PDF4me

Comprehensive PDF and document processing: generate barcodes, convert files, extract data, manipulate images, and automate workflows with the PDF4ME API

Actions80

Overview

This node operation "Fill PDF Form" allows users to populate PDF form fields with data programmatically. It supports filling either a single PDF document or generating multiple documents from a list of data objects. The PDF template can be provided in various ways: as binary data from a previous node, as a base64 encoded string, or via a URL.

Common scenarios include automating the generation of filled forms such as applications, contracts, invoices, or surveys where the form structure is fixed but the content varies per instance. For example, filling out customer information on a standard contract template or generating personalized certificates for multiple recipients.

Properties

Name	Meaning
PDF Input Data Type	How the PDF template file is provided. Options: Binary Data (from previous node), Base64 String (encoded PDF content), URL (link to PDF file).
PDF Binary Field	Name of the binary property containing the PDF file (used when PDF Input Data Type is Binary Data).
PDF Base64 Content	Base64 encoded string representing the PDF content (used when PDF Input Data Type is Base64 String).
PDF URL	URL pointing to the PDF file (used when PDF Input Data Type is URL).
Data Type	Whether to fill a single document or generate multiple documents. Options: Single Document (fill one PDF with JSON data), Multiple Documents (generate many PDFs from an array of data).
Form Data (JSON)	JSON object with form field names and values for filling a single document. Example: `{"firstname": "John", "lastname": "Doe"}`.
Data List (JSON Array)	JSON array of objects, each containing form field names and values, used to generate multiple documents. Example: `[{"firstname": "John"}, {"firstname": "Jane"}]`.
Output Type	Output file type of the generated file, typically "pdf".
Input Data Type	Input data format, usually "json".
Meta Data	Additional metadata for the PDF as a string (optional).
Meta Data JSON	Additional metadata for the PDF in JSON string format (optional).
Output File Name	Filename for the output PDF when generating a single document. Default is "filled_form_output.pdf".
Output File Name Prefix	Prefix for output filenames when generating multiple documents. Default is "filled_form_".
Async	Boolean flag to enable asynchronous processing, recommended for multiple documents to improve performance.

Output

The node outputs the filled PDF(s) as binary data attached to the output item(s). Each output item contains a json field with metadata and a binary field holding the generated PDF file. When generating multiple documents, multiple output items are produced, each corresponding to one filled PDF.

json: Contains metadata about the processed document.
binary: Contains the actual PDF file data ready for further use or download.

Dependencies

Requires access to the PDF template either as binary data, base64 string, or URL.
No explicit external API keys or credentials are indicated in the code snippet; however, the node likely depends on an underlying PDF processing service or library integrated within the n8n environment.
Proper configuration of input data format and correct JSON structure is necessary.

Troubleshooting

Invalid PDF Input: If the PDF template is not correctly provided (e.g., wrong binary field name, invalid base64 string, or inaccessible URL), the node will fail to process the form. Verify the input source and ensure accessibility.
Malformed JSON Data: Errors may occur if the JSON for form data or data list is malformed or does not match the expected form field names. Validate JSON syntax and field names against the PDF form.
Output File Naming Conflicts: When generating multiple documents, ensure the output file name prefix is unique enough to avoid overwriting files downstream.
Performance Issues: For large batches (multiple documents), enabling asynchronous processing is recommended to prevent timeouts or slow execution.
Error Handling: If the node is set to continue on failure, errors for individual items will be included in the output JSON under an error property.

Links and References

PDF Form Filling Concepts (Adobe PDF specification)
n8n Documentation - Working with Binary Data
JSON Schema for PDF Form Data (for validating form data JSON)

If you need details on other operations or resources, please provide their names.