Making batch changes to dropdown menu selection on multiple PDFs

[Senoj Tech]

Hello!

Is it possible to make changes to multiple PDFs on the same dropdown menu option?

I have a dropdown section that have the options YES or NO. For those PDFs that were previously selected with YES, I would want to change them all to NO and vice-versa. Is it possible to do this without having to manually change each one?

Thank you!

[kglad]

in the future, to find the best place to post your message, use the list here, https://community.adobe.com/

p.s. i don't think the adobe website, and forums in particular, are easy to navigate, so don't spend a lot of time searching that forum list. do your best and we'll move the post (like this one has already been moved) if it helps you get responses.

<"moved from using the community">

[Senoj Tech]

Thank you so much! I knew I was in the wrong community because usually I can select multiple options to ensure that right community sees it and responds. I was unable to do that here. Thank you for getting me over!

[kglad]

no problem 

[Tariq Ahmad]

Hi @Senoj Tech, 

Thanks for reaching out with your question. With the current tools available in Acrobat, it is not possible to open a PDF. 
However, this may be achieved using JavaScript. 

Here is a suggestion: Acrobat allows you to run a JavaScript script to modify form field values across multiple PDFs. For example, you can use a script to find dropdown fields by name and change their selection programmatically.

Script Example:

var fieldName = "Dropdown1"; // Replace with actual dropdown field name
var newValue = "NewSelection"; // Replace with desired selection

for (var i = 0; i < this.numFields; i++) {
    var fName = this.getNthFieldName(i);
    if (fName == fieldName) {
        var field = this.getField(fName);
        if (field.type == "combobox" || field.type == "listbox") {
            field.value = newValue;
        }
    }
}

Now you may use the same/similar Script Using Action Wizard (Acrobat Pro)

1. Go to: Tools > Action Wizard > New Action

2. Add “Execute JavaScript” as a step

3. Paste the JavaScript code (similar to the above)

4. Select multiple PDFs to process

5. Run the Action

This method allows you to apply changes in bulk without manually opening each file.

~Tariq