I want to enable users the ability to fill out an interactive form; save it either locally or on the server, with a different file name and also have the ability to re-open the form and continue editing.

[bb28222058]

I want to enable users the ability to fill out an interactive form; save it either locally or on the server, with a different file name and also have the ability to re-open the form and continue editing.

[try67]

So what's your question, exactly?

[gkaiseril]

You can prevent the stock form on the server from being overwritten by setting the file to read only on the server or putting the file in a read only directory.

[bb28222058]

I created an interactive form designed to allow our team members the ability to use the form to create operational plans and after action reports.  The idea was to have it posted on our server where members would have the ability to do the following:

• Open the form and save it locally on their machines using a different file name
• Fill out the interactive form and save it.
• Finally, the ability to re-open that form and continue editing it as new information becomes available.

The last part, I am being told by tech support, is not possible without each user owning acrobat.  That's not possible because there are 30 users and our office would not fund that !!

Any advice as to how I could make this work a different way would be appreciated.

[try67]

All of that is possible using the free Adobe Reader. You only need Acrobat to create the file.

[bb28222058]

I thought it was; however, I was just told by tech support that it is not possible.  They are saying that reader users can only fill out the form once and save it.  After that, they say that they must have acrobat to edit or update the form any further.  I am new to acrobat so any advice is appreciated.

[try67]

They are wrong. Reader users (especially using the later versions, such as XI or DC) can edit the file as many times as they wish.

[bb28222058]

Great.  Now that I know it is possible, what am I doing wrong.  My users can fill it out once and save it but when they open it again, they no longer have the ability to edit it.

[try67]

Are they digitally signing the file?

What exactly prevents them from editing it?

What version of Reader are they using?

Do they have full write permissions to that network folder?

[George_Johnson]

If the users are e-signing (which is not the same as digitally signing), the form will be flattened when they save, which removes the interactive fields and just leaves their appearance. If you want to disallow e-signing because of this, that's possible.

[bb28222058]

The guys are not digitally or e-signing the form.  At this point they are just inputting information.  I will have to get with the guys and see what version they are using.  They all should have full write permissions but I will verify that as well.

Thanks for the input.  I will do some more research and get back with an update.