Kyra Ledkins
asked on
Printing two forms at once
First of all, I am aware that forms are not typically printed, but that's what I need in this case. I need interactive functionality that reports don't provide.
I would like to print two forms together at the same time so that they print one on each side (duplex print) on a single sheet of paper instead of each printing on separate pieces of paper which my current setup results in. Form 1 is always the same. Then depending on what is entered into one of the text controls on Form 1, Form two will be any of 9 other forms. So:
Form 1: always a form called "ProductionReport" Form 2: varies based on Form 1, not always same
My printer is already set up for automatic duplex printing; my printer settings are not the problem.
The only way I can think of to print two forms on one paper is to print them from the same print dialogue box, and the only way I can think of to do that is to create a macro or write some code that I can run from a macro using RunCode to print all open tabs (database objects.) It is already set up so that once form 1 is filled out, the corresponding form 2 is automatically opened.
It should be noted that the printing problem I am trying to solve is purely a matter of convenience and saving paper, and has nothing to do with the underlying functionality of the database.
I don't know if what I am trying to do is even possible, but if it is then I'm not getting anywhere and I need some help. Any suggestions?
(I am using MS Access 2010)
I would like to print two forms together at the same time so that they print one on each side (duplex print) on a single sheet of paper instead of each printing on separate pieces of paper which my current setup results in. Form 1 is always the same. Then depending on what is entered into one of the text controls on Form 1, Form two will be any of 9 other forms. So:
Form 1: always a form called "ProductionReport" Form 2: varies based on Form 1, not always same
My printer is already set up for automatic duplex printing; my printer settings are not the problem.
The only way I can think of to print two forms on one paper is to print them from the same print dialogue box, and the only way I can think of to do that is to create a macro or write some code that I can run from a macro using RunCode to print all open tabs (database objects.) It is already set up so that once form 1 is filled out, the corresponding form 2 is automatically opened.
It should be noted that the printing problem I am trying to solve is purely a matter of convenience and saving paper, and has nothing to do with the underlying functionality of the database.
I don't know if what I am trying to do is even possible, but if it is then I'm not getting anywhere and I need some help. Any suggestions?
(I am using MS Access 2010)
ste5an
Well, you just need to print your two "forms" in a single print job and set the printer properties as needed.
ASKER
I'm not aware of how to do that, that's my problem.
Well, it depends on the used printer and its driver. Some support batch control. When yours doesn't then you need to do it the simple way:
Print both to PDF, merge them, e.g. using PDF Toolkit free, and print that PDF.
Print both to PDF, merge them, e.g. using PDF Toolkit free, and print that PDF.
ASKER
Is it not possible to do this entirely within MS Access without having to use another application?
Is it not possible to do this entirely within MS Access without having to use another application?
No. As Stefan, I would print twice to PDF files, then call a tool to merge these, and finally print to the duplex printer.
I'm not sure if the saving of a sheet of paper is worth this trouble.
ASKER
Yeah, i'm thinking the same thing. Thank you both for your help
Some PDF printers will combine automatically whatever you print (I think PDF Factory does that) and will present as a single PDF ready for printing.
Access since version 2007 provides some kind of interactivity on Reports so probably you need to rethink your design/strategy...
For example you can add a button that when clicked ...can do wonders .... :)... and because i am old school (Access 2003) there are some tricks to manipulate a report...
Access since version 2007 provides some kind of interactivity on Reports so probably you need to rethink your design/strategy...
For example you can add a button that when clicked ...can do wonders .... :)... and because i am old school (Access 2003) there are some tricks to manipulate a report...
You probably should reconsider using a report. Your decision to not use a report doesn't make any sense. In a report, you can use two subreports. One to print the first form's data and the second to print the second form's data. Each subreport can be bound to the same query you use for the ReordSource of it's respective form and you can use the form filters if necessary. They just both have to be open when the report is printed if you need the form filters. You will need to put a page break control in the detail section of the main report to force the second subreport to print on a different page.
You control the printing of the report from one of the forms rather than from the report.
You control the printing of the report from one of the forms rather than from the report.
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