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April 27, 2017
Answered

On opening check reader version

  • April 27, 2017
  • 3 replies
  • 1318 views

I've made a form using Adobe Acrobat XI. I would like it to be able to check the version installed on a person's computer and warn them that they need Version 8.0 or later in order to use this form.

Anyone able to show me how to do this?

Thanks,

Chant

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer try67

    The way around this is to create a warning message that's visible by default and then use a script to hide it when the file is opened.

    That way, even if the application used does not support scripting at all, the message will still be visible.

    3 replies

    Legend
    April 29, 2017

    There is unfortunately no help for this. Most people open a form and cannot use it, even if you tell them to use Acrobat Reader. People on phones and tablets generally can't use forms at all.

    try67
    Community Expert
    try67Community ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    April 29, 2017

    The way around this is to create a warning message that's visible by default and then use a script to hide it when the file is opened.

    That way, even if the application used does not support scripting at all, the message will still be visible.

    April 29, 2017

    try67,

    I put this warning in the JavaScripts > Documents JavaScripts

    OnOpen   (script name)

    app.alert("You must have the latest version of Adobe Reader for this form to work properly. Thank you. ",3);

    and it does show the warning upon opening the documents. Could you show me, perhaps a better way or how to hide it like you're saying?

    This is the form I've been working on and that you have helped me so much with.

    Thanks,

    Chant

    Legend
    April 29, 2017

    The chances anyone has a version older than 8 is now very small indeed. On the other hand the chances they will open in something not using Adobe technology for which forms don't properly work (Chrome, Firefox, Windiws Reader, Mac Preview, android, iPhone...) is much better than evens.

    April 29, 2017

    Adorobat and Test Screen Name,

    Thank you both for your response. I'm as much of a newbie as you will find so I have no clue how to make the first suggestion work or even where to put it. I read the blog and code. I tried under javascript > document javascripts and got nothing. Does this have to be a stand alone script that the user runs before opening the form? I was hoping it could check by clicking on the form and warning if it's not compatible.

    Reading Test Screen's Name's reply makes sense to me. I have no clue how this would work either. Can you help me work through this? I ask for patience and thank everyone that's helping.

    Chant

    Adorobat
    Participating Frequently
    April 29, 2017

    Hi Chant63,

    Please refer to the following link:

    Acrobat/Reader: how to automatically check the installed version

    Let me know if you have further questions.

    Thanks!

    Shivam