Show HN: Pagify - Document Design and Generation on Cloud(pagify.io)
pagify.io
Show HN: Pagify - Document Design and Generation on Cloud
http://pagify.io
10 comments
Can this generate a very long table and paginate it carefully, without tearing individual rows? Can the table have arbitrary number of columns? How do the columns get sized when there is a lot of data? Thanks.
Right now the layouting is pretty basic. So data will only fit within the width/height you 'draw' on the template. We are working on a dynamic layouting engine which will be able to automatically paginate tables cleanly, but its not rolled out yet.
We just launched our alpha (and are sending out invites to people who sign up). We want to validate our value proposition so any feedback/suggestion is very much appreciated!
Wow this is pretty neat. I love the api, very straightforward.
One question: Can I use the api to push a uri encoded png to the document? My use case would be converting d3.js charts into uri encoded pngs, pushing that to pagify via api and presenting the user with a customized report based on the current chart's data.
One question: Can I use the api to push a uri encoded png to the document? My use case would be converting d3.js charts into uri encoded pngs, pushing that to pagify via api and presenting the user with a customized report based on the current chart's data.
Thanks! As of now this support is not available but we would definitely look into it. For now only our 'native' charts are available which can be populated with data as well (including bar, stacked, pie.. etc).
Also if you have an image url, that could work too.
Also if you have an image url, that could work too.
How long does PDF generation take?
Can I upload and manipulate an existing PDF?
Can I upload and manipulate an existing PDF?
PDF generation time depends on the length of the document but ideally it should be pretty quick.
No you cannot manipulate existing PDF but only generate new ones. Thanks!
No you cannot manipulate existing PDF but only generate new ones. Thanks!
Thanks for answering. So you can understand my use case - I have a PDF book I want to sell, and would like to include a customized code in each book. As the book is long, I have no desire to recreate it in your app's Designer.
Off topic, but since PDF files are actually text files for a form of source code, you should be able to put a default code on your document and generate new ones using a search-and-replace script. Sed should do the trick.
I think you should consider dropping the design part of the workflow - there are applications out there that are very good at this and it will be hard to compete there, and it is not part of your core product value. I believe the core value is in the dynamic PDF generation aspect - not the template design aspect.
Allow me to upload a pre created template that follows some sort of variable naming that is compatible with your API, and allow me to use just the API to generate documents.
Allow me to upload a pre created template that follows some sort of variable naming that is compatible with your API, and allow me to use just the API to generate documents.
Thanks for your feedback! Which products do you have in mind which do the design part? Particularly those that work in a browser.
Essentially we are something like Crystal Reports for web apps. Being web based is a core part of our proposition.
Essentially we are something like Crystal Reports for web apps. Being web based is a core part of our proposition.
I have never heard Crystal Reports mentioned in a positive light. I think the parent means tools like InDesign which can create professional reports. If one could upload a pdf export of an indesign file and update it on the cloud through your api then I imagine designers would be throwing money at you fast.
That is in fact what I meant, but OP has the point that they are more trying to compete in the BI tool arena.
Wow, pretty cool.
I see you can only use the API to generate the PDF's. I'd love to be able to upload an csv/xls file and use the columns as variables. Writing invitations/letters/labels to a lot of people happens occasionally and not having to dive into the code but simple use point-and-click to personalise the documents would be cool. I'm aware Word has this functionality but I think improvements can be made in simplicity. Pre-set templates for labels might also be useful.
I see you can only use the API to generate the PDF's. I'd love to be able to upload an csv/xls file and use the columns as variables. Writing invitations/letters/labels to a lot of people happens occasionally and not having to dive into the code but simple use point-and-click to personalise the documents would be cool. I'm aware Word has this functionality but I think improvements can be made in simplicity. Pre-set templates for labels might also be useful.
Very cool in concept. I genuinely believe that if you start packaging plugins based on your API for existing platforms like wordpress, magento, joomla for verticals like e-commerce, you would definitely start making bucks for the quick reporting features.
Small thing, but it would be a big help if you could expand the font choices for your template maker - I could definitely see myself using this but would need to be able to drop in text in Times New Roman.
Noted, thanks! Btw, you can also use the feedback widget within the editor to give quick feedback like this. Its on top right corner.
Just one tip for your site: Don't use youtube for the video, it links to more unrelated youtube videos that people might be tempted to watch instead of, you know, testing Pagify :)
You can turn those links off in the video settings (which I recommend they do). We use YouTube to host our intro video and couldn't be happier.
I'd tweak some of your marketing points a bit, in particular:
"No one wants to read emails, let alone dull and boring ones. Make your emails stand out from the crowd by designing creative documents and send them as attachments. And with Pagify, the whole process can be automated, so its quick and easy."
I don't know that I agree with that at all. And this point cheapens your product/message - it sounds like you're -really- reaching for a nail to hammer.
Take a look at some businesses that deal with contracts a lot -- legal agreements, etc. I had to sign an agreement for a vacation home yesterday using some awful service that auto-generated a PDF for me, and it was totally abysmal. Bad UX, clunky, etc.
Anyway - congrats on the launch and good luck!