the BODY_START tag defines the distance between the repeating rows for each occurrence. See Placement of Repeating Fields.
- For each element in the group, enter the following syntax in the Short Description field (Acrobat 5.0) or the Tooltip field (Acrobat 6.0):<?rep_field='T1_Gn'?>where n is the row number of the item on the template.For example, the group in the sample report is laid out in three rows.
- For the fields belonging to the row that begins with 'PO_LINE_NUM' enter<?rep_field='T1_G1'?>
- For the fields belonging to the row that begins with 'C_FLEX_ITEM_DISP' enter<?rep_field='T1_G2'?>
- For the fields belonging to the row that begins with 'C_SHIP_TO_ADDRESS' enter<?rep_field='T1_G3'?>
The following graphic shows the entries for the Short Description/Tooltip field: - (Optional) Align your fields. To ensure proper alignment of a row of fields, it is recommended that you use Adobe Acrobat's alignment feature.
Adding Page Numbers
This section describes how to add the following page-features to your PDF template:
- Page Numbers
- Page Breaks
Adding Page Numbers
To add page numbers, define a field in the template where you want the page number to appear and enter an initial value in that field as follows:
- Decide the position on the template where you want the page number to be displayed.
- Create a placeholder field called @pagenum@ (see Creating a Text Placeholder).
- Enter a starting value for the page number in the Default field. If the XML data includes a value for this field, the start value assigned in the template will be overridden. If no start value is assigned, it will default to 1.
The figure below shows the Field Properties dialog for a page number field:
Adding Page Breaks
You can define a page break in your template to occur after a repeatable field. To insert a page break after the occurrence of a specific field, add the following to the syntax in the Short Description field of the Field Properties dialog box (use the Tooltip field for Acrobat 6.0):
page_break='yes'
For example:
<?rep_field='T1_G3', page_break='yes'?>
The following example demonstrates inserting a page break in a template. The XML sample contains salaries of employees by department:
We want to report the salary information for each employee by department as shown in the following template:
To insert a page break after each department, insert the page break syntax in the Short Description (or Tooltip field) for the SUMSALPERDEPTNO field as follows:
The Field Properties dialog box for the field is shown in the following figure:
Note that in order for the break to occur, the field must be populated with data from the XML file.
The sample report with data is shown in the following figure:
The page breaks after each department.
Performing Calculations
Adobe Acrobat provides a calculation function in the Field Properties dialog box. To create a field to display a calculated total on your report:
- Create a text field to display the calculated total. Give the field any Name you choose.
- In the Field Properties dialog box, select the Format tab.
- Select Number from the Category list.
- Select the Calculate tab.
- Select the radio button next to 'Value is the operation of the following fields:'
- Select sum from the drop down list.
- Select the Pick... button and select the fields that you want totaled.
Completed PDF Template Example
The following figure shows the completed PDF template:
Runtime Behavior
Placement of Repeating Fields
As already noted, the placement, spacing, and alignment of fields that you create on the template are independent of the underlying form layout. At runtime, BI Publisher places each repeating row of data according to calculations performed on the placement of the rows of fields that you created, as follows:
First occurrence:
The first row of repeating fields will display exactly where you have placed them on the template.
Second occurrence, single row:
To place the second occurrence of the group, BI Publisher calculates the distance between the BODY_START tag and the first field of the first occurrence. The first field of the second occurrence of the group will be placed this calculated distance below the first occurrence.
Second occurrence, multiple rows:
If the first group contains multiple rows, the second occurrence of the group will be placed the calculated distance below the last row of the first occurrence.
The distance between the rows within the group will be maintained as defined in the first occurrence.
Setting Fields as Updateable or Read Only
When you define a field in the template you have the option of selecting 'Read Only' for the field, as shown in the following sample Text Field Properties dialog:
Regardless of what you choose at design time for the Read Only check box, the default behavior of the PDF processing engine is to set all fields to read-only for the output PDF. You can change this behavior using the following configuration properties in the BI Publisher Configuration File:
- all-field-readonly
- all-fields-readonly-asis
- remove-pdf-fields
Note that in the first two options, you are setting a state for the field in the PDF output. The setting of individual fields can still be changed in the output using Adobe Acrobat Professional. Also note that because the fields are maintained, the data is still separate and can be extracted. In the third option, 'remove-pdf-fields' the structure is flattened and no field/data separation is maintained.
