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Need Help - only pdf or fdf file names appear when I try merging data files into spreadsheet

Forum Index > Forms: Acrobat > Need Help - only pdf or fdf file names appear when I try merging data files into spreadsheet
2011-07-26 10:52:25
kathyO
Registered: Jul 14 2011
Posts: 3
Answered

We have a pdf form that was created with Acrobat X Pro on a Mac. It is posted on our website. Users download the form, complete it, save a copy to their computer, and then email completed form to me. When I use Acrobat X Pro (PC version) and try merging the returned PDF forms into spreadsheet, the csv file only lists the files names, it does not contain the data. I tried exporting the Data from the completed PDF forms into FDF files, but when I try merging the FDF files into a spreadsheet the csv file only lists the files names again. How can I collect the data into a spreadsheet from the filled-in PDF or FDF forms?

My Product Information:
Acrobat Pro
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2011-07-26 11:41:48
#1
KellyMcC
Acrobat 9ExpertTeam
Registered: Jul 11 2011
Posts: 389
Accepted Answer
Kathy O,

The Merge Data Files into spreadsheet only works on FDF files (not the entire PDF form). You need go to Tools (on the right) > Forms > More Form Options > Manage Form Data > Export Data. Follow the same path to re-import the data. It sounds like you tried that, but check that your FDF is exporting properly. One way to test that, is to export the form data, clear the form, then re-import the data to make sure the fields populate properly (using the steps above).

Kelly McCathran
Adobe Community Expert
Certified Technical Trainer+

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2011-07-26 11:55:42
#2
gkaiseril
Expert
Registered: Feb 23 2006
Posts: 4307
Have you looked at the "Compile Returned Forms" feature or the Manage From Data features?

Creating, distributing and collating data from PDF forms created
Managing Form Data

George Kaiser

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2011-07-26 12:18:46
#3
kathyO
Registered: Jul 14 2011
Posts: 3
Kelly McC,
I tried checking that my FDF is exporting properly using the directions you supplied. When I clear the form and select tools > Forms > More Form Options > Manage Form Data >Import Data, I get a prompt that says "This document restricts some Acrobat features to allow for extended features in Acrobat reader. To create a copy of the document that is not restricted (and has no extended features in Adobe Reader), Save a Copy." So I tried to save a copy and tried to Import Data into the copy, but the "Import Data" selection is greyed out.
Am I doing something wrong when exporting the data to FDF? I'm using the same method you described: Tools (on the right) > Forms > More Form Options > Manage Form Data > Export Data
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2011-07-26 12:45:47
#4
gkaiseril
Expert
Registered: Feb 23 2006
Posts: 4307
Please look at the linked videos.

George Kaiser

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2011-07-27 05:40:46
#5
kathyO
Registered: Jul 14 2011
Posts: 3
George, I looked at both videos and followed the same steps. When I don't use the distribution method, I get a csv file only containing the file names. When I use the distribution method with manual collecting I get a message stating I don't have permission to access the completed file or Acrobat hangs when I add files to the responses file and I can't produce a csv file. I'm guessing the pdf form files became corrupted somewhere along the way. I'll have to recreate the forms and start all over, crossing my fingers hoping I don't get the same corrupted files.

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