Help with Duplicated PDF Form Fields Retaining Answers

[ace_1101]

I have a fillable PDF with multiple pages, and I duplicated some of the pages to expand the document. However, the duplicated form fields are linked, so when I fill in one field, the same answer appears across all duplicated pages.

Is there a way to duplicate pages but make the form fields independent without manually renaming each one? I’m working with a PDF that spans hundreds of pages, so I’m looking for the fastest and most efficient solution.

Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated! 

[try67]

Yes, but converting the page to a Template object, which will allow you to spawn new copies of it, with unique field names. Doing so requires some knowledge of scripting, though.

If you're interested, I've developed a (paid-for) tool that will allow you to do it very easily and quickly, without having to write any code. You can find it here: https://www.try67.com/tool/acrobat-duplicate-pages-of-a-pdf-file-including-form-fields

[andrea_5653]

Is there a free way to do this? I am also creating a nearly 1,000 page ebook and have had the same issue. It is quite frustrating and I would think that with a Adobe Acrobat Pro account, this could be simpler.

[Nesa Nurani]

Using script is free, search forum for spawn template there are lots of examples with scripts.

[andrea_5653]

I have an over 900 page journal with a lot of repeat pages. I though this should be simpler. Do you know if Adobe will help supprt will assist if you have an Adobe Pro plan? I am a novice when it comes to technology. Journal is complete and in correct order but the data typed into one entry repeats on all the other pages.

[try67]

Adobe will not help you with this. They will probably direct you to these forums.

[andrea_5653]

Thank you for your response!

[andrea_5653]

Nesa, I just got off the with Adobe tech support and allowed them to remote into my computer. They didn't really know a lot and after 2 hours he told me to manually change all of the field names in my 900 page document. I am in a bind as I have already sold this to customers and need to address the issue quickly and correctly. Can you please share the link to the correct forum that give the information for someone who is a novice like myself? After 2 hours with Adobe support not being able to help me resolve my issue, I would really prefer to get the best possible instructions from A to Z. Thank you for your help!

[try67]

You can do it in seconds and with a single click using the tool I linked to above. The time you wasted on this so far, and the time it would take you to do it manually is probably worth much more than the cost of the tool.

[andrea_5653]

Thank you for responding! I lost track of the link for this thread and had to search my history. I am just seeing your message. Is there a limit on how many times I can use your tool? Also, is it possible for me to send you a copy of my forms to see if there will be any issue using it as there are some unique fields (e.g. smiley face, sad face, etc.)?

[try67]

- There are no limits on how many files, or how many fields you can process using this tool.

- Sure, I'm happy to process a sample page and send it back to you. Contact me privately to discuss it further, please.

[andrea_5653]

Thank you so much! I sent you a private message with a link to the document.

[cathy_8519]

I had a question about your tool. My daughter has to complete a record book year after year. I know which page I want to duplicate, but I don't know how many copies of it I will need over the next 10 years. Can I make the duplicates "one at a time" based on the most recent previous duplicate? For example, "Original Page", "Duplicate 1". she fills duplicate 1, and needs to make a new page. Should she duplicate "Original Page" again, or should she duplicate "Duplicate 1"? 

[try67]

It shouldn't really matter. Since the duplicate is, well, a duplicate, you can spawn new copies from it or directly from the original page. The result will technically be the same.

The only difference will be if it has form fields and you select to keep them as unique fields for each page. In that case it would be better to create copies from the duplicate page, not the original one. Another option is to create multiple duplicates off the start and just use those you need, of course.