Python Batch Macro - Converting Excel to a PDF

[taylormgruendel]

Hello all!

I've been working with the Python batch macro to fill out a tax form (converting Excel to a PDF). I was able to get the workflow to run and produce a PDF file named f1042s_Test. However, once clicking on the PDF file there is no data being shown. I thought it had something to do with my Python script but when I run the same workflow on my Admin version of Alteryx it populates the data into the PDF.

Any ideas on how to fix this? I attached my workflow, excel file, and fillable PDF for reference.

Thank you!

[ArnaldoSandoval]

Hi @taylormgruendel 

I downloaded your attachments, ran the workflow and it generated a new PDF filled with data (attached), I did not see any problem.

Now the description of your issue is confusing, you generated the PDF but with no data, in my case I got the PDF with all the fields filled, BTW, most of the fields are zeroes. I guess Uncle Sam will not be happy.

Arnaldo

[ChrisWaspe · Accepted solution]

Hi @taylormgruendel . Can you please try open the final pdf with another reader, e.g. your browser (right click, open with, Google Chrome). I suspect the data will magically appear. I believe it is an Adobe 'bug' which doesn't seem to allow you to write to certain forms from non-adobe applications (which may be why admin works but non-admin doesn't). This is not at all consistent though as I can successfully write to custom pdfs using a similar approach you are using. This is not quite a solution but I will let you know if I discover one.

[taylormgruendel]

Hi @ArnaldoSandoval,

Yeah, I'm not sure why the PDF file is being generated, but none of the fields are getting filled out.

$0 would be quite unfortunate for Uncle Sam lol

[taylormgruendel]

Hi @ChrisWaspe,

Thanks for the solution! I will try it out, and keep you posted.

[SVRice]

I also work with 1042 files.  I am trying to use an Excel file to generate a pdf version of the W-8 form for our legal entities.  We use Thomson Reuters software to generate the 1042s forms.  I am going to look at your files and see if there is anything we can duplicate for our planned workflow.  Please let me know if you have any advice for us.