To make all fields updateable:
Set the 'all-field-readonly' property to 'false'. This sets the Read Only state to 'false' for all fields regardless of the individual field settings at design time.
To make all fields read only:
This is the default behavior. No settings are required.
To maintain the Read Only check box selection for each field:
To maintain the setting of the Read Only check box on a field-by-field basis in the output PDF, set the property 'all-fields-readonly-asis' to 'true'. This property will override the settings of 'all-field-readonly'.
To remove all fields from the output PDF:
Set the property 'remove-pdf-fields' to 'true'.
Overflow Data
When multiple pages are required to accommodate the occurrences of repeating rows of data, each page will display identically except for the defined repeating area, which will display the continuation of the repeating data. For example, if the item rows of the purchase order extend past the area defined on the template, succeeding pages will display all data from the purchase order form with the continuation of the item rows.
Creating a Template from a Predefined PDF Form
There are many PDF forms available online that you may want to use as templates for your report data. For example, government forms that your company is required to submit. You can use these downloaded PDF files as your report templates, supplying the XML data at runtime to fill the report out.
Some of these forms already have form fields defined, some do not. If the form already has fields defined, you can either use BI Publisher's Mapping tool (see Adding a Predefined Form as a Template) or name your data fields to match the form field names (see Using a Predefined Form as a Template by Matching Form Fields). If the form fields are not already defined in the downloaded PDF, you must create them. See Adding Markup to the Template Layout for instructions on inserting the form field placeholders.
Using a Predefined PDF Form as a Template by Matching the Form Fields
- Download or import the PDF file to your local system.
- Open the file in Adobe Acrobat.
- Select the Text Field Tool (Acrobat 6.0 users) or the Form Tool (Acrobat 5.0 users). This will highlight text fields that have already been defined.The following figure shows a sample W-4 PDF form after selecting the Text Field Tool to highlight the text fields (in Acrobat 6.0).To map the existing form fields to the data from your incoming XML file, you must rename the fields to match the element names in your XML file.
- Open the text form field Properties dialog by either double-clicking the field, or by selecting the field then selecting Properties from the right-mouse menu.
- In the Name field, enter the element name from your input XML file.
- Repeat for all fields that you want populated by your data file.
Copyright © 2005, 2006, Oracle. All rights reserved.
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When you need to have a graphic organizer, then Storyboard chart templates are perfect since you can add various pictures or images in a particular succession. These are often used to help envisage animation, story outlines, media, motion pictures as well as graphics. They can be drafted or framed in a particular structure or format, but that is up to the individual. Here are some best chosen examples.
Related:
Simple Storyboard Template
Sample Storyboard Template
Film Storyboard Template
Business Plan Storyboard Sample
A business plan storyboard is a crucial document that lays out the business plan, its strategy and the way it is to be used. This would also be an extensive document that defines the different aspects of the project, including the challenges and opportunities.
Graphic Storyboard Organizer Sample
Compared to a general text based professional storyboard, a graphic storyboard will use graphical indicators and artwork to define and lay out a strategy. It can be used by any kind of organization as it makes the document interesting and comprehensive.You may also see script storyboard.
Cartoon/Animation Storyboard Sheet
A storyboard for an animation or cartoon feature will lay out the general flow of the script, obviously in a raw dialogue. This would be a storyboard that would need to be worked up to make up for a finer sequence.You may also see video storyboard samples.
Book Trailer Storyboard Sample
In some cases, authors too use storyboards as a pre-launch promotion of their to-be launched book. The storyboard here will highlight the general flow of the dialogue, picking up important events from the book that make it a compelling read.You may also see storyboard samples.
Project Storyboard Sample
A editable project storyboard sample can be applicable to any kind of project across industries. The corporate storyboard here highlights the finer and important aspects of the project strategy and goals, while highlighting the challenges to be taken care of and the opportunities to aim for.
Production Storyboard Sample
A production storyboard sample is meant to define and describe the complete production process in a comprehensive and comprehendible manner. It will highlight the key elements in the process while giving a complete picture of the production.You may also see interactive storyboards.
