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EZ-Forms Frequently Asked Questions
What are
the New Features of EZ-Forms EXPRESS, PRO, ULTRA, PDFtyper, etc.? Differences? History follows: EZ-Forms-ULTRA is the
"top-of-the-line version of EZ-Forms. It replaces EZ-Forms GT, EZ-Forms
Executive and EZ-Forms Gold Ultra. EZ-Forms PRO, a junior version of EZ-Forms
ULTRA (without the integral database) is also
available. EZ-Forms PRO is similar to EZ-Forms ULTRA except, that it
has no
database capabilities. As a result, it also does not carry the associated program overhead and
has a lower cost. Filled out eforms are stored/saved to individual filled out
form (.FOF) files. EZ-Forms Silver PRO can create eforms for use with the EZ-Forms
Filler/Viewer/Typer. (20041201) EZ-Forms EXPRESS (and PDFtyper), a “thin” version of
EZ-Forms PRO, is also available.
• This simplest version of EZ-Forms is intended for existing
PDF fill out and typewriter
replacement use. That is, import PDF - type - print, or scan-type-print. For details on using EZ-Forms
EXPRESS
as a “typewriter”, click the green ball. PDFtyper and EZ-Forms Express are the same entry-level product but have different names for marketing reasons. For more details go to the PDFtyper or EZ-Forms EXPRESS page. (20041025) EZ-Forms FILLER - Fills out, prints, saves, emails, FAXes, etc. eforms created by registered editions of EZ-Forms GT. EZ-Forms VIEWER - View and prints eforms created by registered editions of EZ-Forms GT and PDFtyper. Free version available for all uses. New features and benefits of this release (v5.34dk,20041201) ... *=N/A Silver ... ¤=N/A PDF Typer ...
* See the EZ-Forms ULTRA page. ... *=N/A Silver ... ¤=N/A PDF Typer ...
So, what is an
Eform? ... An EZ-Form? ... Forms Automation? EZ-Forms "Objects" can be linked into any program that is "OLE" enabled, like Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Word, etc. EZ-Forms can re-create an electronic version of any form for local or enterprise-wide use. And the best part of it all is that one low price allows the licensee to re-distribute their applications along with "filler engine" without additional charges or royalties. All of this and more is included in one "EZ" to use package for the PC running Microsoft's Windows 95/98/Me/NT4/2000/XP.
How do I get an TestDrive Enhancement Code? What is a TestDrive (Trial) enhancement code. Please note that the enhancement codes have been suspended. Our TestDrive editions are fully functional and provide an accurate representation of the program of interest. • CLICK HERE to request your Enhancement Code. A valid enhancement code removes most restrictions on the TestDrive editions of our product, including things like pop-up screens, open form limits and watermarks on printouts. Enhancement codes are available for EZ-Forms (GOLD, SILVER, ULTRA, PRO, PDF Typer, DD250, EXPORT, MSDS) TestDrive editions. Please understand that each enhancement code session must be performed in "real time". That is, the code must be requested and entered without shutting down the computer where the program is installed, as well as the program you wish to enhance. A new user code is generated each time the program is run or user/enhancement code is requested. Make sure you have the latest version of the program of interest installed. We cannot issue codes for versions that are not current. Check http://www.ez-forms.com for the latest releases. After a successful installation, run the program. Close any open forms. Click on Options, then click on Enhance. A 3-5 digit user code will be generated and listed in the dialog box that pops-up. Write down this code and DO NOT shut down the program. Once we receive your request, we will return the temporary enhancement code as soon as possible. Remember, DO NOT shut down the program or you computer. If you cannot do this, email at a time that you can. Our business hours are normally 9-5 Central USA time, but we frequently check our email at almost any time. When you receive your enhancement code, enter it EXACTLY as shown. Case matters. If something doesn't work, we'll have to do it all over again as a new user code will be generated. We reserve the right to reject any incomplete requests. Enjoy! Please note that the enhancement codes have been suspended. Our testdrive editions are fully functional and provide an accurate representation of the program of interest.
