Features of PDF Forms

While the vast majority of PDF files are intended for viewing and printing, PDF is a superb environment for dynamic data display, collection and manipulation.

What PDF forms can do:

  • Take existing paper or electronic forms and make them fillable.
  • Retaining the exact look and feel of your original form or allow you to easily move forward with a new, current design.
  • Data Validation including data formats (i.e. phone numbers, social security numbers, etc.) and required fields.
  • Control User Entry by providing selections in drop down boxes and filtering the options based on previous selections.
  • Allow users to return completed forms and data via email or submission to a server.
  • Apply custom buttons for printing, resetting, submission and other functions.
  • Perform calculations from simple sums to complex custom formulas and display the results.
  • Collect large amounts of data using a dynamic, single page front end.
  • Implement pop-up dialogs to facilitate data entry on complex forms.
  • Use PDF fields and annotations for dynamic graphics displays such as line/bar graphs, flow charts, dynamic tables, etc.

Automate and Manage Data Entry

Drop down fields may be used to filter other fields so that only options applicable to the user’s selection are available to be filled.  In this instance Bed/Bath combinations, options and rental terms available are set based upon the unit type selection and once final selections are made the rates are loaded automatically.

Drop Down Menu IllustrationForm Automation Illustration

Calculations

Data entered into the fillable fields is calculated and the results formatted for clarity:

Calculations in Forms Illustration

Custom Buttons

Custom buttons can be used to submit to a specific server, print a required page range or any custom function available in Adobe Reader.

Button Illustration

Easier Data Entry for Complex Forms

A JavaScript dialog can make data entry easy, without forcing the user to skip around the printed page. This works well on forms with small fields and text where data is hard to see or clicking check boxes correctly might be difficult. Using fillable PDF forms ensures that entered data is always legible.

Forms - Javascript Popup Screenshot

Dynamic Graphics

Bar and line graphs can be used to make comparisons among sets of user entered data or to compare user data to a stored average value.

Bar Line Graph Illustration