API to generate pdf/cad preview?

[Dymondjack]

Hello and thanks in advance.

I'm starting a fresh application to handle manufactured parts and
components, and have just had this great idea for a main parts form, but
really have no idea how to go about it.

I'm wondering if it would somehow be possible to make an API call to
generate a preview of a cad or pdf (or any other 'visual' file) to display if
the file is highlighted out of a list box or the like.

Any suggestions appreciated

 

[BeWyched]

Hi

You could use the Shell function, e.g for a pdf:

pthPDF = "path to pdf reader file, e.g. Adobe"
pthImage = "Path to image file collected from your list box"

retVal = Shell("""" & pthPDF & """" & " " & """" & pthImage & """")

Cheers

BW

 

[Douglas J. Steele]

There's really no need to shell just to open a file as long as the extension
is registered.

pthImage = "Path to image file collected from your list box"

Application.FollowHyperlink pthImage

or, perhaps

Application.FollowHyperlink Chr$(34) & pthImage & Chr$(34)

 

[Dymondjack]

Thanks guys, i'll try this when i dig back into the project next week...