bionicle32 has asked for the wisdom of the Perl Monks concerning the following question:

Hello fellow Perl Guru's,

I have been trying to figure out if there is away to modify a powerpoint file that is sitting on a server? Here is a rough example of what I am trying to do.

A .ppt file has a footer and a header with tags (ex. header = Title & footer = Title - Section). What I am trying to figure out is how to change the tags within the binary file with new information submitted by a user via a form. After submitting their input the user would then be able to download there .ppt file preformatted with the Title and Section they submitted via the form.

This is for a project at work and it was an idea that was thrown out there by myself not really thinking if it was possible or not. Everyone loved it and now I am trying to find away to make it happen. We are trying to build a template that has some sort of control, but allows the user the liberty to design their page layout however they want. No need to reinvent the wheel when powerpoint allows them all of the freedom they need for page layout creativity. We need to be consistent with the headers and footers without relying on the user(s) to do it for us. This will go to print so the need for a semi consistent page layout is necessary.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Your fellow Perlmonk,

Bionicle32

2004-12-08 Edited by Arunbear: Changed title from 'Modifying binary files', as per Monastery guidelines

  • Comment on Update Powerpoint document via web form

Replies are listed 'Best First'.
Re: Update Powerpoint document via web form
by NetWallah (Canon) on Dec 06, 2004 at 07:12 UTC
    Your idea seems to be a little bass-ackwards to me.

    I would suggest you create a powerpoint template containing the header/footer and formatting information you want, then let users download that, and add content.

    If you really want to do it your way, you will need to install the powerpoint app on your web server, and use it as an OLE object to manipulate the file.

        ...each is assigned his own private delusion but he cannot see the baggage on his own back.

[reply]
[reply]
      Thank you for your responses.

      Bionicle32
[reply]

Back to Seekers of Perl Wisdom