Possible to print uploaded files?

[lisa99]

I have a problem that I don't know where to start on finding a solution -- hopefully someone can point me in the right direction...

For example:

A user can get a printer friendly version of some data they entered in a mysql database which I can easily provide, but I have the file paths to their uploaded documents stored in the database -- how can I provide these in the right places as printable?

Files could potentially be .doc(x), .xls(x), .pdf, .jpg, .gif, .png, and .bmp.

I'm thinking that I could check the file name extension and get the images to print properly, however, the problem is .doc(x), .xls(x), and .pdf.

If I use file_get_contents() I'll lose formatting and embedded images...

Has this problem already been solved somewhere that I haven't been able to find?

Any help is appreciated.

[dagon]

files like docx will have to printed from an application that understands them on the user machine, you can provide a link to download them then the user has to chose to print, assuming the have an appropriate application installed.