Automatically fill forms using 'import data' in Reader DC?

[cayleighanne]

I need to fill a form automatically by importing a text file. At the bottom of the following support page: Fill in forms

It says:

Import or export form data (Reader application only, not browser)

In some workflows, individuals submit filled-in forms as data-only files in a format such as FDF or XML. In Acrobat Reader DC, you can import the data to view it in the context of the complete PDF:

• In the upper right of the window, click Extended, and then click Import Data.

Likewise, you can save the information in a completed PDF form as a data file in another format:

• In the upper right of the window, click Extended, and then click Export Data.

For more information, see Manage form data files in Acrobat DC Help.

However, I don't see anything that says "Extended" or "Import Data" or anything.

Is this actually possible with Reader or do I need Acrobat? If the latter, this support article should be changed as it is anaccurate!

Thanks.

[pwillener]

Cayleigh Allen wrote:

For more information, see Manage form data files in Acrobat DC Help.

In this part of Help we find

---

Import form data

In some workflow scenarios, individuals submit filled-in forms as data-only files rather than as complete PDF files. These files are not PDFs, but use another file format, such as FDF or XML. You can view the data submitted by an individual recipient in the context of the PDF by opening the original file and importing the information in the data file.

1. In Acrobat DC, open the PDF form into which you want to import data.
2. Choose Tools > Prepare Form. In the right hand pane, choose More > Clear Form.

   Note:

   When you import data from another file into a PDF form, the imported data replaces any information that appeared previously in the individual form fields. However, if the imported data file contains one or more blank form fields, importing will not clear the original data.

3. Choose More > Import Data.
4. In the Select File Containing Form Data dialog box, select a format in File Of Type corresponding to the data file you want to import. Then locate and select that file, and click Open.

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So obviously the Help documentation is not very consistent.

P.S. I tried looking for that Import Data feature in Acrobat DC, but was unable to find it...

[Apemancity]

I think these instructions are for DC Pro. But I can't find anywhere in DC reader where you can import or export data. Has this option been removed? I can't find anything on the web about it either

[George_Johnson]

Reader cannot import/export data that way unless the document has been Reader-extended using LiveCycle Reader Extensions (or whatever it may be called currently). Reader-enabling the form with Acrobat is not sufficient. Those options will only be available in Reader if the document has the corresponding usage rights.

[Apemancity]

I added import export rights to the file and there are still isn't any option to import and export xml. This used to be a feature in previous versions of reader.

[George_Johnson]

How did you add the import/export rights exactly? Since you mentioned XML specifically, are you able to import/export FDF?