Help learning How to create editable address labels using Adobe Illustrator and Acrobat Pro

[1960sgal]

Help - I am missing something obvious that the entire world apparently knows how to do. Please TEACH ME. I have worked for years on Adobe illustrator, and own Acrobat Pro in creative cloud but am not proficient. I want to create original address label sheets with my own art in AI based on Avery labels templates. Then Export the PDF into Adobe Acrobat pro to produce an EDITABLE form (Sheet of customizable address labels) that I can sell on my website. I an running into all kinds of problems. 

• I save the PDF for the backgrond image out of AI as PDF. 

• Then Open Adobe Acrobat Pro (AAP) and "Create A Form".
• Add a text field, add its properties (CMD E - font, alignment, color).

• Then click PREVIEW... Add Text. Exit Preview - Before I can duplicate the text boxes and name each, the pdf flattens itself - cuts itself into pieces, and I can no longer work with it. I HAVE BEEN trying for a month now. I am putty in your hands. All ears.

DOES ANYONE know how to guide me through what should be a very simple process? 

[try67]

The problem is with the "Add Text" command. This is not how you fill in a form field. It's how you add static text to the file.

Instead, you need to exit the Prepare Form mode, and not into Preview mode. Just close it entirely and return to the normal viewing mode, and you should be able to fill in your form fields.

[1960sgal]

OK so now im starting again and i am trying to duplicate empty text boxes... I click into the pdf backgrond by accident and it does this: 

Any form fields that have the same name in the merged documents are now merged into one field. If you want the values in these fields to be unique, then you need to create a PDF Portfolio  instead of merging the files. To create a PDF Portfolio, choose File > Create PDF Portfolio.

There is no resolving this once it happens as far as I can see I have to start over?

[try67]

I don't understand. This message will appear when you try to merge files that have fields with the same name. Is that what you're doing?

[1960sgal]

No, I am trying to add text boxes to my base pdf image. Now the pdf  (when it was an AI doc) is made up of layers, is AAP able to see that? Do I need to merge / rez all my vector images into one layer before I create the pdf? 

[try67]

Yes, PDF files can have layers, but I still don't understand how that is related to form fields, or the message you got...

[1960sgal]

Hello All - Can anyone outline the correct steps that I need to take to Create An Editable PDF:

• Begin process in Adobe Illustrator to create an editable pdf

• Export and then Edit in Adobe Acrobat PRO

• Save as an editable pdf (That will open as editable in Adobe Acrobat Reader for the download customer) 

Your Kind assistance is greatly appreciated. If there are any info/tutorials on this subject that you can link me to - or a contact on AA that will guide me please do chime in.

[Bernd Alheit]

Read the help of Acrobat:

https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/using/pdf-forms.html 

[1960sgal]

This Acrobat doc does not help. I have also been online in the chat window for all hours today and multiple pros at Acrobat and they can't figure this out either. Can anyone tell me why I am getting this flattening process on my Illustrator pdf base that I am layering text fields over?: 

Any form fields that have the same name in the merged documents are now merged into one field. If you want the values in these fields to be unique, then you need to create a PDF Portfolio  instead of merging the files. To create a PDF Portfolio, choose File > Create PDF Portfolio.

[1960sgal]

To wrap this exercise up. I did not get the support that I needed to learn this process here; Instaed I had to join a paid website. It was worth it. Maybe it will also help someone in future: https://www.skillshare.com/en/classes/Fillable-PDF-Design-How-To-Create-Branded-Interactive-Forms/20...

[Abambo · Accepted solution]

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