How to space out numbers in a fillable PDF form field using Acrobat X or XI

How to space out numbers in a fillable PDF form field using Acrobat X or XI

Donna Baker – February 6, 2012

You're working on a PDF form for your upcoming conference, and you need to make sure that specific information -- like credit card numbers and zip codes -- is correct. To make it easier for your users to insert and see the right numbers, use a comb.

Let's check it out.

Here are two copies of a zip code field. In the left example, you see the number shows just as you'd type it, and I could add as many characters as I want. In the right example, each character I type drops into its own comb space. Since the field has 5 spaces, I can only add 5 characters.

There are a couple of specific settings you need to use to work with field combs.

1. Add your text field to the page and then open the Form Field Properties dialog box.
2. Name the field and add a tooltip if you like.
3. On the Appearance tab, configure the appearance of the field. You can add a fill if you like. The border color you choose shows as the frame around the field and the dividers between the characters.
4. Make sure you choose the Solid line style option. None of the other choices will display the comb appearance on the field.
5. Click the Options tab. When you add a default text field, Acrobat X preselects the Scroll long text and Check spelling options. You see the Comb option isn't available.
6. Deselect the default options, and now the Comb option activates.
7. Click the Comb check box and type the number of characters you want to display in the field—such as 5 characters for a zip code.

Click OK to close the dialog box. You see the field divided evenly into the specified number of characters, which you can easily resize.

Click Preview to test the field.  Adding field combs makes the form easier to use, and easier to make sure you're getting the right information.