Exporting Form data as FDF file?

[srothmanPM]

I would like a simple way to export form data in a PDF as an FDF file. Currently, i can do it manually: Prepare Form > More > Export Data > Save

But I would like a button or action or something to do it with one step.

I found this page explaining how to make a button to do it: Setting action buttons in PDF forms, Adobe Acrobat

But this procedure only will upload the form data to a webserver or as an email with an attached FDF file. I just want to save the FDF file, with the same name as the source PDF, in the same directory.

Any ideas?  Thanks very much. -Steve

[try67 · Accepted solution]

It's possible to do it but you would need to write a script with a trusted function and then place it in the application's Javascripts folder.

[Jovado]

Hi,

I know it is an old thread, but I tried to create an export option useable in Reader. I put this script in the privileged Folder:

myExportFunc = app.trustedFunction(function(eDoc,ePath)
{
app.beginPriv();
eDoc.exportAsFDF({cPath:ePath});
app.endPriv();
});

and called it with

var thepath = "/C/Users/Me/Desktop/example.fdf";

myExportFunc(this,thepath);

It works fine in Pro version but Reader does nothing. Am I missing something?

[Bernd Alheit]

It is possible  in Acrobat Reader when the file has Forms Rights.

[Jovado]

How to give "Forms Rights" exactly?

Since my Pro and Reader are both DC versions, I do not have to give additional rights, or so I read.

Nonetheless, the file is saved with additional Reader rights option.

Under the Properties > Security tab everything is allowed to be modified (no security preset).

So the Reader should have "Forms Rights", right?

[Bernd Alheit]

It is possible with a server product

https://experienceleague.adobe.com/en/docs/experience-manager-learn/forms/document-services/apply-re...

[Jovado]

Urgh, this is way above my level.

I feel so disillusioned, this went from "create a trusted function" like TRY67 suggested to this AEM monster.

Only to export 10 field values and import them to another local file. I guess it is not worth it.

Thanks for your help anyway!

[Thom Parker]

Here's an article on saving a PDF with a script. The technique is exactly the same as saving an FDF file.

https://acrobatusers.com/tutorials/how-save-pdf-acrobat-javascript

Here's the JavaScript reference entry for the function you need to save an FDF.

Acrobat DC SDK Documentation