Difference between SAP Scripts and SmartForms

Key Difference: SAP Scripts and SmartForms are both used for creating and maintaining forms within the SAP solutions. They both are different from each other in many contexts. However, SmartForms can be considered as a SAP Script successor tool. SmartForms provide better options than in comparison to Scripts.

SAP Scripts define the SAP’s own text processing system. It can be considered as a tool which is used for creating and designing business forms. Using SAP Scripts, one can also display, prints or distribute these business forms via ABAP Print program. It is a client dependent and also language dependent tool. Aesthetically, it is quiet similar to other text processing systems. Generally, the components (objects) of a SAP Script form includes:

Header Data
Paragraph and Character Formats
Pages
Windows and Text Elements
Page Windows

SAP Scripts have been devised to customize the documents to meet the specific needs of the user. Many documents are used by companies. These may include invoices, etc. The main issue of these documents is that they need to be generated in a large number. SAP provides all these documents like pay slips, checks, etc. However, for the customization and for even setting the new ones, these scripts are used.

SmartForms are quite different from SAP scripts. They are not client dependent like SAP scripts. SAP systems make use of SmartForms to create and maintain forms for bulk printing. For the output system, it supports a printer, fax, e-mail, etc. It was introduced in 1998 as an alternative to SAP Scripts. Smart Forms also support a postage optimizing feature. In most of the cases, it does not require any programming skill. A power user can easily configure forms with data.

It was devised to be a better version of SAP scripts, by overcoming the shortcomings of SAP Scripts. SmartForms and SAP Scripts are quite different from each other. Unlike SAP Scripts, SmartForms provide the facility of multiple page formats. It also provides online support. SmartForms are preferred over SAP Scripts due to numerous advantages. SmartForms create and maintains form in very less time in comparison to Scripts.

Comparison between Scripts and SmartForms:

	Scripts	SmartForms
Definition	It is a tool which is used for the creating and designing business forms within SAP systems. Using SAP Scripts one can also display, prints or distribute these business forms via ABAP Print program.	SAP systems make use of SmartForms to create and maintain forms for bulk printing. It was introduced in 1998 as an alternative to SAP Scripts.
Client Dependency	Client Dependent	Client Independent
Multiple Page Format	Not Possible	Possible
Label creation	Possible	Not Possible
Main Window	Minimum one main window is required.	No need of the main window to create a form.
Drag and Drop Facility	Not Available	Available
Table	Simulated by the use of tabulations, so they can't contain dynamic long texts, no borders.	True tables, with borders
Barcode	Printer Dependent	Supports all device types that are capable of printing graphics.
Text Color	Black or white	Various color options