How to Open a PDF File & Get Data Using VB

You can read PDF files in VB.

Visual Basic (VB) is an event-driven programming language and integrated development environment used to create graphical user interface applications, ActiveX controls and objects. If you attempt to open a portable document file (PDF) in VB, you will receive an error message. VB was not designed to be compatible with PDF files. You can install the VB PDF plug-in if you wish to open and get data from a PDF file in VB.

Instructions

1. Launch your Internet browser of choice. Go to the Visual Basic website (see Resources).

2. Right-click the link "VB PDF tutorial source code." Select "Open Link in New Window."

3. Download and unzip the file that opens.

4. Highlight and select the two files that appear by pressing down the "Ctrl" button. Drag the two files and place them in the computer's hard drive.

5. Launch VB.NET. Click "Add File." Select the files you downloaded and saved in Step 4. Click "mjwPDF.cls" and click "Open." Locate the file menu on the main menu toolbar and click "Open." Navigate to the PDF file you wish to open and get data from, highlight it and click on it to open it.

Resources

• Visual Basic 6: Creating PDF Files in VB6