[comp.sys.mac] Generic forms from various applications

gypsy@ssc-vax.UUCP (James S Hovey) (03/24/90)

I want to automate software independent forms printing.

For instance, assume there are people using MacWrite, Word, and Excel (or 
whatever) and I want all of them to be able to fill out a standard 
stationery supply order form.  Rather than design a form for each 
application, I'd like to have a generic PostScript file that is used by any 
of the applications (I'm not concerned about what the user sees on the 
screen right now).  That way I know the printed form is going to be the 
same in every case. 

I know to write the PostScript file.  What I don't know is how to intercept 
the application output and merge it with the PostScript file ... all in the 
background ... automatically, while background printing is on.  (I also
need to know how to intercept some things and not others.  For instance,
I want to intercept the stationery supply order but not my letter to mom.)

Thanx for the help ...

Murray Chase
Boeing Aerospace & Electronics  (that's our name this month)
(206) 773-0210  

amanda@mermaid.intercon.com (Amanda Walker) (03/25/90)

In article <3268@ssc-vax.UUCP>, gypsy@ssc-vax.UUCP (James S Hovey) writes:
> I want to automate software independent forms printing.

I don't know of any software that does what you're looking for.  In fact,
I can't imagine any way of writing something that does...

You might want to look at something like TrueForm.  It lets you overlay
fields onto a PostScript form, lets people fill out & print them, and keep
"stacks" of forms that they have already filled out.  It's what we use
for FAX cover sheets, invoices, & purchase orders, and it works great.

It may not be what you're looking for, but it might do what you need...

Just a very satisfied customer,
--
Amanda Walker
InterCon Systems Corporation

"Dans la vie y'a des hauts pis des bas,
des choses qui sont et d'autres qui ne sont pas."
	--Lucie Blue Tremblay