Announcing Emo PDF Pro

#1 · July 19, 2025, 11:12 am

Hi ,

I'm pleased to announce the upcoming release of a powerful new plugin for our community: Emo PDF Pro.

You can now design your reports visually with professional results.

Key Features Include:

Visual, Multi-Page Designer: A scrollable canvas where you can design multiple pages in a single interface.
Drag & Drop Elements: Simply click to add and drag text, images, lines, and rectangles exactly where you want them.
Layer Management: Easily send objects to the front or back to create complex layouts with backgrounds and overlays.
Live Property Editor: Instantly change text content, fonts, colors, sizes, and coordinates and see the changes live on the canvas.
One-Click Code Generation: Once your design is perfect, the plugin writes the entire emo_pdf_pro_... script for you to copy and paste directly into VisualNEoWin.
Save & Load Layouts: Save your design templates and load them later to maintain a consistent look across all your projects.

I'm currently putting the final touches on it and plan to release it soon.

A demo video

Best regards,
Emo

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#2 · July 19, 2025, 11:19 am

@emmanuel-fernandez awesome!!! Thanks so much!!

dglojnar, Anthony LaTorre and emo have reacted to this post.

#3 · July 19, 2025, 6:07 pm

Wow! Thank you for your time and effort in developing plugins for the VisualNeo community... This is a plug I can definitely use.

emo has reacted to this post.

#4 · July 26, 2025, 8:40 pm

As soon as it comes out I'll buy it immediately! :-)

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#5 · July 27, 2025, 3:41 pm

Hi everyone,

The wait is over! I’m thrilled to announce that the Emo PDF Pro plugin, with its full visual designer, is now officially available for download. Thank you all for the encouragement after the initial announcement!

The big news: Emo PDF Pro is being released for FREE under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license.

This means you can use it in all your personal and commercial projects. The only requirement is to give appropriate credit in your application's "About" box or documentation.

You can download the plugin and find the documentation at the following link. The page includes a recap of all the features like the multi-page canvas, drag & drop elements, code generator, and the new Undo/Redo system.

Get it here

I can't wait to see what you all create with it.

Best regards,
Emo

--------------------------------------------

¡Hola a todos!

¡La espera ha terminado! Me complace anunciar que el plugin Emo PDF Pro, con su diseñador visual completo, ya está oficialmente disponible para descargar. ¡Gracias a todos por el ánimo tras el anuncio inicial!

La gran noticia: Emo PDF Pro se publica GRATIS bajo una licencia Creative Commons Atribución (CC BY 4.0).

Esto significa que podéis usarlo en todos vuestros proyectos personales y comerciales. El único requisito es dar el crédito apropiado en la ventana "Acerca de" o en la documentación de vuestra aplicación.

Podéis descargar el plugin y encontrar la documentación en el siguiente enlace. La página incluye un resumen de todas las características, como el lienzo multipágina, los elementos de arrastrar y soltar, el generador de código y el nuevo sistema de Deshacer/Rehacer.

Descargalo de aquí

Estoy deseando ver lo que creáis con él.

Un saludo,
Emo

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#6 · July 27, 2025, 6:45 pm

@emmanuel-fernandez acabo de probarlo y funciona fenomenal!!
Muchas gracias de nuevo por el increible trabajo que estás haciendo con todos estos nuevos plugins.

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#7 · July 27, 2025, 11:31 pm

Gracias, @luishp

Estuve tan centrado en el sistema de Deshacer/Rehacer que se me olvidó corregir un par de cosas.

He actualizado la versión de descarga a la 1.0.96, que soluciona los siguientes problemas:

Versión 1.0.96 - Mejoras de Interfaz y Usabilidad

Ajustado el diseño del panel izquierdo para evitar que la caja de código generado tape el botón 'Nuevo Documento'.
Modificada la posición y/o tamaño del panel de la lista de elementos (TreeView).
Se ha añadido una opción para que las imágenes mantengan sus proporciones originales al ser redimensionadas, evitando deformaciones.
Se ha aumentado el área de clic de los manejadores de redimensionamiento, haciendo que sea mucho más fácil seleccionarlos.
Lógica de Selección Prioritaria: El objeto ya seleccionado ahora tiene prioridad absoluta al hacer clic, evitando la selección accidental de objetos que se encuentren detrás.

