I know this is probably a silly question, but I have to get it out of the way.
Are you certain you are spelling the element name correctly?

BOBSCOTT wrote on Jul 19^th, 2007 at 9:53pm:

That is simply doing the exact same thing as pressing the F5 key. It's doesn't place the value in the Windows clipboard. Try it while the Name field in Property Editor is empty (and an LE is selected), and you will see that it fills in with the name of the LE.

To copy the value, you need to use Ctrl-C, or select Edit Long Value, then use the right-click Copy selection from that editor window.

It would be nice, though, if that little popup menu had the normal Cut, Copy, Paste... type choices available at the Property Editor level, rather than only in the popup editor window.

BOBSCOTT wrote on Jul 20^th, 2007 at 2:36pm:


Is there one that always fails that we can try/look at?

Thanks Robert, I'll have a look at it as soon as possible.

-Ray

Hello!

I use [[AddressBlock]] tag in the merge doc in place of individual merge fields
to handles a blank-linesin-the-address-block problem.  And
Replace [[theDate]] merge tag with current formal date  [[Datum]] merge tag
also inserts the current date in the doc.

Since the original RFT-File after the start of the MergeFilePrint is changed. I try to do a copy from the original before the start from it over Shell. Unfortunately, the Shell runs - command not correct. I make one for mistake here surely.


Thanks for the help.

Dr. Belhareth


hier is Batch file:
c:
cd\
C:\sesame2\docs\rft
copy %1  %2
exit



MergePrintFile Code:

ar vTypeFiles as String      // Files of specified type (file extension)
var vSelectedFile as String // Selected file
var n as Int                       // Loop counter
var vDoc as String
var vAddressBlock as String
var vOutputAddressBlock as String
var vResult as String
var vDatei as String
var vDateiKopie as String


PopupSelectPosition(4, @XPos(ThisElement),@YPos(ThisElement))
vPath = "C:\Sesame2\DOCS\RFT"

vType = @Popupmenu(".txt;.doc;.pdf;.htm;.rtf","SELECT FILE")

vAllFiles = @LocalListDirectory(vPath)

For n = 1 to @CountStringArray(vAllFiles)
If @Right(@AccessStringArray(vAllFiles, n), 4) = vType
Then
vTypeFiles = @AppendStringArray(vTypeFiles,@AccessStringArray(vAllFiles, n) )
Next

vTypeFiles = @SortStringArray(vTypeFiles, 0)
vSelectedFile = @PopupChoiceList(vTypeFiles, vPath + "\*" + vType)
vDatei = vPath + "\" + vSelectedFile
@Msgbox("Selected file:","",vDatei)
PopupSelectPosition(0, 0, 0)

vDateiKopie =  vPath + "\2" + vSelectedFile

(??)  n = @AsynchShell("C:\sesame2\copy.bat " + vDatei + " " + vDateiKopie)

// This program uses an [[AddressBlock]] tag in the merge doc
// Read in the rtf merge doc
vDoc = @Insert(vDateiKopie)

// Compile the address block
vAddressBlock = Vorname + " " + NachName + @NL() + Firma +@NL() + Add1 + @NL() + Add2 + @NL() + Plz + ", " +  Ort

// Replace [[theDate]] merge tag with current formal date
vDoc = @Replace(vDoc, "[[Datum]]",@Dom(@ServerDate()) + "." + @Month$(@ServerDate()) + "."+ @Year(@ServerDate()) )

// Collapse any blank lines in address block
vAddressBlock = @Replace(vAddressBlock, @NL() + @NL(),@NL())

// Loop thru the address block and precede each remaining
// line with the rtf "\par" tag for a new paragraph

SetStringArraySeparator(@NL())
For n = 1 to @CountStringArray(vAddressBlock)
vOutputAddressBlock += "\par " + @AccessStringArray(vAddressBlock, n) + @NL()
Next

// Replace the merge doc tag with the reconstituted address block
vDoc = @Replace(vDoc, "[[AddressBlock]]", vOutputAddressBlock)

// vresult = "Myresult"
If FileExists("C:\Sesame2\Myresult.rtf")  then  FileDelete("C:\Sesame2\Myresult.rtf")

// Write output file
FileOverwrite(vDateiKopie, vDoc)

     MergeFilePrint(vDateiKopieNeu, "rtf", "", "", "", "Myresult", 0)
           n = @AsynchShell("Myresult.rtf")

Hello Carl!
I can ´t  "match" a merge field name with a variable.
MergeFilePrint hier  does not work:

MergeFilePrint(vDatei, "rtf", "", "", "AddressBlock=vOutputAddressBlock", "Myresult", 0)

Thanks.