How do I use EZ-Forms PDFtyper (Bronze, Express) as a “TYPER”? That is, as a typewriter replacement. I do not want to mess with fields and such. I can scan a form or import a graphic image of the form(s) I want to use. Good question!!! Many of our users simply want to scan, fill and print. This is exactly what you can do, and here is how you do it. If you are importing PDFs, click here first. Create a new blank form (File-New) with the number of pages and orientation needed. Scan (File-Scanner-Acquire) or import (Edit-Insert-Graphic) a separate graphic for each page. More details pertaining to this procedure are discussed below. http://www.ezx.com/faq.htm#Import Once your form is up on screen and sized/positioned where you want it, select the TEXT tool from the upper bar on the box around the form view. This will give you a crosshair cursor. Place it where you want the text to print and drag it out to the approximate box size you wish. Do not worry about being too accurate as you can reposition and resize the “text box” later. Type the text you want, then press Enter. If the box is not big enough, or in the wrong place, select the ARROW tool (upper left corner). Then left-click on the text box to highlight it. You will see “handles” appear around the box. You can now grab the box with the Arrow cursor and reposition. You can also "micro-move" the box with the cursor keys. You can also resize the box (subject to selected font size) by grabbing one of the handles. If you want to change font size, etc. Place the arrow cursor over the text box and then right click. A menu of choices appears including font, text, etc. When you are finished, you can save the form with the text and text boxes that you have added. Save the form as a .FRM file, which is the default extension for this type of file. The next time open the form (.FRM file) you created and use the arrow cursor to select your text boxes to enter new text, etc. It is a good idea to immediately perform a File-Save-As. This will preserve your source form, and clone a new one. One more thing, we highly recommend that you save the graphic/scan as a .PNG file as it will take up less hard drive space and print faster. This procedure applies to EZ-Forms PDFtyper. This procedure also also applies to EZ-Forms Gold ULTRA and Silver PRO, however these two have more advanced “field” capabilities. Remember, that field automation, or "Fill-Out" (.FOF, .FOM) refers to FIELDS (tool that has an F with a box around it.) that have been previously set up. If you use Gold/Silver as a typer, you will always be "designing" the master form. No problem, many of our users use it just this way.
DOS-EZ-Forms compatibility with Windows-EZ-Forms? Question: John W. McCallie wrote: Answer: Due to the "paradigm" shift between DOS and Windows, there is only an indirect way of importing master forms into a new Windows EZ-Forms form. DOS utilized "text graphics" to form lines, etc. Windows use "real" object based graphics for lines, boxes, circles, diagonals, etc. etc. Windows allow you to duplicate forms exactly. The way to create a Windows Eform form EZ-Forms DOS to run the DOS EZ-Forms along with the Windows EZ-Forms and mark-and-copy-to-clipboard text from the DOS window, then position cursor and paste-from-clipboard to EZ-Forms for Windows. This applies to master forms only (.FRM) Once a new Windows-based master form is developed, you can start filling out the forms. If the field order and quantity of data fields is identical in both the Windows and DOS versions, you can export your data (on a form-by-form basis) for .FOFs (filled-out-forms) to a quotation delimited ASCII file. Then you can import this data into an EZ-Forms for Windows form. If not, the above copy-and-paste method should be used to convert DOS filled-out-forms (.FOFs) to Windows based .FOFs. Note: All versions of EZ-Forms for Windows do not necessarily have data import/export capability. * EZ-Forms GOLD -- The Enterprise Solution for Eforms Automation. Includes Single user designer and unlimited user filler. Available in site, corporate and developer editions. Win95/98/NT4/ME/2000/XP
Command Line Options for EZ-Forms GT/GOLD ULTRA/SILVER PRO [How do I create or modify shortcuts (icons) in order to automate certain program functions?] Notes: The command line options are not available for GOLD/ULTRA in the DataBase mode, with the exception of launching a .FOD file, which pre-defines DataBase and form parameters. ULTRA can also be run in the "PRO" mode, which does support command line options, which is why it is included here. The TestDrive editions of EZ-Forms GOLD, SILVER, PRO and ULTRA may not support command line options. Please request an Enhanced TestDrive by visiting the respective product web page. The Enhanced TestDrive and single user editions support the F, I, M, O, P, Q, S, X, and Z command line options only. EZ-Forms GOLD/SILVER/PRO/ULTRA Single User Designer, Single User Filler, Site, Enterprise, Developer, Custom Label, and Private Label Editions support the F, I, M, O, P, Q, S, X, and Z command line options. In addition, Private Label Editions of EZ-Forms Silver and Gold support the B, G, H, J, and V command line options. You will just have to take our word on these. EZ-Forms FILLER (free or registered) support F, I, M, O, P, Q, S, X, and Z command line options only. EZ-Forms Viewers (free or registered) do not support any command line options, unless ordered as a Developer, Custom Label or Private Label option. Questions: 1) I would like to incorporate the forms processing you provide into my application. Specifically, I have a database that holds some (but not all) of the information I need on the form. I would like to pre-load this information programmatically into the form when brought up to save data entry time. 2) A second application would use my current front end for data gathering and your forms for printing only. Again this is a programmatic interface to create/load/print the forms. 