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ParraArt
ParraArt
Participant
June 2, 2020
Answered

Editable PDF for non-Adobe user?

  • June 2, 2020
  • 5 replies
  • 2254 views

I have a client looking for a 50 page planner design, but they would want it as an editable digital version rather than for printing. The client doesn't have access to the Adobe Suite, so I was wondering if there's a functionality that would allow for an editable PDF with text boxes to write in on their default Windows programs, and if so, which Windows program would allow for this and what would be the way to set-up the export or in-file settings in InDesign to allow for this.

 

Thanks!

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Derek Cross

You can create a Word form or a PDF form, I suggest you have one or the other.

 

I suggest you create a two or three page test form in InDesign/Acrobat Pro and show it to your customer to see if s/he likes it and that it meets their needs. Explain that it will work best in Acrobat Reader.

5 replies

ParraArt
ParraArtAuthor
Participant
June 2, 2020

Appreciate the great responses everyone, thank you!

Derek Cross
Community Expert
Derek CrossCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
June 2, 2020

You can create a Word form or a PDF form, I suggest you have one or the other.

 

I suggest you create a two or three page test form in InDesign/Acrobat Pro and show it to your customer to see if s/he likes it and that it meets their needs. Explain that it will work best in Acrobat Reader.

    T
    Test Screen Name
    Legend
    June 2, 2020

    Collaborating on design with people who don’t want to use the same apps is a common requirement but it’s just a dream. Agree on one app and both use it. Word I expect. You can design and place quality graphics. 

      barbara_a7746676
      Community Expert
      barbara_a7746676Community Expert
      Community Expert
      June 2, 2020

      As long as the client doesn't need to change the layout, you could create a form in Acrobat with text form fields that they can write in, and save it as a PDF. All they would need in order to write inside the boxes (the text fields)  is the free Adobe Reader, and maybe they would be willing to install that.

        Scott Falkner
        Community Expert
        Scott FalknerCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        June 2, 2020

        You might be better off setting this up in Word. Export the parts you don't want to be edited as PNG or PDF graphics then import them into Word in the same position as in the InDesign file. For the editable parts use Word’s normal text features. For a long document PDF is not going to work. You can't flow text from form fields one one page to form fields on another, and forms are the only way to add editability to a PDF from InDesign.

         

        Either way you go it is going to be a lot of work, time, and money to give your client something that they will certainly, inevitibly, screw up.

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