Form text disappears when creating editable PDF

[tearfund_nz]

I have an Indesign CC document with two lines of text converted into a Form Text Field, and when I export it as an interactive PDF the text disappears. I have attached an image of the text visual and the Form  Palette showing the Form specs. Please help.

[jane-e]

Are you trying to set a Default Value? If so, you can do it in Properties > Options in Acrobat. If you are trying to do something else, please clarify.

~ Jane

[tearfund_nz]

Thanks for your reply Jane. I want the text in Indesign to appear exactly the same in Acrobat without using the Deafult Value and other text editing properties in Acrobat. But it disappears when it's PDF'd. I would rather not have to recreate the text in Acrobat because it also has precise size and colours from Indesign.

[jane-e · Accepted solution]

Hi

You have two choices:

• If it's a text field you can enter default text from within Acrobat or keep it blank. The text will be enter when the form is filled out.
• If you want it to appear with the formatting and text as you have it, use the convert button to convert back to an InDesign text frame (not a field).

[tearfund_nz]

Thanks. Can you please tell me where the convert button is?

[jane-e]

Hi TF

You can convert a field back to an object by

• The button at the bottom right of the Button panel (highlighted in red)
• Object menu > Interactive > Convert to Object

Jane

[tearfund_nz]

Thanks so much Jane! Have a great day!

[jane-e]

You're welcome, TF, and I hope you have a great day, too! 😊

~ Jane

[Geоrge]

Please mark Jane post as correct answer if it helps to fix your problem. 

[Steve Werner]

Please tell us what operating system (exactly) you're running. What PDF reader are you using to view and edit the form text?

[tearfund_nz]

macOS Mojave 10.14.6.

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

Can you help?

[Grace384270830val]

If I design a form using Indesign and save it as PDF and I want the section written [HOSPITAL NAME] to disappear  when tapped on and the individual handling the form to be able to type in what they want, how do I go about that? (Bear in mind that they have the normal PDF not Pro)

[BobLevine]

You might be able to get away with placeholder text in a form field, but this discussion is more than four years old and I'm going to lock it to avoid any confusion with the original post.

Please start a new one with full details on what you're trying to accomplish, what tools you have at your disposal, and how you plan to distribute this.