Dr. Belhareth

Hello Carl!
Thanks for the support.
Your proposal runs good, but unfortunately I get shut only the first line of the AddressBlocks !

My code :

/ / Compile the address blocks
vAddressBlock = first name" + " + last name + @NL() + company + @NL() + Add1 + @NL() + Add2 + @NL() + country" + " + Plz" + " + place
/ / Collapse any brightly lines in address blocks
vAddressBlock = @Replace (vAddressBlock, @NL() + @NL(), @NL() )

/ / Loop thru the blocks address and precede each remaining
// line with the rtf "\par" tag to signify new paragraph
SetStringArraySeparator(@NL())
For n = 1 to @CountStringArray(vAddressBlock)
vOutputAddressBlock += "\par " + @AccessStringArray(vAddressBlock, n) + @NL()
Next

If FileExists("C:\Sesame2\Myresult.rtf") then  FileDelete("C:\Sesame2\Myresult.rtf")

vMatches = "AddressBlock=" + vOutputAddressBlock
  MergeFilePrint(vDatei, "rtf", "", "", vMatches,"Myresult", 0)
           n = @AsynchShell("Myresult.rtf")


Thanks.
Dr. Belhareth

Amor,

BTW, I also noticed that the section of your code which builds the vAddressBlock variable, seems a little mixed up with extra quotes and plus signs, and possibly missing a couple @NL()'s.

Start by putting the merge code into a subroutine, then program a command button using the following sample as a guide.

You will need to replace the "cuPrintInvoice()" portions with the name you give to your subroutine. You'll also want to change the other references to "Invoices" to something that applies to your situation.

PopupSelectPosition(3, @XPos(ThisElement) + (@Width(ThisElement) / 2) , @YPos(ThisElement) + @Height(ThisElement))
vChoice = @PopupMenu("1. This Record Only;2. All Records in the Result Set", "PRINT INVOICES for")

If @Left(vChoice, 1) = "1"
{
	FormCommit(@Layout)
	cuPrintInvoice()
}
Else If @Left(vChoice, 1) = "2"
{
	If @AskUser("Do you want to PRINT INVOICES for all " + @Str(@ResultSetTotal()) + " records in the result set?", "", "")
	{
		FormCommit(@Layout)
		vRecordInView = @ResultSetCurrentPosition()
		For i = 1 to @ResultSetTotal()
			ResultSetCurrentPosition(i)
			cuPrintInvoice()
		Next
		ResultSetCurrentPosition(vRecordInView)
	}
} 

If you don't specify an output file, the output will go straight to the default printer.

For example you would replace this:

MergeFilePrint(vDatei, "rtf", "", "", "AddressBlock=" + vOutputAddressBlock, "MyResult", 0) 

With this:

MergeFilePrint(vDatei, "rtf", "", "", "AddressBlock=" + vOutputAddressBlock, "", 0) 

Notice that "MyResult" was replaced with "".

Quote:


The best way to get the element list (especially if there are many elements in the form) to use @StringArrayElementList( ). Display them in the Slate and then you got all of them at once and do whatever you want. This method I found useful while using @XLookUpSourceList ( ).

Bharat_Naik wrote on Mar 21^st, 2008 at 10:04pm:

Word does save the RTF file in a slightly different pattern than WordPad does. Naturally, this can have an effect on how you deal with an RTF file when manipulating it in SBasic.

For instance, WordPad places the "\par" paragraph tag at the end of a line followed by CRLF (Carraige Return w/Line Feed) like this:

[[Name]]\par
[[Address1]]\par
[[Address2]]\par
[[City]], [[State]] [[Zip Code]]\par 

Whereas Word places the CRLF before the paragraph tag, then followed by a space like this:

[[Name]]
\par [[Address1]]
\par [[Address2]]
\par [[City]], [[State]] [[Zip Code]]
\par  

(Note that you MUST maintain the space between the "\par" tag and the text that appears after it. Otherwise, the entire line will be ignored in the final output.)

So yes, there's a logical reason why saving it with WordPad may have "fixed" it, because it would have reversed the order of the CRLFs and the "\par" tags.

Quote:


I am finding it difficult to pass on "\par" to merge. The whole tag seems to disappear and nothing merges. I am using Word2002 and I believe, if it is working for some of you, not for me, probably it is related to Word setup and version. Any ideas to make it work. It has been great help to find out that variables can be merged.  If we could pass on the CR in the merged field that would be great for some applications.

