How do you auto-populate a field on an attachment from the main document?

[jlehane]

I have an application document that contains fields. This document has 5 attachments that are accessed via a 'click here' link.

One of these attachments has a field for the candiates name. Is there any way to pre-poplulate this field on document B (the attachment) with the candiates name from document A (the application form) when it is opened?

[JR Boulay]

See this topic: https://community.adobe.com/t5/acrobat-discussions/sending-textbox-data-to-other-attached-forms/m-p/...

[jlehane]

Thank you, but unfortunately, the link in the topic thread doesn't seem to work

[Thom Parker]

Here's the new link:

https://opensource.adobe.com/dc-acrobat-sdk-docs/library/jsapiref/doc.html#opendataobject

Adobe changes up the online documentation occasionally. Links are always changing. 

[Thom Parker]

In addition to the thread link JR posted, this type of operation can only be done in Acrobat Professional. It won't work in the free reader, browsers, mobile devices, or most 3rd party PDF viewers.

[jlehane]

Thanks for the updated link @Thom Parker - I'm using Acrobat Professional to create the document, but no idea what the users will be using!

So, just trying to work out if your solution is actually what I need.

My application form will be completed by person A (the attachments are already 'in' the form - there is nothing to complete on them). The form will then be sent to the person B to check and sign. Person B will click on the link to view the attachments and potentially print or save them. We want their name to actually appear in one place, on one attachment.

[Thom Parker]

To create and/or write to an attachment with a script requires two things. 

1. The PDF viewer must support the level of scripting needed to perform this operation

2. The PDF viewer must have the permissions required to perform this operation

Most non-Adobe PDF viewers fail #1. 

For the Adobe viewers, Reader is restricted from accessing  attachments.

Portfolios are very much an Adobe specific thing.  They are not well supported  in 3rd party apps.

You should find out more about how your users are viewing these documents.