Dynamic form with barcode

[Uwe2484599725mx]

Hello. I'm not a computer science expert and I'm trying to create a dynamic fillable form with a barcode included to be printed after completed.  So far I tried many tutorials and posts in this community with no luck.  I am using Adobe Acrobat Standard DC.  I will appreciate your help, thanks

[try67]

What type of barcode?

[Test Screen Name]

You can't create with Acrobat what are usually called "Dynamic forms". That is, ones which can resize themselves. But you can create barcodes. SOME kinds of barcode. Make sure you aren't skipping warnings in tutorials... you could link to some, but the crucial point, indeed, is what kind of barcode.

[Uwe2484599725mx]

Hello @try67  and @Test Screen Name .  Thanks for your reply.  I'm trying the QR code.  I'm following exact steps on this tutorial. https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/using/pdf-barcode-form-fields.html

As soon as I finish typing in the field form the QR code goes grey.  

[try67]

QR Codes can't be updated in Reader. Hence the gray fill color you're seeing.

There is a way to do it using a script, though. I believe it was @JR Boulay who developed it...

[Test Screen Name]

You need to budget for all of your end users to license Acrobat. To work with QR codes in Reader needs certain "Reader extensions". These are mysterious, and hard to get info, and may cost 5-6 figures per annum (US dollars).

[JR Boulay]

QR codes cannot be displayed by Acrobat Reader but they works fine under their gray mask.

This means that a form filled in with Acrobat Reader can display a correct QR code if it is then opened with Acrobat Pro (or Standard).

Otherwise there is a process that allows to display QR codes in Acrobat Reader, contact me privatly for a quote.

[Uwe2484599725mx]

Hello all, and thanks again for your contribution, much appreciated.

[Uwe2484599725mx]

I forgot to ask.  Would it be the same situation with the PDF417 and the Data Matrix bar being masked? Thank you again.

[try67]

Yes, anything that's done using the Barcode field will act like that.

[JR Boulay]

Another solution is to ask the user to use Foxit Reader, which does not have this outdated limitation.

[Uwe2484599725mx]

I just can't believe that such a big company as Adobe is publicizing and selling something that is not true because by the age of this situation I don't think is a bug.

[try67]

It's not a bug. This is intended behavior, albeit a misguided one (in my opinion). Where did you see a publication by Adobe that says it should work differently?

[Uwe2484599725mx]

I read it right here.  https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/using/pdf-barcode-form-fields.html

I think I will ask my money back, since I can't do what I wanted.

[try67]

I don't see where it says that a user with Reader will be able to modify a barcode's value. I agree it should be made more clear that's not possible (unless a special right is applied to the file), though.

[JR Boulay]

As Acrobat Reader is free software it will be difficult to get your money back.

[Uwe2484599725mx]

@JR Boulay you are right.  I paid for Acrobat Standard DC.