How can I save a PDF with the form fields filled out? 2

[JohnnyBGoode]

I have Adobe Acrobat 6.0 Pro installed on my pc.

I have created a bunch of form fields on a PDF and I can enter values and save different versions with different sets of values entered in (obviously with different file names). However, when someone else opens the PDF on their pc (they don't have the Professional version of Acrobat), they are not permitted to save a version of the file with a set of entered data. What can I do do allow them to save data in the PDF form fields as a PDF (or another format, if that's all that can be done)?

 

[trixiebest]

I am having the same problem as JohnnyBGoode:

"I have created a bunch of form fields on a PDF and I can enter values and save different versions with different sets of values entered in (obviously with different file names). However, when someone else opens the PDF on their pc (they don't have the Professional version of Acrobat), they are not permitted to save a version of the file with a set of entered data. What can I do do allow them to save data in the PDF form fields as a PDF (or another format, if that's all that can be done)?"

Any ideas?

 

[tgreer]

They likely have Reader, which cannot save forms. Reader can only submit forms, to a web server program for further processing, or to an email address under certain conditions.



Thomas D. Greer

http://www.tgreer.com

Providing PostScript & PDF
Training, Development & Consulting

 

[trixiebest]

Yes, but I know I have saved PDF's obtained online onto my desktop for revision and printing. Is there any way to create a form in Acrobat Professional for users to complete and save their version?

Thanks,

 

[tgreer]

No. Well, Yes.

Ok, here's the real deal. Reader can save forms. But not forms you create with Acrobat Professional.

Adobe intentionally crippled Acrobat. Why? So you have to buy the "LiveCycle Reader Extensions", which is a metered application that allows you to create a PDF Form that Reader can fill-out and save.

It stinks.

The best way, in my opinion, is to process all forms server-side.

Search this forum, there was a recent thread on the very topic.



Thomas D. Greer

http://www.tgreer.com

Providing PostScript & PDF
Training, Development & Consulting

 

[trixiebest]

Thanks. I'm going to download the trial version. Would you recommend this application?

 

[tgreer]

No, I wouldn't. I think it's too expensive, and unnecessary.



Thomas D. Greer

http://www.tgreer.com

Providing PostScript & PDF
Training, Development & Consulting

 

[JohnnyBGoode]

It's never good to request that your users download a new application to view your PDF's.

I have been involved in converting all of our PDF's that contain form fields (ie. FDF's) into PDF's using Dynamic PDF 3.0.

This application is a .NET component that enables the application to create PDF's (with a blank starting point OR using a PDF as a template) and you can insert labels (that contains data) and other objects onto the created PDF.

Then you just write out the created PDF to the webpage and the user can save, print, etc. If you have any other questions regarding Dynamic PDF, just ask.

Peace

 

[BenRowe]

Reader 7.0 allows forms to be saved.

 

[trixiebest]

I am trying to avoid users having to use a webpage or browser. These are stand-alone PDF's (legal docs) which need to be protected but saved as individual files once filled out. I do not want them to download additional software either. It was my impression that the LiveCycle Reader Extensions would enable the permissions from my end. Ideas?

 

[tgreer]

BenRowe - where did you get the information that Reader 7.0 allows forms to be saved? Adobe's website is (intentionally) very coy about the subject. In fact, the comparison matrix PDF doesn't even list Reader, and says nothing about the ability to save form data, for ANY version.

I should really download Reader 7.0 and test it personally, but I don't quite trust it.



Thomas D. Greer

http://www.tgreer.com

Providing PostScript & PDF
Training, Development & Consulting

 

[BenRowe]

I have Adobe Acrobat Reader 7.0 at home and was able to save my tax form.

 

[JohnnyBGoode]

Maybe you have the Professional version? Most people don't have that. But like I said above, if you are using Dynamic PDF, it allows your users (who may only have the Reader) to view and save PDF's containing pre-populated data.

 

[tgreer]

BenRowe,

As I mentioned up-thread, Reader has the ABILITY to save form data, if the Form was created with LiveCycle Reader Extensions.

The problem is, that is an expensive, server-based solution. Acrobat Professional 7.0 can create Forms, but not Forms that Reader will save.

Adobe has intentially crippled Acrobat Professional to force people into its server product line.



Thomas D. Greer

http://www.tgreer.com

Providing PostScript & PDF
Training, Development & Consulting

 

[trixiebest]

I agree. And I will probably hesitate to purchase another Adobe product after this fiasco. To top it off, if I call the Help number at Adobe, they want to charge me! For just one simple question.

The main reason we even purchased Acrobat Pro was to create forms that our users could complete and save!

 

[tgreer]

Adobe has really, really messed up a good thing. The tragedy is that, technically, they have incredibly good products, across the board. The PDF format/concept is brilliant. Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are very, very good products.

However, their marketing strategy is confusing, and to purposely disable features in order to push clients to a specific platform is just bad business.

There are many 3rd party PDF Forms solutions, though.



Thomas D. Greer

http://www.tgreer.com

Providing PostScript & PDF
Training, Development & Consulting