PDF form probems

[markw60549560]

Hi 

I'm having problems with a form I created (in Indesign, then saved out to PDF).

It is in 2 sections. (may or may not be related)

1. Initially I was told by the client this:

A user has complained that they aren't ale to edit when they directly download the doc but are able to when they save a copy of it. I reckon this is user error (e.g. the user's computer opens 'downloaded' documents with one piece of software (e.g. adobe PDF reader) and opens saved PDFs with another (e.g. google chrome).

After a bit of research, I decided the problem was to do with Acrobat Reader, and that I had to save it as Reader Extended PDF.

2. Now the problem they are having is:

people have filled it out, saved it but then when the team receive it they can’t view the full answers.

Any suggestions?

Mark

[try67]

This is not the solution, unless they use a very old version of Reader. In which case you should recommend they update it to a newer version, for many reasons (security, compatibility with current operating systems, as well as the ability to add comments and save the filled-in form without needing special rights applied to the file).

I would double-check with them what application they're using, too. Ask for full-window screenshots. Some people assume they use Reader just because it's installed on their computer, but in fact they are opening the file in a different application, or inside a browser.

[markw60549560]

Thanks for the reply. Sorry,k it's taking a while. The client has been on holiday and a bit slow getting responses.

Stupid question, does the extended PDF, work for all software, or should I provide a version for different software?

[try67]

You can't create a version for all different softwares (since there are thousands, each one with its own issues and problems), nor should you. Create one version that works and instruct the users to use an updated and compatible viewer, if they want the file to work properly. If they use something else, that's on them.

[markw60549560]

Thanks for answering my stupid question 🙂

They have come back with 3 example forms. Saying that they are having issues with buttons and are unable to scroll on expanded boxes. Of course, they work fine on my computer. I think they mean after they've received them.

(Basically, it's a form on their website that people download, fill in and they send back to the company. The problems are when they get it back and try to read it.)

They've said the laptop they tried at their home to fill it in was Windows 10, and they don't have Acrobat Pro. (which they do have at their work) 

Slowly getting more info.!

[try67]

They don't need to have Acrobat. The free Adobe Reader is enough.

[markw60549560]

I wonder whether you would mind checking the form for me to see if it is anything I have done on creation.?

Or if you know of someone who knows about PDF forms.

[try67]

I could, but the first step is really to know what application(s) they are using to view the file.

I'm willing to bet that's the source of the problem.

[markw60549560]

Thank you. Feeling a bit stressed at the moment. 

Attached is the PDF that I created.

Also below is a link to a set of emails, that someone at their end has sent with info on different computers / software that they have tried and errors they got.

https://we.tl/t-1Iw4anU2Dv

Thank you again.

[try67 · Accepted solution]

- Plus symbol appearing in long fields: This is normal behavior when there isn't enough room to display all the text they enter into the field. It indicates there's some text that isn't displayed. If you don't want that to happen then you have to disable the "Scroll Long Text" option for that field. If you also set the font size to Auto it will get gradually smaller and smaller as they add more text. If you set it to a fixed value they won't be able to fill in more text once the end of the field is reached.

- Black radio-buttons: This is happening because you've set the fill color of those fields to Black. Change it to Transparent and it will be fine. When the fields highlighting is enabled you can't see this issue, though.

The issues in Preview and Edge are to be expected. And hosting the file on a web-page is not going to solve anything, as PDF files are ultimately opened by whatever plugin or application the browser is set to use, and you can't control that.

[markw60549560]

Thank you. I make these changes and see how it goes.

[try67]

I noticed you used radio-buttons for the consent clauses on page 3. This is not advised, as they can't be "unselected". Either convert them to check-boxes, or add a No option, so the user could at least change their mind once a selection is made.

[markw60549560]

I knew it would be my incompetence. 🙂

[yash singh]

I check the file and the file is filable in Microsft Edge and Google chrome.
You might need to fix the icon view in the filled field also for every Yes Checkbox you should also a no as its an legal document. 

The Clicks are not clearly visble when checked.

Also  under Where did you hear about the REC Complaints Procedure there are some check [tickmark] and some are with circle . Is this by design ?

[markw60549560]

Hi thanks for your reply.

I'm sorry, but I don't understand what you mean by

Also  under Where did you hear about the REC Complaints Procedure there are some check [tickmark] and some are with circle . Is this by design ?

[yash singh]

Please ignore the file workes fine upon saving and then using fill & sign tool  and then resaving the edited version

[markw60549560]

🙂