3) Finally, I would like to have the forms input you provide integrated into my front end directly. Currently we are using C++ (MFC) application but are exploring both VBA scripting and Java as front end options! Answer(s): I believe I can best answer your questions by quoting a section of the manual for the EZ-Forms. EZ-Forms GOLD (Enterprise/Developer, Private Label) have a number of "command line" options. These options are not case sensitive. Multiple switches are allowed, unless there are conflicts, in which case only the first will be processed. Switches are singular (can be used only once) and are executed in sequence presented (order matters). These options can be called from a controlling application, or attached to an icon (shortcut) for quick access. Most of the following functions, including Data import/export, are also available via the File Menu pull-down. Command line features listed are not available in any in other EZ-Forms products. /B (EZ-Forms
Silver and Gold Private Label
only feature) /Fmasterform.frm
or /Ffilloutform.fof
or /Ffilloutmasterform.fom The following additional parameters can be combined with either of the above to perform Print, Import, Export and Exit functions. Frequently used options may be assigned to an icon. You may wish to "iconize" a form that is frequently used throughout the office, Export field data for use in a database (or word processor, spreadsheet), or import data that has been generated by another program into a new form. /G (EZ-Forms
Silver and Gold Private Label
only feature) /H (EZ-Forms
Silver and Gold Private Label
only feature) /I
( capital i ) Also see Data File Structure. Click here. /J (EZ-Forms
Silver and Gold Private Label
only feature) /Mmaster.frm or /Omaster.frm /P /Q /S /V (EZ-Forms
Silver and Gold Private Label
only feature) /X Also see Data File Structure. Click here. /Z
• Examples and syntax of command line usage: Notes: As far as command line context, always use full path names to .exe's etc. eg. "C:\EZ-Forms Designer\EZ-Forms Designer.exe" /FH:\EZ\test.fof /IH:/EZ/test.dta etc... Use quotes around the full path if it contains a space. Do not use quotes if the path does not contain a space. Do not include the /F, etc. in any quotes. Do not rename the .exe file. Do not try to load data into a .frm. Edit-Fillout the .frm to a .fof (or .fom if you want a Save-As prompt) with blank fields first. Example 1: The command line is: formname.frm should include the full path. The program's splash screen appears to indicate the action is in progress. The print job is spooled to the printer with the current printer defaults. After a few moments the splash screen is removed indicating that spooling is complete, then the program is shut down. This process does not open the program into a window and load the form. The form you want to print is sent directly through the print function of the program then it is handled by the Windows printer driver. Example 2: The command line is: After filling out a few forms with data, and saving each completed form to a unique name, you need to export the data to an ASCII file. Save each export with a .DTA file extension with the same filename as the corresponding .FOF file. You will need to generate a unique .DTA file from each of the forms from which you wish to extract data. Import the text of each .DTA file with your spreadsheet program as a separate row or record. Check your spreadsheet program's documentation for the import procedure for an ASCII file having one double quotation delimited data field per line. The .DTA file may represent one spreadsheet row and each line may represent spreadsheet cell. This same .DTA file can be imported into databases as a record or merged with a wordprocessor document. Check the appropriate docutmentation for the procedure. Example 3: The command line is: (Either method asks for a new filename, using the original formname.fof as a template, that will contain the data. Imports data from formname.dta saving it to the newname.fof file you indicated earlier.) Find the record in your database containing the data you need in the form and export the information to an ASCII file. Check your database program's documentation for the export procedure to generate an ASCII file having one double quotation delimited data field per line. Either a master form(.FRM) or a blank fillout form(.FOF) can be used. The data file will be combined with the form placing the information in the first line of text into the first field of the form. The second line of the text file will be placed into the second field of the form and so forth. The program's splash screen will indicate the action is in progress. The new form, complete with data, will be sent to the printer and the process will shut down returning you to the desktop or program manager. If you are merging data and sending it directly to the printer all data fields in the form will need to be accounted for in the text file. No calculations will be performed with this operation. It is assumed that any data management will be performed in the originating program whether it is a database or spreadsheet. If you want the command line to load a form into EZ-Forms, merge the data and remain displayed on screen just leave off the /P and /Z parameter switches in the command line examples.
