Overview
There are multiple ways to convert documents to PDF format in M-Files. Primary ways are listed here:
- PDF conversion that is done on the client side.
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- Using classic M-Files Desktop: Right-click on a document and choose Save as PDF -> Convert to PDF (or Save as PDF… or Send as PDF by E-mail).
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- Using the new M-Files Desktop or M-Files Web: Right-click on a document and choose Convert -> Convert to PDF (or Save as PDF).
- PDF conversion is done on the server side during workflows when an object's state is changed to a new state. These conversion settings can be defined in M-Files Admin from the vault's Workflows section: Workflow -> State Properties -> Actions tab -> Convert to PDF Format.
- When OCR module is enabled, conversion of certain image file types to searchable PDF files is done either on the client side (right click a file and choose Scanning and Text Recognition (OCR) -> Convert to Searchable PDF…) or on the server side (with External File Source Feature).
- Using Compliance Kit's PDF Processor module for PDF conversion. More information: Compliance Kit - PDF Processor Module - Functional Description
When reporting a PDF conversion issue to M-Files Support, the investigation will get a quick start if the problem report has all the relevant information. This article describes what information M-Files Support typically needs to investigate PDF conversion issues.
What information or data is needed in the investigation?
- How was the file converted?
- How does the problem appear? Provide screenshots or sample files that show the problem.
- Version numbers. Depending on how the conversion was done, please include at least the following version information in the report:
- M-Files Desktop client's version if conversion was done on a client-side.
- M-Files Server's version if conversion was done with server-side conversion or during OCR. How to check M-Files version numbers.
- M-Files Compliance Kit's version if PDF Processor was used in the conversion.
- Sample files. Support often needs a sample file showing the issue to investigate it. This way, we can better solve the issue or report it to our product development if it needs a product fix. If you cannot provide the original file, for example, because it holds confidential information, try to create a similar file without any confidential data, which PDF conversion has a similar problem as the original file. Then, send the other file for M-Files support's investigation.
- M-Files uses 3rd party software vendors' components in PDF conversion and sometimes needs to report the issue to that 3rd party. If this is needed, M-Files Support will ask the customer's approval to send sample files to the 3rd party software vendor for investigation.
Note: When you need to upload any files to M-Files Support, please use our secure CryptShare Portal to send them. Check this guide: How to send files via Cryptshare portal
Disclaimer on Sending Sample Files
In regards European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) we ask you not to transmit personal data to M-Files without agreeing beforehand. Consider sending files and any potentially confidential material only by using CryptShare which is our secure and GDPR compliant file upload service.
Reference Information
Why can't I convert a document to PDF format or annotate a document?
