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Participant
August 19, 2020
Question

creating a field template to reuse on multiple forms

  • August 19, 2020
  • 1 reply
  • 2877 views

I have a form PDF that we use over and over again.  I have to add the same text fields in the same location every time to these forms.  Is there a way in Adobe Acrobat DC to just save these form fields and apply it to the document each time without having to recreate the multiple fields manually every time?  They are just text boxes where I list the same information on the form, in the same location.  Can I save those as a template and then when I open the new PDF form, just apply that template so that all those fields are inserted and not manually have to create each one individually each time?  TIA!

 

As a side bar, this form is also electronically signed by different people each time.  Is there a way to add a signature and date block as well?

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1 reply

try67
Community Expert
Community Expert
August 19, 2020

Yes, you can do it a couple of ways. One is to write a script that adds those scripts and then call it from a toolbar or menu item (this is more complicated and will require installing in into a .js file on the local machine, or as a part of an Action). The second is to add the fields to an empty page, save it as a template and then open it and use the Replace Pages command on it to insert the pages from your new, static file into it. This will keep all the form fields in tact. Just remember to save it under a new name afterwards.

VO@BHBAuthor
Participant
August 19, 2020

Thank you!!  (Obviously I am new to Adobe Acrobat). I know this sounds silly but, how would I save the blank page as a template?  I don't see that under the "save as" type options.  I created a blank page with the text forms where I want them, but I am not seeing the save as template type option anywhere.  Then once I do save it as a template, how to I appy it once I open the new document?

try67
Community Expert
Community Expert
August 19, 2020

I should have put "template" in quotes... There's no equivalent to a Word Template file. It's just a regular PDF with the form fields. Once you save it follow my instructions and use the Replace Pages command on it to insert the pages from the actual file into it.