How can I programatically print a DataReport to a pdf file?

I'm updating old VB6 code to save its DataReports out to a PDF, rather than bringing up a print dialog.

I cannot simply write the PDF within the code (using a VB6 PDF library, etc.), since all our software already uses DataReports, and writing print code for each one would be tedious, at best. Currently, the process requires an employee to print the DataReport to a PDF print driver, naming it manual开发者_运维问答ly and saving it to where it needs to go. I need to automate this all, so that the name and location of the saved PDF can be specified programatically, rather than entered by hand.

The best solution would be if DataReport simply had a .SaveToPdf(filename) routine. Worst-case scenario, I see myself automating the process using SendKeys. However, this solution needs to work in an environment with multiple possible printers (so the PDF print driver might not be the default,) and on Windows XP, Vista, or 7.

I've fruitlessly tried Googling the problem, which returns only tutorials on how to do it by hand, much as we do now.

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You might consider using a PDF Printer Driver that allows you to configure silent "printing" to a preset directory using auto-generated names.

For an example of such a product, see:

http://www.iteksoft.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=viewarticle&artid=21

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I would create a dialog that lets the user enter the printer (driver) name, directory to save to, and a file naming guideline, then save that to either a local ini file or the registry. You would then need two print buttons / menus. One to print straight to the printer using the default (saved) settings, and one that opens the print window they see now so they can perform a custom print.

Remember an ellipsis on a menu item indicates additional dialogs, Print vs Print...

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Just use Crystal Report Viewer Control and follow the steps:

Set objRpt = objApp.OpenReport("type report path and name")

objRpt.DiscardSavedData
dim filepath as string
filepath = report path & report filename

With objRpt

    .ExportOptions.FormatType = crEFTPortableDocFormat
    .ExportOptions.DestinationType = crEDTDiskFile
    .ExportOptions.DiskFileName = 'filepath string goes here
    .ExportOptions.PDFExportAllPages = True
    .Export False
End With

Follow these steps and the export is done.