Loop edit fields

[JR Boulay]

Here is a sample script that loop into form fields to edit some properties:

for (var i = 0; i < numFields; i++) {
    var fName = getNthFieldName(i);
    var f = getField(fName);
    if (f.type === "text") {
        f.textFont = font.Times;
        f.textSize = 9;
    }
}

It works fine as long as there is no field using the Acrobat Forms Field Hierarchies.

(text.0, text.1, text.2, and so on)

If there are any in the form I get this error: f is null

My question is: Is it possible to use a script that can edit properties by looping into all forms fields, using the Acrobat Forms Field Hierarchies or not?

[Karl Heinz Kremer]

I've never had a problem with this. I would add the following for debugging purposes: Add a line that prints which form field is being processed to see what the name of the field is that triggers the error. You can also add a check to the "if" command to make sure that you are not processing a null field:

if (f != null && f.type == "text) {
....
}

[try67 · Accepted solution]

I've seen this happen with corrupt fields, especially those that were created in InDesign. Karl's recommendation should help solve it.

[JR Boulay]

I made these forms fields with Acrobat Pro DC, files was not made with InDesign.

Using Karl's debug tip I can see that the loop works fine, processing fields in alphabetical order until the first field that use the hierarchical naming.

Then it returns : f is null and it stop processing.

[try67]

Can you share the file and the full code you're using?

[JR Boulay]

Good point: it's a file issue.

I cannot share it but it was made from Powerpoint and form fields were added using PDF Converter.

With Acrobat Pro I removed some listboxes and form fields and replace them by new ones using the hierarchical naming.

This is why I wanted to batch edit fields that were previously created since they don't use the right font.

So I found a workaroud: I cut my hierarchical fields, I process the loop to edit previously created fields, and then I paste my fields back.

😉

Thank you!