Data file structure (.DTA) and comments for import and export of data to/from EZ-Forms GT/SILVER PRO/GOLD ULTRA. [Where on the form is data imported to, or exported from?] Data is imported or exported “typewriter style.” That is field data is inserted or extracted left-to-right and top-to-bottom order from Filler Fields (objects). This order is independent of the on-screen fillout sequence, and cannot be changed. Please note that EZ-Forms determines the sequence of fields by the top of the field object box. So, if you have a lot of tightly spaced fields, horizontal alignment of the top of these filed object boxes must be exact, as even an error of 1 pixel can throw the import/export sequence off. It is best to select and appropriate grid spacing and turn on snap-to-grid to help you out. NOTE: You may see the term "ODBC" mentioned on this page. Please understand that while EZ-Forms-ULTRA uses the ODBC method/resources, other ODBC database engines may, or may not, work with EZ-Forms-ULTRA. Therefore, we do not recommend or support interaction with 3rd party database handlers like Access, InfoSelect, InfoTree, etc. While connections to 3rd party databases may work in some cases, please be very careful. The data files EZ-Forms (GOLD, PRO, ULTRA [in "PRO" mode], DD250, EXPORT, MSDS) uses must be in ASCII, quotation delimited format. This is a format that can be created or read by almost any spreadsheet or database program. One data file is imported to or written from each form. Again, most DataBase programs have no problem with this. There can be only one .DTA file per record. That is, 10 records (filled-out-forms with separate names) will have 10 corresponding .DTA files. filename.DTA (For details of what file name extensions
mean, click here.) FYI, a .DTA files' contents may look like this: "Field001 Data" This is one record with with 10 data fields. To get the data structure and/or field order from an existing .FRM, .FOF or .FOM form, open the form of interest in fillout mode. Enter data that you can identify in every field. Then click on File-Export and save only the entered data to a text file (.DTA) file. Examine the file with a text viewer/editor like Notepad. You will see each piece of data, with quotes " " around it, on a separate line. If there is no data entered, there will just be 2 quotes on the line. You can set up your application to output data in the format and sequence as determined in the previous paragraph. Then you can import your data (File-Import) into the appropriate .FOF file.
Creating icons or shortcuts for your forms. After you've created a few forms, you may want to launch your favorites directly from an icon. Note that we recommend that you always use the ".FOM" format for icon launch. See index for details. NEVER rename a .FRM file to .FOM. ALWAYS Edit-Fillout the master form to create a .FOM (or .FOF), otherwise this will not work. Launch Windows Explorer from the Start-Programs button. Navigate to the directory containing your .FOF (runs form as is) or .FOM (prompts for a new file name) file. Then right-click on it. Select SendTo, the Desktop. This will create an icon on the desktop. **Right click on the desktop icon
just created, and select properties. In the Target dialog box, you will see
something like: The .....s indicate that the paths/names are different for each version of the program. Edit this line to look something like: "C:\EZ-Forms...\EZ-Forms....exe" "C:\EZ-Forms...\formname.fom" Insert the full path name to the "C:\EZ-Forms ... \EZ-Forms ... .exe" file and .fom/.fof file. Please include all of the quotes. You will have to substitute your form name and EZ-Forms program path as necessary. Now, when you double-click on the desktop icon, it will launch EZ-Forms ... and load the form you wish. The reason EZ-Forms works this way is because many "command-line" options are also supported for the expert user. Also, there may be other programs on your system that use the .fof, .fom, .frm, and .fod extensions. We want to make sure that these are not affected. Alternately: Right-click on the .fof or .fom file and select “Create Shortcut.” A shortcut with the .lnk extension will be created in the current folder (directory). To place this shortcut on the Desktop simply click-drag-and-drop the .lnk file there. To place this shortcut on the Start Menu, click-drag-and-drop the .lnk file onto the start button. Then go to ** above. When the .FOM is 'attached' to an icon, and is launched (double mouse click, Start-Select, etc.), the program is opened (or brought to the foreground if already running) and the .FOM (associated with the icon selected) is the form of focus. However, before one can proceed, a name must be given for the resultant .FOF (Filled Out Form). In some systems, you may have to launch the EZ-Forms program first, and then the form icon (shortcut). You may wish to do this if just launching an icon gives you a "file not found" error. It this case, the program and form will actually load, but the error message will say, incorrectly, that the file cannot be found. The following is for experts: Another way to solve this is to edit the properties of the shortcut for the particular form you wan to launch.
What do the file extensions .FRM, .FOM, .FOF. .DTA .FOD mean? filename.FRM Master Forms - Form design/create mode. The file extension FRM is used to identify master forms capable of redesign or minor adjustment. Master forms contain a collection of all or part of the objects available to the designer. When editing a .FRM any object (Line, Rectangle, RoundRect, Ellipse, Text block, Field, etc.) can be repositioned, copied, resized, deleted, colored, shaded, bordered or set to non-printable. Field formulas and attributes can be adjusted or removed. A master form need not have field objects, used for data entry, if the form is to be used for display of information and disbursed among several people or used for manual data entry.Once the design of the form is completed it is recommended that the master form be duplicated to a floppy disk or stored in a compressed file format for safety.