----------------------------------------

Thanks, @luishp

I was so caught up with the undo/redo system that I forgot to fix a couple of things. I've now updated the download to version 1.0.96, which addresses the following:

Version 1.0.96 - Interface and Usability

Adjusted the left panel layout to prevent the generated code box from overlapping the 'New Document' button.
Modified the position and/or size of the element list panel (TreeView) .
Added an option for images to maintain their original proportions while being resized, preventing distortion.
The click area (hitbox) of the resizing handles has been increased, making them much easier to select.
Priority Selection Logic: The currently selected object now has absolute priority on click events, preventing accidental selection of objects behind it.

regards
EMO

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#8 · July 28, 2025, 8:24 am

@emmanuel-fernandez

I was playing with your PDF Pro plugin and and I think that's the missing link for Neoobook/VisualNeo Win developer :-)

In combination your SQLite plugin/NeobookDB Pro/asGrid 3.0 we finally have a really a very powerful combination for development :-)

Thank you again for this wonderful plugin !

Cheers!

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#9 · July 28, 2025, 1:51 pm

Last update:

Updated to version 1.0.98
Added:

Text object justification (Left, center, and right)

and with that, I think I'll leave it as it is ;-)

Actualizado a la versión 1.0.98
Añadido:

Justificación del objeto texto (Izquierda, centro y derecha)

y con esto yo creo que lo dejo así ;-)

Regards,
Emo

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#10 · July 28, 2025, 6:33 pm

ALWAYS CHECK THE LAST VERSION HERE
https://visualneo.com/product/emo_pdf_pro

I think version 1.1.03 is already quite functional.
Happy Summer Holidays!

Creo que la versión 1.1.03 ya es bastante funcional.
¡Felices vacaciones de verano!

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#11 · August 7, 2025, 3:35 pm

@emmanuel-fernandez

Hi to all!

I need help from the plugin author or anyone from the forum with better logic than mine, I think I'm loosing my mind :-)

So I just can't figure out how to create a PDF which uses a CSV file as a data carrier.

From the attached example that comes with the plugin, the author limited the display to only 5 records via a SQL query and this is defined in the Visual Designer - but it doesn't make sense to me because I don't know how big the CSV file will be and how many records there will be....

Where should I do it?

I tried using Loop / Parse without success, but, if I understood correctly, if columns and rows are not defined in Visual Designer, nothing will be displayed.

And if, for example, I have 2000 records that should be in the report, in what way do I have to define that after, say, 40 records, a new page is created with fixed static parts and variable dynamic (CSV) parts.

And is it possible at all in Visual DEsigner?
Or do I have to simply create without Visual Designer using all the necessary commands separately and run them through a loop until the entire CSV file is read?

Thank you in advance for any answer, advice or suggestion!

Cheers!

#12 · August 7, 2025, 4:56 pm

Quote from emo on August 7, 2025, 4:56 pm
Hi @dglojnar

That's an excellent question, and it gets to the very core of the most powerful way to use this plugin. The confusion is common, but the solution is quite elegant once you see it.

There are two main methods for creating PDFs with this plugin, and they are designed for different purposes.

Method 1: The Dynamic Loop (For Reports and Lists)

This is the correct method for your CSV problem. The workflow is a hybrid:

In the Visual Designer: You do not create the rows for the data. You only design the static template: the page title, the column headers (like "Name", "City", "Age"), and maybe a page number or logo in the footer. Your goal here is just to get the basic script for this template.

In the NeoBook Script: You take the code the designer gave you. Then, you wrap it in logic. You use a Loop to read your CSV file record by record. Inside that loop, you repeatedly use the emo_pdf_pro_AddText action to print the data from each record. You manually control the vertical position with a variable.

For pagination, this method is perfect. Inside your loop, you just check that vertical position variable. If it gets too close to the bottom of the page, you simply call the emo_pdf_pro_AddPage action and then immediately redraw your static column headers on the new page before continuing the loop. This allows your report to grow to any number of pages.