Several times you have mentioned working on .pdf files as opposed to .rtf files. Do you mean .rtf files?

Bharat_Naik wrote on Mar 24^th, 2008 at 3:00pm:

That can happen if you don't have a space after \par, and other text follows it before the next CRLF.

Quote:

Actually, you don't need it. The \par tag is what really tells WordPad (or Word) to start a new line. The main reason I had @NL() in my code, was so that the file would be more readable when looking at it in a text editor like Notepad.

For example, take the following two sections of RTF:

[[Name]]\par [[Address1]]\par [[Address2]]\par [[City]], [[State]] [[Zip Code]]\par 

(It's crucial that there be a space after each \par.)

[[Name]]\par
[[Address1]]\par
[[Address2]]\par
[[City]], [[State]] [[Zip Code]]\par 

Both of those examples will show up in Word or WordPad like this, so you don't really need the CRs:

[[Name]]
[[Address1]]
[[Address2]]
[[City]], [[State]] [[Zip Code]] 

This is prescription printout. I am just placing the part of the .rtf file and how it looks in notepad and how it looks after editing.

.rtf file

[[M4]]
[[I4]]
[[M5]]
[[I5]]
[[M6]]
[[I6]]
 

Notepad preedit:

{\insrsid14817277 [[M4]]
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14817277 {\insrsid14817277 [[I4]]
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14817277 {\insrsid14817277 [[M5]]
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14817277 {\insrsid14817277 [[I5]]
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14817277 {\insrsid14817277 [[M6]]
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14817277 {\insrsid14817277 [[I6]]
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14817277
 

After editing in the notebook as suggested in the programing guide in order for it to fold:

{\insrsid14817277
[[M4]]
\par }\pard \s15\ql \fi720\li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14817277 {\insrsid14817277
[[I4]]
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14817277 {\insrsid14817277
[[M5]]
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14817277 {\insrsid14817277
[[I5]]
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14817277 {\insrsid14817277
[[M6]]
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid14817277 {\insrsid14817277
[[I6]]
\par }\pard \s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\wrapdefault\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14817277
 

The MergeFilePrint ( )

MergeFilePrint(vPath , "rtf", "", "", vExtFields, "Data\prescription_test", 1)
 

This should fold when there is no data to merge for field "M5" and "I5" but it is not folding. What am I doing wrong?

// Remove blank lines
vAddressBlock = @Replace(vAddressBlock, @NL() + @NL(), @NL() )
 

Initially I could not get the importance of above code but now I understand it. I have 32 such collapsing mergefields in one rtf mergefile to print.  I guess I will have to go with the above code.

The other solution I was thinking was to remove \par with notepad edits and merge \par with the mergefiled whenever data is present for that mergefield.

if vM1 <> "" then
       {
              vM1 = vM1 + " /Par"
       }
     
This will work, I believe,  but yours is a lot better way since if you want to change the rtf file you do not have to go through the whole routine of notepad edits of rtf file and then save.

I hope Lanticans are watching this thread and doing something about the "Fold" parameter that is either not working or we do not know how to make it work. Thanks Carl,  for your input.

Quote:


As mentioned in the programming guide.
Quote:


Can we have one exclusive command just for RTF file over and above this?  Just a suggestion.

Thanks for your Input Mark. I want to share my experience with MergeFilePrint() command.  Over period of time to answer the need for mergeprinting various methods have evolved in the form of Wordmerge, Wordmerge Lite, Simple text file merging, various versions and upgrades of wordmerge and we have followed them one by one and still felt how good it would be if we had inbuilt word processor just like Q&A.

Each method has their limitations, Wordmerge you have to stop or use external program's Macro and visual basics and/or modify Registry to cleanly printout the merged data without any interruption.  With Wordmerge Lite I was missing the complete control over the formating and how it prints out on paper that is the limitation we have come to know about HTML, looks great on display however.  With plain text file merging you miss that text enhancement and formating both.

When I looked at MergeFilePrint() command, it practically solved my all mergeprint needs.  It printout document without interruption, it has all the enhancements. I do not think even development team envisioned it to carry out merging of data from external applications with its "Matches" parameter.


I can manipulate and format data whatever way I want using s-basic in Sesame itself.  If I want to review the document and edit before I print out without disturbing standard merge document, no problems.  It is extremely compact command with seven parameters without making source file or various documents menu or whatever.  What user want is the result with the least interference or input when it could be avoided.

For me, if any of the prescription field has value, just print a prescription, when lab is ordered as per the Lab element just print that form in the lab, the same for consultation, x-ray requisition, going back to school or work statements etc. all these selectively done as needed without pressing any button when record is new.  All these can be done with minimum of codeing with MergeFilePrint() command with RTF option. 

