Which properties and methods are supported by the javascript API in Reader Mobile?

Hello Thom,
you are one of the most expert on Javascript related themes, for this reason I imagine that you know which are the objects, properties, methods and functions that can be used in pdf documents in a mobile context (supported by the Javascript API used in Adobe Reader Mobile).
Is there an official guide (or not official) on how develop for Acrobat Reader Mobile?

Is there a project on the Javascript support that Adobe Reader will have on mobile devices?
Thank You in advance for your answer.


Alberto Bianchet


4 Answers

Voted Best Answer

You'll find a guide to all that is supported in the mobile version here:
http://www.adobe.com/devnet-docs/acro...

The full core JavaScript model is supported, but very little of the Acrobat DOM. Just enough to do basic calculations and formatting. However, the really important issue isn't just the object model, it's the event model. And that is sorely lacking. For example, no mouse events are recognizes, and so buttons don't work. Only the value related events are supported.

Thom Parker
The source for PDF Scripting Info pdfscripting.com
All About PDF Stamps in Acrobat and Paperless Workflows - THE BOOK !!

The Acrobat JavaScript Reference, Use it Early and Often

The most important JavaScript Development tool in Acrobat
The Console Window (Video tutorial)
The Console Window(article)

Having trouble, Why Doesn't my Script Work


By Thom Parker   

So far, I am not aware of any documentation of what is supported.

Also considering that there are other (more advanced) PDF viewers than Reader Mobile, and that the development is in full flux, it might be a good idea to create a test document which would reveal what has been implemented in those viewers.

An educated guess would be that a "well behaving" PDF viewer would support the objects listed in the drafts of ISO 32000-2.

Hope this can help.

Max Wyss.


Max Wyss   

Alberto,
In all due respect software houses typically do not spend the development monies on earlier draft ISO standards.
(maybe something in FDIS that's undergoing the voting to determine published released - but not something in the early NWI stages)
Case in point is that ISO 32000 drafts from earlier in 2012 that do not reflect the efforts to rewrite 14.8.
If all goes well this work will be in ISO 32000-2.
Then reflected in ISO 14289.
It will have significant impact on mobile use of PDF.
.
As well - nice as mobile devices are they lack the "hardware" / OS support available to a desktop/laptop.
I'm sure the marvelous folks who develop these devices will address this over time.
But that's tomorrow eh?
.
Understand your fustration but please have patience.
Hopefully ISO 32000-2 (final, published - not drafts) will facilitate the goal you've expressed (and, I'm sure held by many DEV teams).
.
To paraphrase Olaf Drummer - we'll see (hopefully) some significant opportunities come late 2013/ early 2014.
In closing, I agree with Thom - viewers/agents that consume PDF need to get better.
PDF is the horse. Viewers/agents are the wagon. A rear engine drive configuration of these is, well, awkward.
.

Be well...


David Austin   

The information in this answer is a bit dated, since it from almost 3 years back.

Current information can be found on the mobile reader at
JavaScript for Acrobat Reader Mobile API Reference (iOS)
JavaScript for Acrobat Reader Mobile API Reference (Android)
which are referenced from this useful document
Enterprise Guide for Acrobat mobile


Charles Myers   


Please specify a reason: