Adding Watermark/Stamp to PDF using iCS Rendition - Is it possible?

Question

Hello Bentley - 
 Is there a way to add a watermark or stamp with some drawing-related information (e.g. work order, project name, company name, etc.) to a PDF when passing a DGN, DWG or PDF through the iCS Rendition (Orchestration Framework)? Currently, we utilize a rendition profile and components to convert a DGN/DWG into a PDF but we're looking to add a working stamp to certain files for finalization of project documents.

Andrew Edge · Accepted Answer

Yes. The most common technique relies on existing text in the DGN/DWG (often in a title block) that is substituted at print time. This is accomplished via an InterPlot settings file (specified in the rendition profile presentation component) in conjunction with a design script. ProjectWise document/environment attributes and project properties are available as values that can be used by the 'characters' design script assignment keyword for text substitution. See communities.bentley.com/.../8472.environment-variables-set-by-rendition-service-for-character-substitution 
 
Another technique is to place the watermark/stamp on a particular level. The level can be turned on unconditionally in the settings file, then turned off selectively in the design script based on ProjectWise attributes, workflow state, etc. using the same RENDSVC_ environment variables described in the link above.

Andrew Edge · Answer

A design script is an ancillary text file that controls print resymbolization via a simple language of comparison and assignment keywords and if/then/else branching logic. There is no graphical user interface for creating a design script; a text editor such as notepad is typically used. The language syntax is described in the 'ProjectWise InterPlot Help' under "Plotting MicroStation Data / Using Design Scripts" along with examples and a keyword reference. 
 In the iCS for PDF workflow, the design script text file is checked into ProjectWise. InterPlot design scripts traditionally use the ".pen" extension (confusing) but any extension will work. The InterPlot settings file referenced in the rendition profile presentation component is edited using InterPlot Organizer. There is a field in the InterPlot settings file IPLOT section General tab (I believe) labeled Design Script, which is where one associates the design script document with the .set document. 
 It is usually easier to create a design script and get it working properly using either interactive InterPlot Organizer and print preview, or MicroStation, rather than trial & error using iCS for PDF. Installing InterPlot Organizer is necessary to get the ProjectWise InterPlot Help, although essentially the same language documentation can be found in MicroStation Help at Print Resymbolization and Design Scripts . The "RENDSVC_" variables that a design script would rely on to perform actions based on ProjectWise attributes are only available in the iCS for PDF context, but can be temporarily simulated in an interactive InterPlot Organizer or MicroStation session by using Windows user environment variables.