Method 2: Layout with Variables (For Fixed Forms)

You also mentioned the idea of putting variables in the layout. This is another valid technique, but it's for a different kind of task.

In the Visual Designer: You would design a complete, fixed document, like a certificate or an ID card. Here, you would place variables like [StudentName], [CourseTitle], and [DateOfCompletion] exactly where they need to go.

In the NeoBook Script: Your job is much simpler. You just use SetVar to give values to those variables before running the code generated by the designer.

see the demo example for personaliced letters

Conclusion

For your specific goal of creating a multi-page report from a CSV file of unknown length, Method 1 (The Dynamic Loop) is the correct and robust solution.

Use the designer for the template, then add the loop and the logic in your NeoBook script.

Here is a working example that perfectly demonstrates the dynamic method.
Last stable version: 1.1.04

Esa es una pregunta excelente, y aborda el concepto fundamental de la forma más potente de usar este plugin. La confusión es habitual, pero la solución es bastante elegante una vez que la ves.

Hay dos métodos principales para crear PDFs con este plugin, y están diseñados para propósitos diferentes.

Método 1: El Bucle Dinámico (Para Informes y Listados)

Este es el método correcto para tu problema con el CSV. El flujo de trabajo es híbrido:

En el Diseñador Visual: No creas las filas para los datos. Solo diseñas la plantilla estática: el título de la página, las cabeceras de las columnas (como "Nombre", "Ciudad", "Edad"), y quizás un número de página o un logo en el pie de página. Tu objetivo aquí es simplemente obtener el script básico para esta plantilla.

En el Script de NeoBook: Tomas el código que te dio el diseñador. Luego, le añades la lógica. Usas un Loop para leer tu fichero CSV registro a registro. Dentro de ese bucle, usas repetidamente la acción emo_pdf_pro_AddText para imprimir los datos de cada registro. Controlas manualmente la posición vertical con una variable.

Para la paginación, este método es perfecto. Dentro de tu bucle, simplemente compruebas esa variable de posición vertical. Si se acerca demasiado al final de la página, llamas a la acción emo_pdf_pro_AddPage e inmediatamente vuelves a dibujar las cabeceras estáticas de las columnas en la nueva página antes de continuar con el bucle. Esto permite que tu informe crezca hasta cualquier número de páginas.

Método 2: Layout con Variables (Para Formularios Fijos)

También mencionaste la idea de poner variables en el layout. Esta es otra técnica válida, pero es para un tipo de tarea diferente.

En el Diseñador Visual: Diseñarías un documento completo y fijo, como un certificado o un carnet de identidad. Aquí, colocarías variables como [NombreEstudiante], [TituloCurso] y [FechaFinalizacion] exactamente donde tienen que ir.

En el Script de NeoBook: Tu trabajo es mucho más sencillo. Simplemente usas SetVar para dar valor a esas variables antes de ejecutar el código generado por el diseñador.

ver ejempolo en la demo de personalized letters

Conclusión

Para tu objetivo específico de crear un informe de múltiples páginas a partir de un fichero CSV de longitud desconocida, el Método 1 (El Bucle Dinámico) es la solución correcta y robusta.

Usa el diseñador para la plantilla y luego añade el bucle y la lógica en tu script de NeoBook.

Aquí tienes un ejemplo funcional que demuestra perfectamente el método dinámico.
Última versión estable: 1.1.04

Hi @dglojnar

That's an excellent question, and it gets to the very core of the most powerful way to use this plugin. The confusion is common, but the solution is quite elegant once you see it.

There are two main methods for creating PDFs with this plugin, and they are designed for different purposes.

Method 1: The Dynamic Loop (For Reports and Lists)

This is the correct method for your CSV problem. The workflow is a hybrid:

In the Visual Designer: You do not create the rows for the data. You only design the static template: the page title, the column headers (like "Name", "City", "Age"), and maybe a page number or logo in the footer. Your goal here is just to get the basic script for this template.
In the NeoBook Script: You take the code the designer gave you. Then, you wrap it in logic. You use a Loop to read your CSV file record by record. Inside that loop, you repeatedly use the emo_pdf_pro_AddText action to print the data from each record. You manually control the vertical position with a variable.

