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wislndixie9724896
Known Participant
September 22, 2021
Question

Easy way to make check boxes interactive

  • September 22, 2021
  • 2 replies
  • 4052 views

I've been asked to convert a medical pdf form to make it interactive.

Problem is there are 30 yes/no check boxes on the form.

Is there an easy way to make these check boxes fillable? I know I can create one check box then create multiple boxes across and down and then move each one to overlay the check boxes on the form. This seems very time consuming. Is there an easier way?

I'm using Acrobat Pro DC.

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2 replies

try67
Community Expert
try67Community Expert
Community Expert
September 22, 2021

That depends. If the check-boxes were created by using specific characters (for example, using the Wingdings font), then yes, it's possible to detect them using a script and add the fields on top of them automatically.

I've actually created a (paid-for) tool that does just that: https://www.try67.com/tool/acrobat-reader-convert-wingdings-characters-to-check-boxes-or-radio-buttons

If, on the other hand, they are just graphic elements then you will have to create the fields manually, although you could possibly use the built-in Create Multiple Copies command, if they are laid out in a consistent pattern on the page.

radzmar
Community Expert
radzmarCommunity Expert
Community Expert
September 22, 2021

Depending on the layout of your existing form, Acrobat should be able to detect forms fields automatically. 

Here's a how-to: https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/using/creating-distributing-pdf-forms.html

 

 

W
wislndixie9724896Author
Known Participant
September 23, 2021

Thank you for your reply. Unfortunately the pdf forms in question have small check boxes that Acrobat Pro is hit and miss on recognizing the check boxes.

 

I'll just do it manually and create duplicates.

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