FormRouter's step-by-step guide explains Adobe's LiveCycle Reader Extensions technology
Describes "special rights" that can be enabled with Adobe PDF forms using fee-based service from FormRouter

Editor's note: FormRouter recently produced a step-by-step guide to help users better understand Adobe's LiveCycle Reader Extensions technology — explaining ways it is being utilized today and describing in detail the hidden features that can be enabled. We've excerpted the guide's descriptions of the first two "special rights" that FormRouter can activate for customers through its Reader Extensions service, which is the focus of a related article. Download the full guide (see link below) to read descriptions of nine more special rights, more information about the Adobe technology and about the varied pricing models for FormRouter's Reader Extensions service.

This is the most popular reason for Reader Extensions. Local save allows a form to be completed in an online, offline or mobile environment. The ability to save a form to the user's hard disk (with form data) allows long forms to be filled out over time.

The Adobe End User License Agreement (EULA) for Adobe Reader specifically prohibits users from saving documents to a local hard drive unless Reader Extensions have been added. Specific reference regarding the use of the Adobe Reader, for the purpose of saving data to a local drive, can be found in Paragraph 2.5:

You are not authorized to integrate or use the software with any (a) plug-in software not developed in accordance with the Adobe Integration Key License Agreement or (b) other software or enhancement to programmatically interface with the software for the purpose of (i) saving data locally (on the same computer), except when allowed through the use of document feature(s) that have been activated using enabling technology from Adobe, (ii) creating a file that contains data (e.g., an XML or comments file), or (iii) saving modifications to a PDF file.

A number of products may be found on the Internet that claim to allow users to fill and save PDF forms using the free Adobe Reader. The deployment of documents using this technology may place the person filling the form in violation of the Adobe Reader EULA. A copy of the Adobe Reader® EULA may be found at:

www.Adobe.com/products/acrobat/acrreula.html

Allow users to sign documents with a digital signature

People have traditionally used handwritten signatures as a means of informing others that the individual signing the document has read, understood and agreed to the terms set forth in the document. Adobe® LiveCycle Reader Extensions supports the application and use of digital signatures by individuals using the free Adobe Reader. An Acrobat signature in a document is bound to that document in such a way that altering the signed document or moving the signature to a different document invalidates the signature. This security eliminates the need for paper copies of documents and can speed the processes involving documents that require signatures.

Download step-by-step guide [PDF: 289 Kb]