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LorianGans
LorianGans
Participating Frequently
December 15, 2023
Answered

How to format a number field with the last 2 numbers as the decimals, not zeroes

  • December 15, 2023
  • 2 replies
  • 2569 views

I've created several fillable PDFs for online use and I have set the number fields with 2 decimals but it automatically puts zeroes after the decimal. Is there a way to have it put the decimal before the last 2 numbers the user typed? 

 

So instead of:

- user types: 123456

- returns 123456.00

 

We want this:

- user types: 123456

- returns 1234.56

 

Is this possible? Thank you.

    This topic has been closed for replies.
    Correct answer try67

    To do that you would need to divide the value by 100. You can use this code as the field's custom Validation script:

    if (event.value) event.value/=100;

    Note that this changes the actual value entered by the user, not just how it is displayed!

    2 replies

    try67
    Community Expert
    try67Community ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    December 15, 2023

    To do that you would need to divide the value by 100. You can use this code as the field's custom Validation script:

    if (event.value) event.value/=100;

    Note that this changes the actual value entered by the user, not just how it is displayed!

    LorianGans
    LorianGansAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    December 15, 2023

    One more question on this - if the last digit is a zero, the output is being calculated correctly but it's not displaying the zero at the end, so it looks like it's just giving 1 decimal place. 

     

    For example, if the user enters 123456, it's correctly reflecting 1234.56.

    BUT if they enter 543210, it's reflecting 5432.1

     

    Is there a way to set it so it will include the zero at the end, so it would be 5432.10?

    I realize they're the numericaly and financially the same, but they're visually jarring and just look sloppy, and also will likely cause doubt for our users as to whether it's working correctly.

    Thank you!

    LorianGans
    LorianGansAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    December 15, 2023

    No, there's no trick. You can't apply a Format setting (or any other action, for that matter) en masse via Acrobat's UI. It can only be done using a script, like this (paid-for) tool I've developed:

    https://www.try67.com/tool/acrobat-mass-edit-fields-actions

     

     


    OK - thanks very much.

    Thom Parker
    Community Expert
    Thom ParkerCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    December 15, 2023

    Yes, but it requires a custom keystroke script, it could also be done with a custom validation.

    What you are asking for is not formatting. Formatting is about managing how a value is presented to the user. You are asking to change the entered value. This type of script will not work if the PDF is opened in a browser or mobile app that is not the Adobe Mobile Reader. If this is a problem, then you might want to rethink the process. 

     

     

    Thom Parker - Software Developer at PDFScriptingUse the Acrobat JavaScript Reference early and often
    LorianGans
    LorianGansAuthor
    Participating Frequently
    December 15, 2023

    Thanks very much, Thom -

    Your comment about it not working if the form is opened in a browser or mobile app is especially helpful as well. We were trying to help our users avoid having to enter decimals, thereby (hopefully) reducing the chance of keystroke errors. We'll just have to change our process a bit. 

    Thanks again -

    - Lorian

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