How to Create and Print a PDF from FileMaker Without Displaying It
Question details
The user needs a method to generate a PDF from FileMaker data and send it directly to a printer without opening a PDF viewer.
- Product
- FileMaker
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Automating the PDF creation and printing process within a FileMaker database workflow.
- Observed behavior
- Desktop PDF applications typically open the document on-screen for interactive printing, interrupting automated background workflows.
Verify that your FileMaker script has write permissions for the temporary folder where the PDF will be saved, and ensure your system's default printer is correctly configured at the operating system level.
Automate PDF Creation and Silent Printing in FileMaker
Use FileMaker's native PDF creation scripts combined with OS-level commands to generate and print documents in the background.
While traditional desktop applications like Acrobat usually require the PDF to be opened for printing, you can configure FileMaker to save the file to a temporary directory and use operating system commands to send it straight to the printer spooler.
In your FileMaker script workspace, insert the 'Save Records as PDF' step. Configure it to save the output to a specified temporary file path.
Ensure you check the 'Perform without dialog' option in the script step settings to prevent FileMaker from prompting the user during the PDF generation process.
Add a subsequent script step to handle the printing. On Windows, use the 'Send Event' step to pass a command-line print argument. On a Mac, use the 'Perform AppleScript' step to direct the OS to print the saved PDF file silently.
View and Print PDFs Effortlessly with WPS Office
WPS Office offers a comprehensive, lightweight PDF reader that makes managing, viewing, and printing your generated PDF documents fast and hassle-free.
- 1. Download and Install: Get WPS Office from the official website and complete the installation process on your computer.
- 2. Set as Default PDF Reader: Configure your operating system to open PDF files with WPS Office by default for faster loading and processing.
- 3. Open and Print: Open your generated PDF in WPS Office, use the clean interface to review it if needed, and hit Ctrl+P to quickly print to your default printer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my PDF application open when I try to print from a script?
Most desktop PDF readers are built for interactive user experiences. When a print command is sent, they launch their graphical interface to process the print job. Bypassing this usually requires specific command-line parameters or OS-level print spooling commands.
Can I perform silent PDF printing on a FileMaker Server?
FileMaker Server can automatically generate PDFs using script schedules. However, sending those PDFs directly to a local printer from the server often requires additional third-party plugins or passing the document to a dedicated system print queue.
What is the best way to handle temporary PDF files after printing?
It is highly recommended to include a step in your FileMaker script or OS command that deletes the temporary PDF file from your local drive once the print job has been successfully spooled, which saves disk space and maintains data security.
