Import Adobe Acrobat PDF files with askSam 5

Adobe Acrobat (PDF) files contain lots of information. However, collecting, searching and organizing that information can be difficult, until now. askSam 5 gives you the capability to import, search and even attach PDF files.

To Import a PDF file...

1.     Open an askSam file

2.     Choose FILE -> IMPORT

3.     On the Import Menu choose the Adobe Acrobat PDF option in the Files of Type pull-down menu.

4.     Select the File you wish to import and click IMPORT.

Note: To select more than one PDF file to import hold down the CTRL key while clicking multiple files. You can also use the SELECT ALL box to import all PDF files in a directory. If you select multiple files each PDF file will import as a separate document into askSam.

askSam is focused on bringing in the text information of the PDF file. This will allow you to search and locate information based on any word or phrase in the PDF file once in askSam. If you are interested in keeping the exact formatting and appearance of the PDF file, askSam version 5 offers you two new options...

A. Attaching a PDF file to an askSam document.

1.     Open an askSam file

2.     Choose FILE -> IMPORT

3.     On the Import Menu choose the PDF option in the Files of Type pull-down menu.

4.     Select the File you wish to import

5.     In the import options at the bottom of the import menu change the SAVE ATTACHMENTS option to YES

5.     Click IMPORT.

Note: When using the attachment option askSam will import the full text of the PDF file plus insert the original PDF file as an attachment to the imported askSam document (very similar to attachments in an email message). To view an attachment click the paper clip icon in the navigation bar at the bottom of the screen

or choose DOCUMENT -> ATTACHMENTS -> VIEW.

Viewing the attachment brings up the original PDF file.

The PDF file is now attached to your askSam document and is part of the askSam file. The PDF file will move along with the askSam database and the original PDF file can even be deleted from your computer.

B. Linking to a PDF file.

We have added two new features to our entry forms to allow you to link directly to an imported file. This feature allows you to import the text of a PDF file and provide a hypertext link to the original file. This option does not include the PDF file as part of the askSam file and requires that the PDF file remain in the same location on your hard drive.

1.    Create a new file (FILE -> NEW)

2.    Choose "Create Entry Form in New File Database" and click CREATE.

3.    Give your new askSam database a file name and click SAVE.

4.    In the Field Name box type the word: FILE

5.    In the Data Type pulldown select "Link To Imported File"

Note: This option (^l) will bring in the file name only and provide a link to the original PDF File. You also have the option of selecting "Link To Imported Path/File" (^L) - this option will bring in the full path and file name and set a link to the original PDF file.

6.      Choose NEXT on the Define Fields screen

7.      Choose NEXT on the Form Properties screen

8.      Choose SAVE & CLOSE

9.      Choose FILE -> IMPORT

10.    On the Import Menu choose the Adobe Acrobat PDF option in the Files of Type pull-down  menu.

11.    Select the File you wish to import

12.    In the import options at the bottom of the import menu change the IMPORT INTO ENTRY  FORM option to FORM#1

12.     Click IMPORT.

The PDF file is now linked to your askSam document. This link is active as long as the PDF file resides in the same location on your drive. By clicking on the hypertext link askSam will open the PDF file in it's original format.

You can now use any of the many askSam search features to locate data from your PDF files.

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