Hi! I have kind of a detailed question.
Here's my case: I usually create my forms in Word and then convert it to PDF. From there I add check boxes and run the field recognition so it can be filled in. This same form needs to be readable in case someone wants to print it out and write everything in by hand.
The second page is basically full of lines so someone can write out their situation. I'd like to keep the lines so the person can either type their case in or print it first, then write it by hand.
Here is my dilemma: when I run field recognition, it creates a new text box for each line. I have deleted all text fields but one, extended it over the existing lines. I have also checked the multi-line box so the text can be wrapped as more is typed. What I cannot figure out is how to size the text so that the text will stay in line with the original lines.
Right now, if I start typing, some lines of text will look like it was typed on top of the existing lines while the next line of text will not - the text in the text field is not spaced correctly with the lines I had created from the Word doc.
I guess the short version is this: Is there a way to have a large text field with lines added so if they type it out, the text is on the lines, but if they want to print it out and write it, the lines are still there.
Does this makes sense? I hope so!
I am using Acrobat Professional 8.1.
Thanks!
~Kat~
I have an idea, but I don't know if it will work in your situation or not. It depends on what you need to do at the backend with the form returns.
What if you captured an image of a set of drawn lines, and put that in the Word file rather than drawing a whole bunch of lines? That way, when you have the file in Acrobat, the form field recognition tool won't recognize it as a form component at all. Then, add one text field in Acrobat [you can add it manually] for users to input data. In the text field properties you can assign the text size. You'll have to experiment to see what size of text is required to match up with your lines.
I hope this gives you some assistance -- it is an interesting situation!
donna.
A prolific author and writer of many Acrobat books, as well as books on graphic and Web design software.
Donna lives on a lakeshore in central Canada, where all manner of wildlife from muskrats to coyotes come to call.