Working with PDF Templates

PDF templates do not require an external plug-in for offline template design. A mapping feature for XML data element tags is enabled when the PDF template file is uploaded to the Reporting Tools, BI Publisher, Create BIP Report Definitions, Template page. The BI Publisher PDF mapping functionality enables you to match existing form fields in a PDF template with sample data field tags.

You only need to do mapping, if the form field names in the PDF template do not match the tag names in the XML data. This is usually the case when you are using a third-party PDF template (such as government form) and when it is not easy to customize the tag names in XML data to match the PDF form fields.

Observe the following guidelines when working with PDF templates regardless of whether you are mapping PDF template fields or tags:

  • The PDF document must allow editing.

    Check the Security setting in the File, Document Properties, Summary page.

  • Files must have form fields for the placement of application data, with each field tag being unique.

    If no form fields exist, use the Adobe Professional version to add field tags. If duplicate tags or non-unique tags are in forms obtained from third parties, use Adobe Professional to update the tags.

  • Files should not have embedded JavaScript.

    BI Publisher removes it during the course of the Map Enablement function when theGenerate button on the Reporting Tools, and then BI Publisher, and then Create BIP Report Definitions, and then Template page is selected.

Processing PDF Templates

The Oracle BI Publisher Core Engine adheres to the following rules when processing PDF templates:

  • The search for the tag that matches the field name starts at the end of the XML file.

  • The first match of the tag is used for the field value.

  • If the tag is not found, the Oracle BI Publisher Core Engine looks at the map file (if provided).

    This means that even if the form is mapped, when a tag is in the XML data that matches the PDF template form field tag, it has priority over the map for placing the data.

Using Full Path Mapping

The PeopleSoft implementation for PDF mapping supports full path mapping. Full path mapping is not supported in the BIP Server. Full path mapping should only be used when you have no control on the structure and names of your XML data tags.

Note:

Full path mapping is available only for PeopleTools 8.50 and later. It is not backward compatible.