Film Storyboard Sample
This is another good option for those who are coming up with a film and you can have 6 different images on each page. You can give a simple image to give an idea about what would take place in what order, including the page number, the scene, the name of the production and the artist of the story. This is great and can be used for any film storyboard or movie storyboard idea that you can come up with.
Video Storyboard Sample
If you are creating a video storyboard, then this template is perfect since you can either draw in some images in the boxes in the correct order or even print them in. This would allow you to give a general idea of how the video with go with some summaries under each image. You can put the name of the project on the top of the page and even put the correct page number to ensure that everything is in order. This is ideal for someone who likes to draw or even for those who can’t.
PowerPoint Storyboard Sample
Often you would want to use PowerPoint as your storyboard chart template and they are easy to create. There are plenty of samples and templates that you can use that come in various formats, including PDF that you can download, customize and use to impress those you are pitching your story to. These are also quite easy to edit, which means that you don’t need to do much work.You may also see vertical storyboard samples.
Plantilla Storyboard Template
A storyboard can be designed in a jiffy using the plantilla storyboard template. It comprises of all the essential segments and also gives the user an idea of the format that should be followed when designing the storyboard.
Script Storyboard Template
Giving the client a sneak peek into the script of a movie or an advertisement becomes easy when the presentation is done using a storyboard. A script storyboard template can be used for the purpose. Since this is designed by professionals it adheres to the industry norms and makes the task easier.
Page Storyboard Template
Basic Storyboard Template
Printable Storyboard with 3×3 Grid
Storyboard Example
Printable Storyboard with 2×2 Grid
Printable Storyboard with 1×1 Grid
Free Storyboard Sample
Storyboard Graphic & Animation Example
Vertical Storyboard Sample
Film Promotion Storyboard Sample
Website Screen Layout Storyboard Template
WideScreen Storyboard Template
TV Storyboard Template
Screenplay Storyboard Template
Proposal Storyboard Template
Panel Storyboard Template
16×9 Storyboard Template
Artist Storyboard Sample
Blank Story Board Sample
A3 Storyboard Template
A4 Storyboard Template
What is a Storyboard and Why is it Important?
A storyboard is a graphically organized document which comprises of illustrations, images and other details that are arranged in a sequence and help the presenter to give a clear idea of how they intend to carry out the execution of an idea. This is used to create motion pictures, animated series, ad films and presentations. Thus it is also known as a sample screenplay. A storyboard is important because it gives the user
1. A clear picture about the feasibility of the idea
2. An idea of utilizing the budget efficiently
3. A chance to identify the errors at an early stage
4. A chance to decide on the best course of action
5. An idea about the possible punch lines
How to Make a Storyboard?
Here is how you can design a storyboard.
1. Start by establishing a timeline for the event that you wish to portray.
2. Next, identify the most important scenes of the storyline.
3. Take some key decisions about the kind of detailing you wish to include.
4. Now start designing each cell of the storyboard with relevant figures and details.
5. Don’t forget to add the description to each cell.
6. In the end fine tune all the designs with the required touch ups and detailing.
Uses & Purpose of Storyboard Charts
These charts can help you to pitch something to anyone or even to just make a simple presentation for work. These can also be used to create stories that don’t have a full plot or even to simply jot down your ideas as they come. Using these would allow others to easily visualize and understand what you are showing them without having to think too much.You may also see visual storyboards.
When Do I Need A Storyboard Chart?
You can use these whenever you want, including for creating presentations for school or work. They are perfect for pitching your books, ideas and much more to your bosses, teachers or even to anyone who is interested. If you think that someone might benefit from some visual elements, then you should use these.You may also see commercial storyboards.
What Can You Learn From A Storyboard Chart?
There is so much that you can learn from this storyboard chart templates, especially if you are creating them or even looking at them. You would be able to learn how to create them on your own since there are different types or even what to see in a story. You can also learn how to put things in a specific order to have them make more sense. You may also see Story Outline Template.
These charts are easy to use and can be used for almost any need, including for pitching stories. The best part is that you can find plenty of templates that are already ready-to-use so that all you need to do is change it for your needs. This is one of the easiest ways to make sure that everything makes sense.You may also see script boards.
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