Interactive forms

[bterry302]

Is there a way to create an interactive form that a user can use without InDesign and they can add pictures to the form in areas makred by place holders and then draw on the pictures.

With or without coding is ok

[Barb Binder]

You could create the beginning of a form in InDesign, but you will need to complete it in Adobe Acrobat. Users could add images (requires Javascript) and they could use the mark-up tools for rudimentary drawing.

For more details, please ask here: PDF Forms .

~Barb

[bterry302]

Thank you. Do your happen to know the JavaScript or where I can find it?

Sent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy S8.

[BobLevine]

Ask in the Acrobat forum but be aware that much of this will only be supported in Acrobat or Reader. Third part plugins and mobile devices will be nothing short of a crapshoot. If you can’t control the reader app, don’t bother with this.

[Derek Cross]

You didn't use to be able to allow the end-user to be able to add images to a form (well there was a hack using a button but it wasn't easy for the end user to use), has this feature been added in the latest version of Acrobat?

[bterry302]

Hello Derek,You can do it now while your building a form in acrobat. You basically add a picture placeholder. Then when the reader user clicks the holder it pulls up a file browser and let's them add a picture. 

Sent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy S8.

[bterry302]

Bob or Barb,

Do either if you know a different part if the suit that I can use to achieve this? I asked in acrobat and someone locked my feed.

[BobLevine]

Without telling us exactly how it’s going to be used it’s very difficult to give you any better information than we already provided.

[bterry302]

I am trying to create a form to fill out inspection reports off of. The user needs to be able to write in the form mostly but then add pictures from their computer and draw on them. Then print it out or save it as a PDF. The user will only have access to reader not InDesign or Acrobat. 

I have the form already made in acrobat but you can only draw on it if you have acrobat. If I have to make it a website I guess I can do that but I am trying to make it easier on me. It doesn't seem like a crazy request and seems like with the right JavaScript coding it could be possible. I don't care what software in Adobe suit I have to use either. So if you know anyway this is possible in Adobe suit that would be really helpful. Thanks

Sent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy S8.

[Barb Binder]

Hi bterry302 :

I just read through your thread from yesterday. The folks commenting on the thread are the experts on this topic, and they gave you the definitive answer using a PDF.  The best you can do with InDesign is start the design of the PDF form, but it won't take you where you want to go, so it's time to look for another solution that doesn't include InDesign or Acrobat.

I'm sorry that don't have any suggestions for you as to where to look.

~Barb

[bterry302]

That's cool. Thanks for your help. 

Sent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy S8.

[bterry302]

I think I found a video about InDesign that may work using JavaScript. 

Sent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy S8.

[bterry302]

Hey Barb,Respectfully though you never know. Maybe someone will come up with a creative way to do it just like how you used to have to use JavaScript to add a picture place holder in the first place. I am just looking for someone to think outside the box a little bit. I am sure you a know way more then me but I figure if I can get an expert like yourself to get creative I have a good chance of finding a solution. 

Sent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy S8.

[Barb Binder]

My expertise is on long document design using InDesign and FrameMaker and the following applications as they support that workflow: Photoshop, Illustrator and Acrobat. I don't have any expertise in Javascript so while I'd like to be able to help you, I won't be able to.

~Barb

[bterry302]

Hello Barb,Thank you for your help. Enjoy your weekend. Ben

Sent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy S8.

[BobLevine]

Again, I cannot stress how important it is to note that anything anyone comes up with in the Acrobat forum is going to be limited to Acrobat/Reader on desktops! There are ton of third party readers out there and most of the are garbage when it comes to interactive PDF.

I wrote this more than two years ago and I stand by it. https://www.boblevine.us/its-okay-to-say-no-to-interactive-pdf/

[bterry302]

Thanks for letting me know. Does that mean that if I use JavaScript in a form only people in reader can use the form or it's a gamble depending on the reader?

Sent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy S8.

[BobLevine · Accepted solution]

Anything but Reader or Acrobat on a desktop is a total crapshoot. Mobile will be even more difficult than desktop.

What you really need for complete reliability is an app.

[bterry302]

To build one or do you know of one? 

Sent from my Sprint Samsung Galaxy S8.

[BobLevine]

You’d need to hire someone to build it.

Not sure it’s worth the trouble or the expense. Only you can decide.

[bterry302]

How much would you charge for that? or is that more of a Fiverr thing? do you know any other place to look?