There are couple of limitations however..
1. Cannot beat printstring() when dealing with pre-printed forms.
2. I wish to have option of AlternateDefaultPrinter
3. Fold is currently not working with .rtf file but this could be worked around using "Matches" parameter.

Why am I blabbering all these? Well, this command could be the answer to mergeprinting needs without having inbuilt word-processor.  More than anything else, the mergeprint needs are taken care of with minimal programing and great results.  I wish Sesame Development team to invest more time and effort in order to enhance and develop this command further.

Mark,

If Last DOES have a value, this will cause First and Company to appear on the same line without Last.

You need to have a space after "\par" to allow Last to be displayed. But, that space will cause a blank line when Last is blank.

I'm working on a solution. More on this later...

Thanks Mark. In the meantime we will work with the workaround !

The other limitation of MergeFilePrint() that I forgot to mention is it's inability to handle element's data with carriage return or paragraphs. Simply replacing @NL () with "\par " will not work. but if you place couple of loops as in the code under will take care of that limitation. This is once again just Sesame side coding and it does not involve editing of RTF document file with Notepad.

var n as int
var vPath as String = "C:\Sesame2\Docs\Understand.rtf"
var vAddress as String
var vApt_Number as String
var vCity as String
var vState as String
var vZip as String
var vPhone as String
var vFileName as String   //only used during testing or when you want to review before printing
var vExtFields as String
var vList as String
var vUnderstanding as String
var vUND as String

SetStringArraySeparator (";")  //since later on we are using Set and restore different separator so it is needed

//Following used to Merge Data from different database or applications

vList = @XLookupSourceList (@FN, RecNumber, "Index!RecNumber", "Address;Apt_Number;City;State;Zip;Phone")

vAddress = @AccessStringArray (vList, 1)
vApt_Number = @AccessStringArray (vList, 2)
vCity = @AccessStringArray (vList, 3)
vState = @AccessStringArray (vList, 4)
vZip = @AccessStringArray (vList, 5)
vPhone = @AccessStringArray (vList, 6)

If vApt_Number <> "" then
	{
		vAddress = vAddress + " APt#: " + vApt_Number
	}

//This will take care for carriage return if any
vUnderStanding = UND

//Remove Blank lines

While @IN (vUnderstanding, @NL ( ) + @NL ( )) > 0
	{

		vUnderstanding = @Replace (vUnderstanding, @NL ( ) + @NL ( ), @NL ( ))
	}



SetStringArraySeparator (@NL())

For n = n to @CountStringArray(vUnderstanding)
	vUND = vUND + @AccessStringArray (vUnderstanding, n) + "\par "
	Next
RestoreStringArraySeparator ( )

vUnderstanding = vUND


// vUnderstanding = @Replace (vUnderstanding, @NL ( ), "\Par ") //Space after \par is very important //did not work for format paragraph

vFileName = "c:\sesame2\Data\Und_test.rtf"


	if fileExists(vFileName)
	{
		fileDelete(vFileName)
	}

vExtFields = "Address=" + vAddress + ";City=" + vCity + ";State=" + vState +
 ";Zip=" + vZip + ";Phone=" + vPhone + ";Understand=" + vUnderstanding


// MergeFilePrint(vPath , "rtf", "", "", vExtFields, "Data\Und_test", 0)   //file will display before printing
// n = @AsynchShell (vFileName)

MergeFilePrint(vPath , "rtf", "", "", vExtFields, "", 0) //File will print without displaying

 

Mark, as you mentioned earlier that you are working on the internal command. Since this is purely Sesame side modification, somehow you can accommodate in the code.

You are right Erika. I am strictly talking about RTF file format with MergeFilePrint() command. RTF seems to address the most of the merge print needs and I have come to like it so much. I have realized that MergeFilePrint() command takes care of other file formats such as HTM, PS and txt in addition to RTF and I believe some of the limitations with RTF file are particularly linked to that broad applicability.  With RTF fomat, since most of the issues can be handled from Sesame side with s-basic, I can live with it.  However, RTF file is method of choice as mentioned in the Programming Guide, separate command could be made available addressing to the need of just RTF file. Or am I asking too much?

Quote:

Thanks.

Hi Bob,  You are the one who started this thread!

Yes, this is indeed an eye opener as to what simple one line command can do for you. I have gone through the drudgery of going through customizing and formating values in MS Word using Mergefield switches and going through Word Macro and even a little of VB and all that for practically nothing and never could get it to work to my 100% satisfaction.

