Using editable pdfs if you only have adobe reader

Question

Hi there,

I have converted several documents to editable PDFs using fields so people can type, save their responses, and share them with me. Here are some issues I'm facing:

- In some instances, the user isn't able to type into the field despite the 'multi-line text and scroll long text' settings being enabled.
- User isn't able to go back and edit their content.

Do the end users need to have an adobe editor to be able to interact with an editable PDF with fields/forms? Does it limit any functionality if they only have adobe reader?

Any help would be much appreciated!

creative explorer · Accepted Answer

@SaraSunny I would only use Adobe products because I have read and seen many articles where other PDF applications are like virus/trojans apps. This is the beauty of Adobe, because I feel they have my best interests in mind.

Saying all that 'rah-rah' stuff, I can only say that some of my colleagues only have Acrobat Reader. This was installed by the IT department. If by chance you need to use Acrobat Reader, I would only do so through Adobe's website because there are many 'fake' sites that they have 'Adobe' but they may call it 'Abode' — see the slight name change.
https://www.adobe.com/ca/acrobat/pdf-reader.html

gary_sc · Answer

I completely concur with @creative explorer. There's much to be said about both PC and Mac applications that work with PDFs. However, when it comes to filling out forms, using the Adobe Acrobat Reader is a must. I always provide a link to the PDF reader in the forms I create. Unfortunately, you cannot MAKE people use Reader until they've had an issue.

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