LibraryDeveloper PortalXSL:FO/PDF

Altova software provides a comprehensive feature set for generating XSL:FO and PDF content from XML – and even relational databases – quickly and easily. Follow the links below to learn more about the challenges of XSL:FO development and Altova XSL:FO and PDF tools.

XSL:FO (eXtensible Stylesheet Language Formatting Objects) is an XML-based markup language used to specify the layout and presentation of XML content in printable formats such as Adobe PDF (Portable Document Format).

Effective XSL:FO development requires an understanding of XSL elements, the XPath language, and complicated rules-based document processing models, which means that writing XSL:FO by hand can be a frustrating, time-consuming task.

Altova StyleVision® 2008 abstracts away the underlying XSL syntax, allowing you to create standards-conformant XSL:FO stylesheets visually using drag-and-drop functionality, which takes considerably less time and reduces the occurrence of errors. Your graphical design also simultaneously produces XSLT 1.0/2.0 stylesheets for output to HTML, RTF and Word 2007 (OOXML), plus an Altova Authentic e-Form.

A majority of critical business information is stored in relational databases, and a common requirement is producing reports based on this data for communications with co-workers, customers, and partners. Since PDF is a tamper-proof format that is suitable for both viewing and printing, it’s a convenient format for disseminating database reports.

StyleVision supports direct database reporting with output to PDF, allowing you to create eye-catching reports based on database data with ease. In addition, the same design you create for a PDF database report allows you to output the data in HTML, RTF, and Word 2007 for publication to a variety of different mediums.

XMLSpy® 2008 provides full XSL and XSL:FO capabilities that include editing and visual transformation facilities. Its built-in knowledge of XSL provides you with context-sensitive entry helpers and other intelligent editing features that allow you to create XSL:FO files with ease.

The Altova tools for working with XSL:FO/PDF listed above are available individually or as part of the Altova® MissionKit™ 2008. Get up to 8 software tools for the price of 2 with the Altova® MissionKit™ 2008! The MissionKit bundles Altova's intelligent application development and data management tools to meet the needs of software architects and XML developers. Download a free 30-day trial of the Altova Altova® MissionKit™ 2008 today!

Learn more about the how StyleVision® 2008 enables pain-free multi channel, single source publishing in the "Getting More from Your Content with Single Source Publishing " whitepaper (PDF 838 kB).