As far as @PrintString ( ) goes, I like it and have used it for precise printing as it is required in  pre-printed forms.  But for an average user, one has to work with it and devote quite a long time to be comfortable using it and get some great results. But you are right, once you get it to work, there is no looking back. It will work great every  time and since no external program involved, we are not at the mercy of other program or company.

Credit goes to Sesame development team to provide us with all different tools to work with and meeting everybody's needs as per ones comfort level, temperament and working knowledge.

For me, I have come to rely on MergeFilePrint() in RTF format for my mergeprint requirement and very happy with it so far.  This thread has explored the command to the fullest.... or may be not. Still a lot can be done with it!!!

Set printer as default
    RUNDLL32 PRINTUI.DLL,PrintUIEntry /y /n "printer"

The above command seems to work fine. I ran that using "RUN" box and it did change the default printer.

However I do not understand how to set up the following file in order to reset the default printer again.

Restore all printer settings from a file
    RUNDLL32 PRINTUI.DLL,PrintUI /Sr /n "printer" /a "file.dat"


Or just may be I can use the first command again to set the normal default printer. One before the the MergeFilePrint() command and one after to reset to original printer. I would appreciate the guidance in this matter.  Thanks.

Bharat

Thanks Ray. I think now incorporating this, we should be able to use any printer on the network with MergeFilePrint ( ) with RTF file and Windows OS without displaying the document to be printed (on the fly).

Yes, It can be done. It requires a little work but If your application warrants it, it can be done.

Here how I did it.

First find out the code for Color from RTF file. You can make any dummy file and open it in the Notepad. you will see the code..

For blue it is  -   \cf2\insrsid16728339\charrsid16728339

(The above might have included codes for fonts and other enhancements)

Just place that in front of text that you want to merge.

vName = "\cf2\insrsid16728339\charrsid16728339" + " " + vName


When you assign ";Name=" vName

Name mergefield in the rtf display will be blue.

MergeFilePrint ( ) with RTF file is indeed impressive. Since all your work is done in Sesame with SBasic, you have a lot more control on format of the output.

Bharat

I did a little further studies and following is my take.

RTF file studies:

http://www.biblioscape.com/rtf15_spec.htm

Following code will work and it will terminate the the mergefield color properly unlike the earlier code.

vName = "{\f1\cf6\insrsid13335651\charrsid13335651 " +  vName + "}{\f1\insrsid13335651   }"

Here in the above code cf6 represent the red color. insrsid13335651\charrsid13335651 etc. represent the font and size etc. I believe, you will have to get yours using notepad if it is to match with rest of your document.

cf6 - Red
cf2 - Blue
cf4 - Green
cf7 - Yellow
cf5 - Pink
cf12 - Violet

In the Match parameter the part of the code will be ";Name=" + vName

Where Name is the Merge field in the document.

If vSex = "M" then
        {
                 vName = "{\f1\cf2\insrsid13335651\charrsid13335651 " +  vName +    "}{\f1\insrsid13335651   }"

        }
     Else if vSex = "F" then
        {
                 vName = "{\f1\cf5\insrsid13335651\charrsid13335651 " +  vName +    "}{\f1\insrsid13335651   }"

        }

The above when merged in the document - will produce Blue colors for Boy's Name and Pink for Girl's name!!!

Thanks Carl. I am looking forward to seeing the solution. In the meanwhile, I am using MergeFilePrint() quite a lot and with good results. I have been using following function to fold and it has been working pretty good.

Function udf_MakeItFlat (vString as String) as String
//vString is Elements and varibles separated by default separator ";"
var vBlock as String
var n as Int

//Build the Block

//WriteLN (vString)

For n = 1 to @CountStringArray (vString)
     //WriteLn ("Number of Strings is " + @Str (@CountStringArray (vString)))      
     If vBlock  =  "" then
           {
                 vBlock = @AccessStringArray (vString, n)
           }
           Else
           {
                 vBlock = vBlock + @NL ( ) + @AccessStringArray (vString, n)
           }

  Next
//WriteLN ("vBlock before Removing Blank lines is " + vBlock)

// Remove blank lines
While @IN (vBlock, @NL( ) + @NL( )) > 0
     {
           vBlock = @Replace(vBlock, @NL() + @NL(), @NL() )
     }
//WriteLN ("vBlock after Removing Blank lines is " + vBlock)

// Insert RTF paragraph tags

vBlock = @Replace(vBlock, @NL(), "\par " )

//WriteLN ("vBlock after placing \par " + vBlock)

Return (vBlock)
End Function