About the Product

What is n2pdf?

n2pdf is an extension (export filter) for Lotus Notes that allows the structured and managed conversion of entire documents or individual Rich Text fields into PDF – a format that can be used regardless of the software platform. One of its many features is the ability to take whole documents or parts of documents and combine or merge them. Best of all, you maintain full control over the PDF file's structure and configuration throughout the entire process. The entire document can contain freely definable variables, which in turn can be automatically replaced. The variables' content can consist of unformatted text or Rich Text content from Notes. In a further step, you can generate structures including a table of contents, links (URLs, shortcuts to files, internal links within a document, e-mail links, etc.), indexes or even bookmarks. On top of that, PDF-relevant properties, such as its control and security features (e.g. encryption), can be set manually by the user or fully automatically through script commands – before n2pdf takes the complied RTF content and turns it into a PDF file. n2pdf can also handle file attachments. This means that n2pdf's native converter can incorporate a number of outside formats into the PDF file, even though such might not be available on the actual host application. All of this is managed using familiar and reliable LotusScript or Java technology. Classic programming in Domino Designer – all that users have to do is simply run the finished integration.

What can n2pdf do for users?

n2pdf was conceived and designed to be an organized tool for converting complex Notes documents and databases, such as handbooks, product catalogs or documentation (e.g. ISO documentation), into PDF format.Global font or character-size replacement is an ideal way to reinforce your corporate design and corporate identity (CD/CI). Its seamless integration within the Notes application ensures the integrity of your application's workflow. A precise, selective and managed archiving of Notes content into a standard format that is usable on any platform becomes just one more workflow task. And because it can be directly integrated into the Notes application of your choice (even Notes standard applications), you can easily do the kind of e-mail archiving your company needs that will stand up to any audit. Converting file attachments on the server, without having to have the original host application, is just one more remarkable way of using n2pdf. n2pdf generates an output format for rapid information sharing via fax gateways or e-mail, to name only two. It makes Notes content available to the entire outside world – without losing its Notes database structures – in what is today's most widely available standard format that can be used on any platform. This means that your information can now be read and used by those who do not have a Notes installation or who work with other software platforms (e.g. wireless data devices). n2pdf can also be employed as part of a web application, letting you easily create dynamic reports. These can then be generated based on what selections the user has made.

Where can n2pdf be used?

Client or server? The best choice for you depends exclusively on how you want to use it. One way is for your staff to use n2pdf is for generating PDF files directly within the Lotus Notes client. A client-based installation is the sensible way to go when it is important for users to have PDF functionality right at their workspaces to avoid troublesome manual configuring when creating PDF documents. The only thing users have to do is activate a local agent, which then generates the PDF file. When this method is impractical or you prefer not to use it, then the server version of n2pdf is the ideal solution. An agent is provided on the server to run the desired functions. The user then has to simply start the agent (on an automated schedule or through user interaction). This ensures that the server configuration provides exactly the same features and functions as on the client.

How do developers use n2pdf?

n2pdf is integrated directly into the Java programming of any Notes database desired by means of the LotusScript programming or using a Java class (JAR) and the Java Native Interface (JNI). Developers are provided with new commands for this purpose. The integration can, for example, be made using a script library, which then appears as a button on the users' action bar within the framework of the application. n2pdf can be integrated on a server using an agent, which in turn can also be used in web applications.