For pagination, this method is perfect. Inside your loop, you just check that vertical position variable. If it gets too close to the bottom of the page, you simply call the emo_pdf_pro_AddPage action and then immediately redraw your static column headers on the new page before continuing the loop. This allows your report to grow to any number of pages.

Method 2: Layout with Variables (For Fixed Forms)

You also mentioned the idea of putting variables in the layout. This is another valid technique, but it's for a different kind of task.

In the Visual Designer: You would design a complete, fixed document, like a certificate or an ID card. Here, you would place variables like [StudentName], [CourseTitle], and [DateOfCompletion] exactly where they need to go.
In the NeoBook Script: Your job is much simpler. You just use SetVar to give values to those variables before running the code generated by the designer.

see the demo example for personaliced letters

Conclusion

For your specific goal of creating a multi-page report from a CSV file of unknown length, Method 1 (The Dynamic Loop) is the correct and robust solution.

Use the designer for the template, then add the loop and the logic in your NeoBook script.

Here is a working example that perfectly demonstrates the dynamic method.
Last stable version: 1.1.04

Esa es una pregunta excelente, y aborda el concepto fundamental de la forma más potente de usar este plugin. La confusión es habitual, pero la solución es bastante elegante una vez que la ves.

Hay dos métodos principales para crear PDFs con este plugin, y están diseñados para propósitos diferentes.

Método 1: El Bucle Dinámico (Para Informes y Listados)

Este es el método correcto para tu problema con el CSV. El flujo de trabajo es híbrido:

En el Diseñador Visual: No creas las filas para los datos. Solo diseñas la plantilla estática: el título de la página, las cabeceras de las columnas (como "Nombre", "Ciudad", "Edad"), y quizás un número de página o un logo en el pie de página. Tu objetivo aquí es simplemente obtener el script básico para esta plantilla.
En el Script de NeoBook: Tomas el código que te dio el diseñador. Luego, le añades la lógica. Usas un Loop para leer tu fichero CSV registro a registro. Dentro de ese bucle, usas repetidamente la acción emo_pdf_pro_AddText para imprimir los datos de cada registro. Controlas manualmente la posición vertical con una variable.

Para la paginación, este método es perfecto. Dentro de tu bucle, simplemente compruebas esa variable de posición vertical. Si se acerca demasiado al final de la página, llamas a la acción emo_pdf_pro_AddPage e inmediatamente vuelves a dibujar las cabeceras estáticas de las columnas en la nueva página antes de continuar con el bucle. Esto permite que tu informe crezca hasta cualquier número de páginas.

Método 2: Layout con Variables (Para Formularios Fijos)

También mencionaste la idea de poner variables en el layout. Esta es otra técnica válida, pero es para un tipo de tarea diferente.

En el Diseñador Visual: Diseñarías un documento completo y fijo, como un certificado o un carnet de identidad. Aquí, colocarías variables como [NombreEstudiante], [TituloCurso] y [FechaFinalizacion] exactamente donde tienen que ir.
En el Script de NeoBook: Tu trabajo es mucho más sencillo. Simplemente usas SetVar para dar valor a esas variables antes de ejecutar el código generado por el diseñador.

ver ejempolo en la demo de personalized letters

Conclusión

Para tu objetivo específico de crear un informe de múltiples páginas a partir de un fichero CSV de longitud desconocida, el Método 1 (El Bucle Dinámico) es la solución correcta y robusta.

Usa el diseñador para la plantilla y luego añade el bucle y la lógica en tu script de NeoBook.

Aquí tienes un ejemplo funcional que demuestra perfectamente el método dinámico.
Última versión estable: 1.1.04

Uploaded files:

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#13 · August 8, 2025, 8:02 am

Hi @emmanuel-fernandez,

Thank you for your quick response and attached example - that's exactly what I needed to fully understand how your excellent plugin works :-)

Thanks again and have a nice weekend!

Cheers!

emo has reacted to this post.

#14 · October 20, 2025, 7:15 pm

Hi all,

Emo PDF Pro v1.1.08 is ready. This is a feature-focused update.

