How to make auto text in a fillable form start at a default size

[JessG090909]

I am trying to make all the form fields the same font, and only shrink if there is too much text.

I have it set to auto but that is not really working... all the fields end up being differtent default sizes....

The one line fields are at size 8 and the 3 line fields are at size 15. How do I make them all start at size 9??

As you can see in the photo, the form looks like a mess as every line is a different size.

I want them to all starts a 9 font and only get smaller if the person adds too much text, but not bigger than 9 font.

[jane-e]

Hi

That's what Auto does. There is no "start at 9 pts. and shrink only if needed". Your choices are:

• Auto
• A specific type size with a box that can accommodate the text

~ Jane

[JessG090909]

Ok thanks.

Maybe I am looking for a different setting then...?

When you create large multi line field, or a single line one, it automatically makes the font 12pt. And then shrinks if needed.

But 12 is way too big for my document, I need 9pt. Is there some way I can change the entire document setting to be 9 rather than 12? 

Because technically it is already doing what I want, just need it to be 9 rather than 12.

Thanks

[jane-e · Accepted solution]

Yes, if you want the entire form to be 9 pts (not auto) do two things:

1. Format a text field the way you want new text fields to look, including 9pt. Right-click the field and choose "Set as default"
2. For existing fields, multiple select them with marquee+drag or shift+click and change the size in Properties. If you miss some, keep Properties open (don't close it) and keep getting the rest.

Will this work for you?

Jane

[Ron @ Up2Eleven]

The default font size of an auto-sized text field in a fillable document is determined by the height of the text box. Figure out what height a box should be for a 9 pt font and you should be good to go.  Hope this helps!

[jane-e]

Ron @ Up2Eleven said:

The default font size of an auto-sized text field in a fillable document is determined by the height of the text box.

The only way to ensure 9-point type is to assign 9 pts as the type size. Even then, users can print at a percentage of the PDF.

Your method may appear to work at first, Ron, but try typing more and more and more text into the field. Using "Auto" for the type size will keep shrinking the text to make it fit in the text box.

Jane

[Ron @ Up2Eleven]

Aloha Jane

Yes, this is very true however, I am assuming the indivdual has done some planning and has an idea of estimated field length. If the lower and upper field chartacter limit is 10 to 100 characters long then using a single text line is ill advised becuase the font would "Auto" shrink into oblivion, instead plan to use a multi-line text box that can fit 100 characters at 9 pt.

When I design forms, I have an average field length in mind and will even set max character lengths or create mask.  I plan so I don't have forms that have input field font sizes ranging from 18 pt to 6 pt that look so odd.

[JR Boulay]

Yes, to have the equivalent of 9 pt size the field must be about 46 millimeters high