Generating PDFs with ServerResponse.renderPdf in NetSuite

The ServerResponse.renderPdf(options) method in SuiteScript allows developers to generate and send a PDF directly as a response within server scripts. This is crucial for creating dynamic documents on-the-fly in applications.

How Does the renderPdf Method Work?

The method uses a JavaScript object parameter, options, which must include an xmlString. This string is the content to be rendered into the PDF. Notably, the method does not return any value, operating in a 'void' context.

Key Parameters

• options.xmlString: Type: string | Required: Yes | Description: The XML content of the PDF to be rendered.

Common Errors

Understanding potential errors is critical for efficient debugging:

• Error Code: SSS_MISSING_REQD_ARGUMENT
  • Message: Missing a required argument: {param name}
  • Thrown If: The options.xmlString parameter is not specified.

Example Usage

Here's a basic example demonstrating how to use the renderPdf method:

1/**
2 * @NApiVersion 2.x
3 * @NScriptType Suitelet
4 */
5define(['N/xml'], function(xml) {
6    return {
7        onRequest: function(context) {
8            var xml = "<?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?>\n" +
9                "<!DOCTYPE pdf PUBLIC \"-//big.faceless.org//report\" \"report-1.1.dtd\">\n" +
10                "<pdf lang=\"ru-RU\" xml:lang=\"ru-RU\">\n" +
11                "<head>\n" +
12                "<link name=\"russianfont\" type=\"font\" subtype=\"opentype\" " +
13                "src=\"NetSuiteFonts/verdana.ttf\" " +
14                "src-bold=\"NetSuiteFonts/verdanab.ttf\" " +
15                "src-italic=\"NetSuiteFonts/verdanai.ttf\" " +
16                "src-bolditalic=\"NetSuiteFonts/verdanabi.ttf\" " +
17                "bytes=\"2\"/>\n" +
18                "</head>\n" +
19                "<body font-family=\"russianfont\" font-size=\"18\">\nРусский текст</body>\n" +
20                "</pdf>";
21            context.response.renderPdf(xml);
22        }
23    }
24});

Who This Affects

• Developers: Writing server-side scripts requiring PDF generation.
• Administrators: Managing and deploying SuiteScripts.

Key Takeaways

• The renderPdf method is vital for generating PDFs in server scripts.
• The options.xmlString parameter is essential and required.
• Ensure correct XML formatting to avoid errors during rendering.