Errors, Hints, Samples
Hints
This section covers various assistance measures and is intended to build over time. If you want to contribute to this section, please do so with our thanks.
Version 7 Project Conversion
Version 7 forms are not recognized by FTForm8, that's why the Version 7 forms are supported in V8 Spooler. If V8 features are not required, just leave the build "as is". The FormTrap V8 Spooler handles Version 7 forms without any activity required by the user.
Where V8 features are required, a Project Conversion program from Version 7 to Version 8 is included in the %ftinst folder (locate via Setup, Core Components). This converts objects only and provides a sheleton for future work, while retaining most of the form composition.
To convert V7 projects to V8 projects, run program prjcvt.exe which displays this screen:
Various warning are presented, and the forms are converted. These conditions will need to be fixed:
Repaginated forms will not convert the XML Extraction. Forms may be processed by running their existing repagination as a pre-formatting filter prior to processing. Alternately, or redo the form data extrtact with V7 from an unrepaginated file, then convert. Version 8 includes the features of the repaginator.
Associated File entries should be removed and replace with Delivery Tags (and take the opportunity to put in Delivery Tag preferences - see here).
Rules are removed. Replace with Version 8 rules (see here).
errors on the XML conversion need to be removed for dates and numbers. XML conversion is more than "screen scraping" in Version 7 (see here).
Masking is removed. Use either RegEx to mask characters, or the menu group Format for Dates, Numbers and Amounts. (see here for RegEx)and (see here for dates, numbers, amounts)
FormTrap "Replace" Filter
This filter accepts an input file and applies changes to the data within it to produce an output file. The filter is single byte and should be used prior to the Western filter. The main uses are to:
(versions 7 and 8) insert form feeds into check (cheque) files
(versions 7 and 8) insert line feeds prior to pipe or comma delimiters
(version 7) insert ##F#formname# commands into input files
insert special commands (such as stapling) into print-ready files
correct spelling in manually entered fields
remove rubbish from input files
The filter is available at a one-time fee with three months included support, please order from support@formtrap.com. No ongoing charges apply.
Press here to download a zip file showing application of the replace filter to common situations, both input and output.
Print a FormTrap Output File
To easily print FormTrap output file (PCLXL, PostScript and PDF if printers understand that format), use a Shortcut to which you can "Drag'n Drop" FormTrap output files - and any other suitable print files. This is the setup:
Construct a single line .bat file (PrintFT.bat for example) using NotePad or similar. This is the single line, please substitute for \\ServerName\PrinterName.
copy /b %1 \\servername\printername
This is from the system here: copy %1 /b "\\plato\lj4600_pcl5"
Set up a shortcut that runs the above .bat file.
You can now "Drag'n Drop" any FormTrap output file PCL, PCLXL, PostScript (and PDF for some printers) to that icon to print. Other files of these formats will also print.