Expanding Form Fields (TextBox)

[Phillip30523268s48c]

I have been looking for a workaround for this for years now. I don't have lifecycle designer and seeing as to how I am mainly designing inhouse forms that are primarily used by myself and a select few, i am not even sure how AEM would translate. I have tried to code it in every way I can think and I can not get the form to expand with the text. Just your standard multi-line scroll box that cannot print. This is frustrating. Should I look to a competitor to create the forms I need?

[try67]

If this is a must-have feature for you, then yes, you should look for a different technology, as this is not really possible in PDF forms. And even if it was possible to do it (using a complex, custom-made script) the expanded field will just end up overlapping with other elements on the page, as it won't be able to "re-flow" the rest of the document to accommodate for its new size.

[Phillip30523268s48c]

Why do you say it isn't possible? Are you saying it isn't possible as is or it isn't possible to create the feature in an update?

[try67]

It's impossible because it goes against the core definition of a PDF file as a static document. If you want to get into the technical reasons for that you can start by studying the 1000+ pages technical document that describes how PDF files are created.

An LCD form is not really a PDF file, even though it has the same file extension. It's a completely different thing, created by Adobe, and not covered by the PDF ISO definitions. It's based on an XML form, and therefore can be dynamically re-flowed and manipulated. It is also not supported by anyone except for Adobe, pretty much, while PDF is a standard universal format.

[Phillip30523268s48c]

Thank you for your input and effort to assist me. While I appreciate the information you provided regarding the technical differences between PDF and LCD forms, I would like to refocus the discussion on the subject of form creation and capability. Specifically, I am seeking a method of achieving my goal or alternatives to Adobe that can offer the specific features I require for creating forms. If you have any suggestions or recommendations in that regard, I would greatly appreciate your input. Thank you.

[try67]

This forum is about Acrobat. If you want to use a different product you'll need to take this discussion elsewhere. But I can tell you in advance that no PDF app will allow you to do it.

[Test Screen Name]

You will have to look outside the world of PDF forms, since regular PDF forms don't have expanding form fields, no matter how hard we try. Using different tools won't solve that... It just wasn't designed that way,. AEM makes a different kind of PDF form, which only works with Adobe software on Mac and Windows (not mobile); basically obsolete.

[Phillip30523268s48c]

I think looking outside of pdf forms is not an issue as long as it can become a pdf and is accessible to be filled out by others. Adobe is just convenient because it is available and easy to share/view. People are familiar with it. Do you have a recommendation?

[Test Screen Name]

"as long as it can become a pdf and is accessible to be filled out by others." It can't become a PDF and THEN be fillable. You have to do the filling and then make it a PDF when it is finished. You just cannot make a PDF with dynamically sized fields, not by any trick. 

[Phillip30523268s48c]

I'd like to think you understood what I meant and you are just making sure I wasn't confused. I will clarify, I need a fillable form with features that I can no longer find on adobe acrobat pro. Adobe used to have ways to create the kind of form I needed. This thread is about forms. Of course, ideally, I can save a filled and completed form as a pdf  when I am finished, but I probably should not have mentioned that as it seems to cause issues. 

[Phillip30523268s48c]

After the 2 responses I have received, I feel I should add an edit. Lifecycle designer used to have this feature. It simply isn't available to me anymore and I wouldn't know where to find it. It would be nice to use a software that is still actively supported. Does adobe offer anything that can build forms that fit this need or can help bridge the gap? Is there an Add-on that can help? Is there a competitor that would be preferable for creating and using forms? Where do I go?

[Test Screen Name]

"Is there an Add-on that can help?" 

No. Really. The forms cannot work that way.

"Is there a competitor that would be preferable for creating and using forms? "

Talking about competitors isn't really what this forum is for, but you need to look for form filling solutions that DON'T involve PDF, since it's a limitation of PDF, NOT a limitation of what Adobe's app does.  

[Phillip30523268s48c]

One of the big selling points of Adobe used to be form creation. You created forms in ADOBE ACROBAT. why are we still on PDFs....

[Test Screen Name]

Each form technology has its limits. For example, HTML forms are very flexible and work on virtually any device - but don't work offline. While PDF forms don't let you upload video, resize graphics, or have expandable form fields, and really only work fully on Mac and Windows, in Acrobat Reader - but people KEEP trying to fill them in web browsers and email. Word Forms need Word. And so on. My real advice is to stop looking at PDF forms if this is a deal breaker, or you will tear out your hair.

[Phillip30523268s48c]

thank you.