How to Create an Acrobat Reader Plug-In for SharePoint Uploads
Question details
The user is looking to understand the development options and feasibility of creating a custom plug-in for Adobe Acrobat Reader to upload and save PDFs directly to SharePoint Online.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Developing a custom integration or command to save PDF documents to a SharePoint server directly from the Adobe Acrobat Reader interface.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs practical development guidance because native Adobe Reader plug-ins require expensive and complicated licensing.
Before committing to developing a native C++ plug-in, evaluate if your organization has the budget and time to acquire a special Adobe Reader Integration Key license, as there are more practical alternatives available.
Use Acrobat JavaScript as a Free Alternative
Because native Adobe Reader plug-ins require a costly and complex licensing process, developing an Acrobat JavaScript is often the most practical and cost-effective approach.
Developing a native plug-in for Adobe Acrobat Reader requires applying for and purchasing a special Adobe Integration Key license, which is both expensive and complicated to obtain. An Acrobat JavaScript (folder-level script) can accomplish the same SharePoint upload workflow and can be distributed for free without special licensing.
Develop an Acrobat JavaScript (.js file) that adds a custom menu item or toolbar button within the Acrobat Reader user interface.
Code the script to prompt the user for necessary inputs, manage the SharePoint Online authentication process, and build the required upload payload.
Use external web services or REST API calls within your JavaScript to push the PDF document directly to your designated SharePoint Online document library.
Distribute and deploy the completed .js file to the local JavaScripts folder on every user's machine.
Develop a Standalone External Application
Create an external application that handles the SharePoint upload process entirely outside the Adobe Reader environment.
Looking for an easier way to manage PDFs? Try WPS Office
Developing custom plug-ins for Adobe Reader can be expensive and complex due to strict licensing. WPS Office offers a comprehensive, lightweight, and free alternative with robust built-in PDF editing, reading, and seamless cloud integration capabilities, saving you development time and licensing costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is an Adobe Reader plug-in license required for SharePoint uploads?
Adobe requires developers to obtain a special Integration Key license for any native C++ plug-in developed for Adobe Acrobat Reader. This is to ensure software security and stability, but the license can be expensive and involves a complex approval process.
Can I use JavaScript to upload PDFs from Acrobat Reader without a plug-in?
Yes. You can develop a folder-level Acrobat JavaScript to handle SharePoint authentication and file uploads. This bypasses the need for a costly plug-in license while providing essentially the same workflow functionality.
Do I need to install the custom script on every computer?
Yes. Whether you develop a compiled plug-in or use an Acrobat JavaScript, the resulting file must be deployed and installed locally on every individual user's machine to function.
What programming languages are best for a custom Save to SharePoint feature?
You can use C++ for a native Acrobat plug-in (requires a paid license), Acrobat JavaScript for folder-level scripting (free and highly recommended), or languages like C# and Python to build external desktop applications that handle the upload process.
