Need help with a dropdown list (user cannot enter own text)

[akaskens]

Hello I am creating a form with a dropdown list of options. I would like the user ALSO to be able to write their own text in the field, or edit the options. This was possible in a previous version of acrobat pro, and I have 20 forms I made in 2014 that used to have this option, but NO longer work. (user can only select an option, but can no longer type own text or edit the option selected). I see (in the properties) there is an option to allow user to write custom text, which I have ticked. But still doesn't work. anyone know why?

[try67]

It should work... What happens when the user tries to enter a custom value? Did you enter a validation script of any kind?

[akaskens]

thank you for your response. I does not work for me. I try (as a user) and I am not able to enter any text of my own, or edit an option I select from a dropbown. Here is a video of me trying to use my form as a user. 08.19.2019-15.54.11

I don't know what a validation script is. I am simply using acrobat pro the tools and options the software comes with. I was able to do this fine in 2014.  Here are the options for the dropdown (for each dropdown, I have about five items in the list). But would like the user to be able to edit any options selected, which is why I selected "allow the user to enter custom text" thanks again - your help would be appreciated.

[try67]

What application are you using to fill it the form, and on what platform?

[akaskens]

when I fill in the form, I am on a PC (windows 10), simply opening the form, which automatically opens in acrobat reader.

[try67]

The video you posted does not look like it was taken in Reader... Can you post a full window screenshot or video?

[akaskens]

yes you are right - i assumed it was opening in reader but it wasn't. I have no idea what it opens in but here is a video of the full screen 08.19.2019-16.32.30

When I opened with reader it worked fine. thank you!!! But this still presents a problem - how do I know how users will open it? if they opened as I did (simply by clicking it open) then it may not be with reader.

[akaskens]

can I specif wihtin the PDF somehow - so that it will only open in reader?

[try67 · Accepted solution]

You're opening it inside a browser (Edge, perhaps?), which uses its own PDF plugin to view the PDF. Unfortunately, most of these plugins are sub-par. For best results you should always use Adobe Reader, and instruct your users to do the same.

However, you can't enforce it and it's quite difficult to know in which application the file is opened.

[akaskens]

thanks so much for diagnosing this problem. I think you're right - it was opening in an Edge PDF reader. yes, subpar!