filename.FOM Fill Out Master Forms - Protected data entry form. The file extension FOM (Fill Out Master) is used to identify fill out master forms capable of accepting data entry and saving the form and data to a different file format The best way to explain this is by example: Open a completed master form that contains at least one field object. Select Edit-Fill Out and assign the same filename as the master form except with the FOM extension. Enter a single character in the first field and then backspace to delete the character. Click over the Save button or select pulldown menu File-Save to save a protected blank Fill-Out-Master form. Select File-Close and use this new file as the one for data entry or as a protected display form. All objects and their attributes are protected from modification during data entry. Modifications to the form can only occur within the fields that were designed for data entry. When a file with a .FOM extension is opened, a dialog box immediately requests a new filename for a form file that will contain data that is entered into the fields. Enter the filename with out an extension.
filename.FOF Filled Out Forms - Completed data forms. The file extension FOF is generated from the fill out master form and is used to identify filled out forms capable of printing and displaying both form and data. Modifications can be made to an existing FOF form such as repeat order/invoice forms containing previously saved information that require only minor data changes. Save the new version of the form to a different filename. This file format is generally considered a data file or a record of transaction and should be duplicated and stored in a safe place. Though all of the file formats can be printed, it is usually the protected FOM or the completed FOF files that are used to generate your forms. The form design capability allows for any currently used or needed form to be created on screen for printing and/or data entry.
filename.DTA Data file in standard EZ-Forms format that is used for data export and import. The data files EZ-Forms (Silver PRO, Gold ULTRA, DD250, EXPORT, MSDS) uses must be in ASCII, quotation delimited format. This is a format that can be created or read by almost any spreadsheet or database program. One data file is imported to or written from each form. Again, most DataBase programs have no problem with this. There can be only one .DTA file per record. That is, 10 records (filled-out-forms with separate names) will have 10 corresponding .DTA files. FYI, a .DTA files' contents may look like this: "Field001 Data" This is one record with with 10 data fields. NOTE: You may see the term "ODBC" mentioned on this page. Please understand that while EZ-Forms-ULTRA uses the ODBC method/resources, other ODBC database engines may, or may not, work with EZ-Forms-ULTRA. Therefore, we do not recommend or support interaction with 3rd party database handlers like Access, InfoSelect, InfoTree, etc. While connections to 3rd party databases may work in some cases, please be very careful. filename.FOD This file extension is used for EZ-Forms ULTRA exclusively. This file is used to define the relationship between the .FRM, .DBF (or other data format) that is associated with filename, as well as paths and other necessary parameters. All files related to the .FOD file must be in the same folder (subdirectory).
How do I Insert Bitmap (.PNG, .JPG, .BMP, etc.) or Scanned Images into EZ-Forms? [Scanning Forms (Logos and other Pictures Too) for Fillout or Background Use.] Note: For failed scans and/or non-TWAIN scanners, see 2. Scanning existing forms or importing existing images can be a quick way to automate your forms, but there are a number of issues for you to consider: You must have a designer version of EZ-Forms. Fillers will not work for this procedure. 1. A new (Ctrl + N) or existing (Ctrl + O) form must be opened in order to scan an image or import a graphic. If you are inserting an existing graphic, select "Edit-Insert Graphic". To scan, you must have a TWAIN compliant scanner. Note that even if your scanner is TWAIN compliant, it may may not scan properly due to many possible factors including other software, conflicting hardware, ports, Windows stability, etc. It this is the case, see 2 below. 1a. With EZ-Forms, you can start scanning directly from the pull-down menu (File-Acquire). A new form will be opened for you if one is not already open. When you do request a scanned from within EZ-Forms, the scanner control dialog box may "hide" behind the current application. Simply use Alt-Tab to scroll through you active applications. or check the program bar for the scanner control application. Note: You must use a 32bit scanner driver with EZ-Forms 32bit. Check with your scanner manufacturer for the latest drivers. 2. Use the following method
if you get a “failed scan” or you are using a non-TWAIN scanner. 2a. Scanning resolution is always an issue. The higher the .DPI (dots per inch),
the larger the file storage requirement. We have found that a monochrome (black
and white) 8.5" by 11" 300 dpi image is about 100KB in size. A 600 dip
image is 250KB in size, and the improvement in quality is not usually
noticeable. .JPG and .BMP images can be much larger. For instance, a 8.5"
by 11" 300dpi image monochrome image is usually over 1MB. If you can only
scan to a .BMP try to convert the image to a .PNG with one of the many graphics conversion programs
