Description:
Allows you to download an entire thread in PDF format, viewable in any PDF viewer such as Adobe Acrobat or Foxit Reader.
Details:
Previously, there was a modification that performed this task however that modification is no longer supported and the backend used was seriously out-of-date and suffered from quite a few bugs. I've gone ahead and created this modification around an entirely different backend, one which works quickly and flawlessly.
Notes:
Please note, these prerequesits may already be installed on your system. If you're unsure, simply install the modification and upon usage it will inform you if something is missing.
If you happen to be fortunate enough to be using Debian, the above requirements can be installed with the following packages:
Code:
# apt-get install html2ps
Code:
# apt-get install gs-common
[hr]-[/hr] Usage:
Under "Thread Tools", simply select "Download as PDF" which will be located under "Show Printable Version". Easy, eh?
[hr]-[/hr] Installation:
Download and unzip the pdfthread101.zip archive.
Upload necessary files to their respective locations.
Import the product-pdfthread.xml via the Product Manager.
???
Profit!
Notes:
All template modifications are made automatically. They attach to pretty common text locations, so modified styles shouldn't* be a problem.
[hr]-[/hr] Comments:
As with all my hacks, this modification is provided free of charge. However, if you find this product useful and have money burning a hole in your pocket, feel free to make a small donation, I won't mind.. really.
Version History:
1.0.1 - Initial release, here's to hoping...
Currently Known Bugs:
None
* Please note that this modification was developed on a forum with a userbase of 1 (myself). I've tested it for basic functionality but I cannot guarantee functionality or behavior on your forum. So, please -- make backups before installing this product!
Show Your Support
This modification may not be copied, reproduced or published elsewhere without author's permission.
There's plenty of uses for a modification such as this. For instance, if you run a technical site many times a thread will be one of your best sources of information. So, rather than printing it out you can simply save the thread in PDF format for reference purposes -- so if you ever need it again, the information is readily available.
Or, perhaps, you run a gaming site. Often threads will contain game hints, tips, walkthroughs or the like. Again, you can just save the thread to PDF and have it available at your fingertips.
The list goes on and on. However, if you cannot fathom a use for your site then perhaps this modification isn't for you.
On this one, no. I'm trying to achieve the same results w/o the need for any non-standard unix binaries. There are a few ways to do it, but unforunately, they're not nearly as efficient. But, I do have a couple things in the works -- hopefully a viable solution will fall into place soon.
I have installed this on a new forum (not visible to the public yet) and it gives me a blank pdf. It clearly is a pdf though, but it is empty, just no content at all. I have vBSEO installed, could that interfere in some way?
I have installed this on a new forum (not visible to the public yet) and it gives me a blank pdf. It clearly is a pdf though, but it is empty, just no content at all. I have vBSEO installed, could that interfere in some way?
In your vBSEO settings, make sure "Rewrite Printthread URLs" is set to No.
I tried that, doesn't work though. It still shows a completely empty PDF.
Looking a bit deeper, does it have problems with basedir restrictions?
Safe mode is off, but basedir is limited to the public html directory.
There is PHPs open_basedir, if "/usr/local/bin/" (or wherever you've placed your html2ps binary) is not within the allowed path, then php scripts won't be able to access the file.
Download Thread as PDF Details »»
About Developer
Uses Plugins 
No support by the author.
07-10-2007, 07:54 PM
