Converting / Printing files to PDF

[squatman]

Hi,

I'm looking for advice and examples on how to convert files to PDF.

The files could be anything:
Office docs .docx, .xlsx
Images .jpg, .gif
AutoCAD files .dwg .dxf
Microstation files .dgn

Ideally I'd like to do this within the VB application, I'm hoping there is maybe an add-in I can apply, so that each user of the application does not require a program or file installed on their machine. (if possible)

Another option might be:
As each machine has CutePDF installed which allows users to select CutePDF as their printer and effectively convert any file to a PDF. Using VB to basically run a print function using this printer, if that makes sense. But I want to avoid this as I assume this would require user interaction in naming the file and choosing it's location...

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[dunfiddlin]

Can you use CutePDF with command line arguments/parameters?

[stanav]

The free version of CutePDF writer requires user interaction. The commercial custom PDF Writer allows you to print to it programmatically and you can distribute it with your app royalty free. I'm unaware of any free solution that allows you to convert programmatically any document to pdf. If you happen to come across one, please let me know.

[squatman]

dunfiddlin - I've never looked so I am not sure, how would I find out..?

stanav - Do you use the "commercial custom PDF Writer" and can you link me to where I can purchase this please..?

Thanks for your replies.

[squatman]

Having looked I assume you was referring to the Custom version of CutePDF with programmatical access...

I found this:
http://www.cutepdf.com/solutions/pdfwriter3.asp

So in answer to your question dunfiddlin, I guess I need to buy this version to be able to use commands...

Are there any classes or anything to achieve this another way, what if it was just for .docx files..?

Thanks guys.

[samuelk]

I haven't used it myself but apparently PDFCreator includes a COM component that you can print to programmatically.

[squatman]

samuelk - Thanks a lot for your reply, I'll be sure to check this out!

[squatman]

After installing PDFCreator I have ended up with the following code:

Private Sub Button1_Click(sender As System.Object, e As System.EventArgs) Handles Button1.Click
        Dim oWord As Word.Application
        Dim oDoc As Word.Document
 
        oWord = New Word.Application
        oDoc = oWord.Documents.Open("C:\test\test.docx")
 
        oWord.ActivePrinter = "PDFCreator"
        oWord.PrintOut(Copies:=1, PrintToFile:=True, Collate:=True, FileName:="C:\test\test.docx", OutputFileName:="C:\test\Test.pdf")
        oWord.Close()
    End Sub

It creates a PDF file, with believable filesize, but when I try to open it says the file may be corrupt and also "oWord.Close()" fails...

If anyone can see any obviously fixes please can you let me know.

Also is this the only way to use PDF converters like this, where you can to control thing within the program i.e. "oWord.PrintOut()" as I want to convert non microsoft office files that might not be able to controlled within VB this way...

Thanks.