How to Create a Desktop Shortcut to Open Scan Tools in Acrobat 2017
Question details
The user wants to adapt a VBScript that sends automated keyboard commands to launch Adobe Acrobat 2017 and directly open the Scan to PDF tool via a desktop shortcut.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat 2017
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Automating the process of opening the scanner tool by utilizing a VBScript to simulate application launch and menu navigation keystrokes.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs to know how the VBScript works (specifically the keyboard commands and timing) and how to configure the exact menu sequence to successfully trigger the scanner in Acrobat 2017.
Verify the exact file path of your Acrobat 2017 executable on your computer, and ensure your scanner is properly connected and recognized by Windows.
Adapt and Run the VBScript for Acrobat 2017
Modify the VBScript to use the correct installation path and the specific Alt-key sequence for Acrobat 2017.
The VBScript works by launching the Acrobat application, waiting for it to load, and then sending a sequence of simulated keystrokes. For example, '%(ffss)' simulates holding the Alt key (%) and pressing 'f', 'f', 's', 's' sequentially. Because Adobe frequently updates its user interface, the exact menu shortcuts often change between versions.
To make this work in Acrobat 2017, you cannot rely on an older script's keystrokes. You must manually identify the new keystrokes required to reach the Scan tool and update the script accordingly.
Find where Acrobat 2017 is installed on your PC. This is typically located at 'C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Acrobat 2017\Acrobat\Acrobat.exe'. Copy this exact path.
Open Acrobat 2017 manually. Press the 'Alt' key on your keyboard to reveal the menu shortcut letters. Note the exact sequence of letters required to navigate to File > Create > PDF from Scanner. This is the sequence you will use.
Right-click your .vbs file and select 'Edit' to open it in Notepad. Update the application path to the one found in step 1. Locate the 'SendKeys' line and replace the old sequence (like '%(ffss)') with your newly mapped sequence. Leave the '~' at the end, as this simulates the 'Enter' key.
Ensure the 'WScript.Sleep' commands have adequate time. Use 'WScript.Sleep 1000' (1 second) after launching the app to give it time to open before sending the keys. Save the file to your desktop to use it as a shortcut.
Easily Create PDFs from Your Scanner with WPS PDF
Skip the complicated VBScripts, paths, and automated keystrokes. WPS Office features a built-in, user-friendly PDF creation tool that connects directly to your scanner without requiring any programming knowledge.
- 1. Open WPS PDF: Launch WPS Office and navigate to the PDF tab from the main workspace.
- 2. Select the Scanner tool: Click on 'Create PDF' in the top menu, then select the 'From Scanner' option.
- 3. Configure scanning preferences: Choose your connected scanner device from the drop-down menu and adjust settings such as color mode, resolution, and page size.
- 4. Generate the PDF: Click 'Scan'. Once the scanning is complete, your newly created PDF will automatically open in the viewer, ready for editing or saving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does %(ffss) mean in a VBScript?
In VBScript's SendKeys function, the percent sign (%) represents the 'Alt' key. The letters that follow represent the sequential keys pressed to navigate a software's menu. For example, %(ffss) means holding Alt, then pressing F, F, S, and S.
Why does my VBScript open Acrobat but fail to open the scanner tool?
This usually happens when the script sends the keystrokes before Acrobat has fully loaded. You can fix this by increasing the WScript.Sleep duration in your script to give the application more time to load before processing the SendKeys command.
Will a VBScript for Acrobat 2017 work on newer versions like Acrobat Pro DC?
It is unlikely to work without modifications. Adobe frequently redesigns its menus and changes the executable file paths between versions. You will need to update the file path and manually verify the new Alt-key menu sequence for the newer version.