available 3. Once the form image is inserted (Edit-InsertGraphic) into EZ-Forms you can right click on the image and select Change Graphic (or Edit-ChangeGraphic) to adjust properties like full page or within border placement, aspect ratio, rotation, etc. A neat trick is to select the graphic (handlebars on edges) and use the arrow keys (up, down, left, right) to “micro-move” the image in the exact location you wish. You also have the option of resizing it and/or declaring it printable or non-printable. Printable means view on screen and print when requested along with any data and printable object fields. You can also elect to print only the data fields at print time, if you wish (Silver PRO and Gold ULTRA only). Non-printable means show image on screen, but never print it; print only the data fields and/or other printable objects that you have added. Right-click on the image to request the dialog box. 4. When scanning your form, scan at the lowest DPI (dots per inch) resolution that produces acceptable results. If the form is monochrome, do not scan in color (or gray scale) as this will increase the file size of your form dramatically. We've found that scanning monochrome (or "line art") at about 300 DPI is an acceptable comprise of speed, size and quality. Large Images may be sluggish on-screen and take a very long time to print. In fact some printers may not have enough memory to process the complex images that may result. Generally 300dpi images saved as .PNG files are the best compromise of size, quality and speed. 5. Prior to scanning a form, it is advisable that you "pre-crop" the edges of the form to conform to the edge printing limits of your printer (see your printer's on-line help or manual). Otherwise the edges of your form may not print correctly. Most scanner software allows you to do this by "pre-scanning" after which you may move the scan borders to suit. This is also helpful if you are scanning a logo. No need to scan the entire page. Just pre-crop, adjust the scan borders and go. A typical logo is then less than 100 kilobytes. If your printer cannot print to the limits of the scanned image you have chosen, consider compressing the image slightly to fit. You can do this by grabbing the "handles" (bars) around a selected image and dragging them to the appropriate position. 6. When scanning-in or importing a .PNG full-page image into a form, it is important that you set all margins at within the printable area of you printer. Even then, your printer driver may override this setting when it comes to edge printing. Inserted images are place at the far upper-left corner of the form page you are editing. If you did not pre-crop the scanned image, you may need to reposition the image further and up to the left (effectively off of the page). This method allows you to scan in most pre-printed forms and add filler fields for the quickest way to a finished form. Remember to right click on the background image and select Graphic Options (or Edit-ChangeGraphic) 7. During image scan or insert (import) you will have the choice of storing the image embedded into the form, or as a separate file. If you are going to move the form around a lot, select embedded (and get some extra disk capacity). If the form is filled-out a lot, try to store the image separate from the form. Keeping the graphic external to the form incurs the disk space overhead of the image only once. When you fill out a form referencing an image in a separate file, the resultant .FOFs (filled out forms) will be much smaller. 8. After you scan or insert (import) an image, you may need to align the form properly on the page. This may take a little trial-and-error to get the proper positioning as page-to-printer-to-screen calibration may not be exact. Print the scanned image to your printer and set it on your original in front of a bright light. Move the graphic image on screen as required, and try again. A neat trick is to select the graphic (handlebars on edges) and use the arrow keys (up, down, left, right) to “micro-move” the image in the exact location you wish. Be aware that scanners may distort large images or re-size them slightly. 9. If you determine that the image needs
cropping, permanent resizing, or other enhancements, there are many image
manipulation and conversion programs available. Here is a freeware site that has
a few: FreeSOFT Freeware Software Site 10. If the above recommendations do not produce the results you intended then you should consider designing the form with EZ-Forms' proprietary objects method. Forms designed this way will look beautiful and print quickly on almost any type of printer. Since there is no large graphic image to re-trace, screen updates are much faster too. If you have the time, designing a form this way will produce dramatically better looking results than the typical scanning technology available today. 11. If the color rendition on an imported bitmap (via Edit-InsertGraphic) is poor, this may have to do with your computer's video resolution. EZ-Forms makes a best attempt at accommodating images whose color depth is greater than your screen's (video driver) color depth. To improve color rendition on screen for photos, etc., the solution is to use InsertNewObject instead of InsertGraphic. InsertGraphic is optimized for full page form images or scans, not full color graphics. InsertNewObject can handle much more complex images, even voice, etc. via OLE (object linking and embedding). This is because it uses an external program like PSP (Paint Shop PRO) or PBRUSH (Microsoft PaintBrush) to "service" the image. 12. If you don't have the time to "electronify" your forms, or just don't want to mess with it, FAX (at +1-281-754-4689) or mail blank and filled-out examples to us. We'll return a quotation to you as soon as possible. We can even create forms from a sketch. Make sure you include your email address. 13. With a little patience, you can create a beautiful form from almost any scanned image. With a little more patience, you can create an exquisite form from the ground up. Either way, EZ-Forms handles all the automation features, including pick-lists, field help, calculations, validations, etc ##########
How do I convert .DOC, .XLS, .RTF, .HTML, .TXT, .LMNOP, etc. - anything printable from my applications - into .PDFs or Bitmap Images for use in EZ-Forms GT/GOLD/ULTRA/SILVER/PRO Designers?
