Modify and create PDF using Python

Question

I have created a really nice looking invitation letter in word (.doc/.docx). Now, I need to personalize it for 1,000 people with their names and associated QR codes.

I tried working with pyfpdf and reportlab but it seems like in order to use these packages I have to re-generate the whole invitation letter along with text and graphics. I'm not sure if I will be able to generate an equally visually appealing letter as I have now in word (at least not without a lot of effort).

Is there a better way, where I use word template as input, fill-in the name and QR code and generate PDF?

You should use LibreOffice for these tasks, there is an excellent Python binding to LibreOffice. — dotancohen
– dotancohen, Commented Sep 4, 2015 at 13:21

Patrick Maupin · Accepted Answer · 2015-10-20 22:56:29Z

1

If you are prepared to do the QR code and personalization in reportlab, then pdfrw (disclaimer: I am the author) will let you either merge the PDFs after the fact (similar to a watermarking operation), or can bring the PDF you generate from word in to reportlab a form XObject (similar to an image). You can use it for a background.

edited Oct 20, 2015 at 22:56

answered Sep 5, 2015 at 0:08

Patrick Maupin

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XtrmJosh · Accepted Answer · 2015-09-04 14:50:44Z

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You should try using the Microsoft Word MailMerge feature which will probably do exactly what you want from within Word itself.

PDF editing is a very complex beast, as is docx editing. The majority of companies who offer PDF "support" use PDF APIs, since the software to edit and create PDF documents is so complex it's a retailable product in itself.

You can use MailMerge either to print or to email the PDF to lots of people at once with custom settings for each person.

answered Sep 4, 2015 at 14:50

XtrmJosh

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