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Crystalzheng86
Participant
December 1, 2019
Question

How to create auto tab function in PDF file

  • December 1, 2019
  • 2 replies
  • 4632 views

I create a form have lot of fields that I would like to have auto tab to next field function, so I don't have to tab each single field.

 

 

I saw few posts mentioned to use Java Script, but I don't know which Java is correct one to use. I need something allow me to enter numbers and letters. Also I need to know where do I enter the script Format Script or Keystroke Scripts or wherelese.

 

Thank you so much!

 

 
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2 replies

Thom Parker
Community Expert
Thom ParkerCommunity Expert
Community Expert
December 2, 2019

Users tab between fields by pressing the "Tab" key. That's a pretty simple action. If you want the this to happen automatically, then you need to figure out what triggeres it. What is it that the user is going to do to cause the keyboard focus to change to the next field?  Is it when the final slot in your comb field is filled? Is it when the user hits the return key?  These are the things that will determine the scripting.

 

BTW: here's the base script for setting field focus

 

this.getField(<field name>).setFocus(); 

Thom Parker - Software Developer at PDFScriptingUse the Acrobat JavaScript Reference early and often
    C
    Crystalzheng86Author
    Participant
    December 3, 2019

    "Tab" Key is simple but slow when you have to fill out 50 -100 forms a day. Auto Tab will save me lot of time on pressing the keyboard if I can set up for certain field. What do I enter for Focus? I am newbie on script. and thank you for your help. 

    Thom Parker
    Community Expert
    Thom ParkerCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    December 3, 2019

    To answer your question I need to know the exact action that will cause the focus to change from one field to the next.

     

    On another note.  You're filling out a lot of forms. Have you considered an auto-filling script. If there are any common fields and/or values that are always entered, then you can create a script that will automatically enter those values, saving a great deal of time.

     

     

    Thom Parker - Software Developer at PDFScriptingUse the Acrobat JavaScript Reference early and often
    jane-e
    Community Expert
    jane-eCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    December 1, 2019

    Hi Crystal,

     

    I’m curious about your image?

     

    I could be totally wrong, but if this is your example of a form with lots of fields where you want auto-tab, it should be one text field formatted as a comb field. I think I count 17 parts. Comb will be grayed out until you uncheck all other options in that tab. If you want to use it with the lines you have, format it to have no fill and no border. Alternatively, you can add a border to create boxes. It will export as one text field.

     

    ~ Jane

     

      C
      Crystalzheng86Author
      Participant
      December 3, 2019

      Hi Jane, your method works great for the vin identification no. box. thanks a lot. 

      Since my form has many fields that can't combine with vin box, I have to create seperate text box for each field I need. Is a way I can auto tab for other text fields. For example, I would like my cursor move to next field (registered owner) automatically after I finish vin # box. 

       

       

       

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