The procedure is to “print” your pages to a 300dpi+ image (.PNG or .PNG or .JPG or .BMP), then import these into EZ-Forms. There are two possibilities: 1. Convert your document to a .PDF with something like pdf995. pdf995 and others install as a printer driver. You simply print your document to a .PDF file as you were printing to any other printer. This means that ANY printable document can then be imported into EZ-Forms. Within EZ-Forms, select File-Import.PDF and follow instructions. For a more detailed explanation of PDF import, click here. 2. There are a number of software products that will convert documents to bitmap images. We occasionally use a product called FinePrint. FinePrint installs as a printer driver and allows you to “Save-As” printed pages to bitmaps. EZX is not affiliated with FinePrint and cannot provide support for their products. However, we will describe the procedure. Download the trial edition of FinePrint. There is a different FinePrint for Windows 95/98/ME and Windows NT/2000/XP. Click on the appropriate operating system for a direct download link. These links are directly to the FinePrint site. If they are not working, please let us know and we will update them. After download, install the appropriate version for your computer. This will add a "printer" to your print selections menu whenever you print something. You may need to restart your computer. Do so, otherwise the new "printer driver" will not work properly. Open the document you wish to export to a .JPG. Print it (usually File-Print). Do not use the Printer Icon. Use the File-Print menu pull-down instead. as using the Printer Icon usually forces immediate printing to the default printer, which FinePrint may not yet be. When the printer dialog box comes up, select FinePrint (sometimes says FinePrint 2000) as your printing device. Click Print. This will bring up yet another preview dialog box generated by FinePrint. Check the bypass button. Click on the "Jobs" tab at the top of the dialog box. Then click the "Save" button located on the right-side-middle of the dialog box. This will bring up the "Save-As" dialog box. Click on the arrow next to the "Save as File Type" box and select "JPEG (.jpg)". Then click on the arrow next to the "Color Depth" box and select "monochrome" if you can, otherwise skip. Then click on the arrow next to the "Resolution" box and select "300dpi" or better. Enter a file name in the "File Name" box (e.g. ezforms), and note the location where your .jpg files will be stored. Click "Save". What happens now is that one .JPG image file is generated for each page of the document you printed. The file names generated will look something like "ezforms1.jpg", "ezforms2.jpg", etc. That is, the page number is appended to whatever file name you selected. You may instead choose to save to .BMP (BitMaP) images. The advantage is that these files can be monochrome (a benefit with certain forms) and tend to display faster. The disadvantage is that rather large files are created. However with disk space being so cheap and plentiful these days, it may not be a factor. Undecided? Try both and see which works best for you. Once you have your .JPG (or .PNG or .BMP) image files (1 per page), remember which folder you saved them to and click here for details on importing these images into EZ-Forms. Again, EZX/EZ-Forms is not affiliated with FinePrint in any way. If you wish to purchase the program, please visit their web site to do so. Contact us for more information about FinePrint. If you want a better solution for .PDFs, click here.
How do I setup EZ-Forms objects (background graphics, text boxes, data fields, etc.) so that they are visible on screen, but do not print.? You must be in the form design mode (.FRM). Right click on the object. If you want the object to print, the Printable option is checked (default.) If you do not want the object to be visible on screen, but not print, then uncheck the box by clicking on Printable. This feature is quite handy if
you: This feature is in addition to the print fields only (File-Print Fields) and pop-up help features of certain versions of EZ-Forms (Silver PRO and Gold ULTRA.)
How do I convert a .FOF (or .FOM) file [filled-out-form (filled-out-master)] back to a .FRM [master form]? The only way to do this is by having EZ-Forms/EZX do it for you. The cost is $call/email for the first form and $call/email for each subsequent form on the same order. You must also provide reasonable proof that you own rights to the form design. If you need immediate information, contact us.
How do I convert a document (Word, Wordperfect, Excel, etc., ... ANYTHING printable) into an EZ-Forms eform? The fastest way to do this is to save your document as a .PDF file. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Distiller, you can try pdf995. Click link to download and install Then you can import the resultant .PDF file into EZ-Forms (designer). For more details on this click here.
