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Designer vs. Acrobat forms - data importing

Forum Index > Forms: Acrobat > Designer vs. Acrobat forms - data importing
2007-04-11 15:37:06
Jennyfir
Registered: Jan 17 2007
Posts: 2

I'm using Acrobat 7 Pro to make forms. Whenever I use the Forms menu, Designer automatically opens up. Most of my users only have Reader 7 and need to import the data from the forms back into the form or export to a database. Reader won't allow them to do this. Is it because the forms need to be PDF instead of XML? And how can I create PDF forms if Acrobat automatically opens Designer and forces me to create them that way?

My Product Information:
Acrobat Pro 7.0.0, Windows
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2007-04-12 08:06:46
#1
thomp
Expert
Registered: Feb 15 2006
Posts: 4411
To create an AcroForm: The form tools are on the "Advanced Editing" toolbar. This toolbar has a several buttons on it. The form tools are on a pull down list that displays only the current form field tool. The Button field button is shown initially.

Reader will not allow data to be saved locally no matter what kind of forms technology you are using, unless the form is Reader Enabled for "Save Rights". The only way to move data in and out of an unenabled form in Reader is through submision to a server.

In Acrobat 8 Pro, you can enable your forms for Save Rights in Reader. The enabled files will work in Reader 7.

Thom Parker
The source for PDF Scripting Info
www.pdfscripting.com
Very Important - How to Debug Your Script

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2007-04-12 11:24:19
#2
pddesigner
Registered: Jul 9 2006
Posts: 858
Do not use Advanced, Forms options on the Menu bar. This is why Designer is automatically opened.

Try these steps:

1. Open your pdf form in Acrobat 7.0
2. Select Tools, Advanced Editing, Show Forms Tool bar.
3. Create and code the form field properties.

To allow your users to import and export form data, you must enable Adobe Reader extensions in your form. Or have them returned the completed form back to you and you use Acrobat to process the form data entered.

Note: XML is best for database connectivity but it is possible with a properly coded pdf form.

My favorite quote - "Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.

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