What's New:

New Page Sizes: Now supports A4, A3, A5, B5, Letter, Legal, and Tabloid. The designer window resizes automatically for the best view.

Full Backward Compatibility: Old scripts generated are 100% safe. New designs use the CreateReportEx action for the new sizes.

Download here

Regards,
Emo

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#15 · October 21, 2025, 2:50 pm

Hi everyone,

Emo PDF Pro v1.1.13 is now available, merging the latest workflow enhancements into one powerful update.

What's new:

New Zoom Controls: Zoom in and out of the canvas for precision work on detailed designs.

New Marquee Selection: Click and drag on the canvas to draw a selection box and select multiple objects at once.

New Dynamic Cursors: The mouse cursor now changes automatically to show if you can move, resize, or interact with an object.

Guide Snapping Restored: Objects now "snap" to guides when moving or resizing, allowing for pixel-perfect alignment.

Multi-Select: You can now hold Shift + Click to select, move, delete, or copy/paste multiple objects as a group.

Pasted Objects Stay Selected: Newly pasted objects now remain selected, allowing you to reposition them immediately.

Improved Help Window: The Help button now opens a wider, clearer window with a full list of controls.

[Download Here]

Cheers,
Emo

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#16 · October 21, 2025, 10:32 pm

Hi again..

Emo PDF Pro v1.1.14 is now available, focusing on giving you more control and precision over complex layouts.

What's new in this version:

New Lock Objects: You can now lock any object in place to prevent accidental moves or edits. Locked objects are marked with a 🔒 icon in the object list. Simply Shift+Click an item in the list to toggle its lock state.

New Hide Objects: Temporarily or permanently hide any object to easily work on elements layered behind it. Hidden objects don't have the eye icon. Just Ctrl+Click an item in the list to toggle its visibility.

Smarter Code Generation: The "Generate Code" feature now respects the visibility of your objects. Anything you've hidden in the designer will be automatically excluded from the final VisualNeoWin script, ensuring what you see is what you get.

New Certificate Layout Example: A professional certificate template is now included to demonstrate the new features and serve as a starting point for your own creations.

Updated Help Section: The in-app help has been fully updated to include instructions for all the new functionalities, including Lock/Hide shortcuts.

This update makes managing complex, multi-layered designs much safer and more efficient.

[Download Here]

Cheers,
Emo

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#17 · October 22, 2025, 12:20 pm

Hi everyone,

New release Emo PDF Pro v1.1.16, a maintenance update that polishes the new layer management features for a smoother and more reliable workflow.

What's new, fixed, and improved in this version:

Effortless Canvas Scrolling: You can now navigate the multi-page canvas simply by using your mouse wheel, making it much faster to move through your document.
Smarter Undo/Redo: Toggling an object's visibility (Hide/Show) or lock state no longer affects the undo history. This makes undoing meaningful design changes much more direct and intuitive.
Accurate Drag-Selection: Fixed a bug where drag-selecting (marquee) could inaccurately select lines. Selection is now pixel-perfect.
Layouts Now Save Hide/Lock States: The visibility (👁) and locked (🔒) status of all objects are now correctly saved and restored with your .layout files.

This update makes the designer's new features more robust and is highly recommended for all users.

[Download Here]

Cheers,
Emo

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#18 · October 22, 2025, 7:22 pm

Hey everyone,

Version 1.1.18 of Emo PDF PRO is now available.
This is a maintenance release focused on improving the Visual Designer's workflow with several new quality-of-life features.

Update Highlights:

Double-Click Text Editor: Double-click text on the canvas to open a large pop-up editor.

Smart Centering Guides: Dynamic guides now appear and snap when an object is centered on the page.

Deselect with ESC Key: A quick shortcut to deselect all elements.

Improved Gizmo Handling: Resizing very small objects is now more reliable.

Help File Updated.

[Download Here]

Cheers,
Emo

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#19 · November 13, 2025, 12:42 pm

Just a tip, is it possible to import an existing PDF and add the variables, instead of creating them from scratch with your plugin?

Announcing Emo PDF Pro - Forum

Announcing Emo PDF Pro