How do I use EZ-Forms GT/GOLD ULTRA /SILVER PRO with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and any other OLE enabled program. (and visa-versa)? This can be done by creating a New form (File-New) and inserting on object (Edit-InsertObject). Then select Create From File. This will bring in the file as an image which can only be edited by the source program. In fact, double clicking on the image will launch the file in the source application. From within EZ-Forms, you will then be able to add your fields and any other EZ-Forms related components you wish. The "inserted" file will always be separate and will require the source application on any destination machine the EZ-Forms form is to be used on. FYI: OLE is an acronym for Object Linking and Embedding. In short, OLE allows an object created by an OLE server (such as Paint, Excel, Word, etc.) to be embedded into an OLE client application, in this case EZ-Forms. This very powerful feature allows placement of graphics, sound, video or other objects onto a EZ-Forms form. It also allows you to place EZ-Forms files (or objects) into OLE client/server applications like the above. Lets say you are using Microsoft Word**, and would like to "embed" an EZ-Form on page 4 of your document. No problem. Simply open your document and place your cursor where you want you EZ-Forms to be. Then click on "Insert Object" (it may be Edit-Insert-Object). Then select "Create From File". Do not check any other box. Browse for your EZ-Form (usually a .FOF or .FOM extension) and click OK. After the hourglass goes away, you will see the EZ-Forms icon (a form with a lightning bolt through it) along with the name of the form below it. Save your work at this point. Whenever you double-click on this icon, EZ-Forms will be launched along with the form that it is linked to via this OLE association. Although EZ-Forms PRO/ULTRA can create multiple page forms, each OLE object is separate. What this means is that if you have a mulitple page document in MS Word, you will have to separate the MS Word file into separate files, one for each EZ-Forms page. **Note: While MS Word, Excel, etc. are great programs, in our opinion, they do not do "forms" very well, hence the need for a real "forms processor" like EZ-Forms. The above method will work with any Windows software that is OLE client (or container) capable. ON THE OTHER HAND ... (visa-versa) You can ALSO embed any other OLE server's objects into EZ-Forms. OLE objects can be inserted into a master form by using the Edit-Insert New Object command. Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) means that an object (data or file) can be embedded or linked to another application that doesn't directly support the object format. The application that does support the object format is called the OLE server. The application that can embed or link to OLE objects is called an OLE client or OLE container. EZ-Forms PRO/ULTRA is an OLE container application. Linking requires a file, which can reside in any subdirectory on any disk drive. When the file is changed by the OLE server application, EZ-Forms can be set to update the link either manually or automatically. An automatic link is immediately updated in EZ-Forms. Updating a manual link requires use of the Edit Links command. Each type of link serves a different purpose, to be determined at master form design time. When using a manual link, the object's data is stored directly into the form, along with the original file name. With an automatic link, only the object's file name is stored into the form. Embedding does not require a file. An object can be created at insertion time, or loaded from an existing file. The embedded object becomes part of the master form file, and the data can only be changed through EZ-Forms, via the OLE server application. Image files, sound files, and video files are examples of objects that can be embedded into a EZ-Forms form by using the Edit-Insert New Object command. There are several example files containing a selection of images that you may find useful. The images stored in filenames IMAGE*.FRM (or .FOF) can be transferred from the original file to a form you are designing with copy (Ctrl + C) and paste (Ctrl + V). NOTE: You may see the term "ODBC" mentioned on this page. Please understand that while EZ-Forms-ULTRA uses the ODBC method/resources, other ODBC database engines may, or may not, work with EZ-Forms-ULTRA. Therefore, we do not recommend or support interaction with 3rd party database handlers like Access, InfoSelect, InfoTree, etc. While connections to 3rd party databases may work in some cases, please be very careful.
How do create “Hyperlinks” (hot links, hotspots, got to's) to web pages, other programs, documents, etc.? This can be done by using MS OLE packager. Here's how ... While editing a master form, click on Edit - Insert New Object. Click the Create New button. Select "Package" object type from the list and click OK. This will launch MS's Object Packager. Click on the Insert Icon tab. Select your icon and click OK. Then click on Edit - Command Line. Here you can put your favorite command line. This is similar to the Start-Run command within windows. The command line can be a .URL (which will launch a web browser with the web address specified in the .URL file), .EXE (executable program file), .LNK (shortcut file which can do almost anything), document file, spreadsheet file, etc. etc. Any file with an extension that will launch another program will work in most cases too. The best use of this functionality is probably to launch your web browser and have it automatically go to the URL (address) of your choice.
EZ-Forms GT/PRO/GOLD over the Internet/Intranet: How do I set it up? Note: The following DOES NOT APPLY to EZ-Forms GOLD in the DataBase mode. Since GOLD can also be run in the "non-DataBase" mode, it is this mode of GOLD's operation which is described here. In this mode, EZ-Forms GOLD fills out forms to separate (.FOF) filled out forms files, which can be saved locally, emailed as attachments, etc. Question: From: Lorrie Duck, California Board of Corrections I have a problem that I hope you can help me with. I am with the Board of Corrections and we are using the EZ-Forms software. Our license # is Fxxxxxxxx The forms we have created with the Designer are out on our web page. Apparently because they are *.FOM files, which are not the standard mime type files, some browsers (e.g., Internet Explorer and Netscape) will not download the files and automatically launch the filler properly. What can I do to avoid this problem? Converting the files to a standard mime type (e.g., .html, .doc, .jpeg and .gif files) would mean we would lose the formatting and fields. Thank you for your help. Answer: |
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