Create a PDF form page in the test record with repeatable fields for voltage, current, frequency, humidity, operator i…
Open Adobe Acrobat and select the Prepare Form tool from the Tools menu.
Best practiceYou can quickly access the Prepare Form tool by searching for it in the Tools search bar.
Choose an existing PDF or scan a document to use as your form background, then select Start to begin editing.
Add form fields such as text fields, checkboxes, radio buttons, or drop-down lists by selecting the appropriate field type and placing it on the form.
Double-click a form field to open its Properties dialog.
To set up calculations, go to the Calculate tab in the Properties dialog, choose a calculation type (e.g., Value is the sum), and select the fields to include in the calculation.
NoteFor custom calculations, select Custom calculation script and enter JavaScript code.
To add field validations, switch to the Validate tab in the Properties dialog, select a format category (such as Number or Date), and set validation rules or custom validation scripts as needed.
Best practiceUse the Validate tab to set range limits or add custom JavaScript for complex validation.
To assign actions, go to the Actions tab in the Properties dialog, select a trigger (such as On Focus or On Blur), choose an action type (like Run a JavaScript), and configure the desired action.
Best practiceCommon actions include showing/hiding fields or displaying messages based on user input.
Repeat steps 4–7 for each field that requires calculations, validations, or actions.
Save the form to preserve your changes.
Best practiceTest your form thoroughly by entering sample data to ensure all calculations, validations, and actions work as intended.
Best practiceBLOGS: If you encounter issues with fields not updating, try closing and reopening the form or using the Clear Form option to reset field states.
You can preview your form in Acrobat by selecting the 'Preview' button to test calculations and validations before distributing.
This runs in the Acrobat app - there is no separate API for this task.
Making PDF forms accessible means everyone can use them, including people with disabilities who use screen readers. If a form is not accessible, these users might not be able to fill it out or understand what each field is for. Accessible forms have proper labels, tooltips, and a logical tab order, which helps all users, not just those with disabilities, to complete the form easily and correctly.
No, you should not use Word's own form tools if you want an accessible PDF form. Word's form fields do not convert well to accessible PDF fields. Instead, start with a well-structured Word document that has no form fields. Then, use Acrobat's 'Prepare a form' tool to add the form fields directly in Acrobat. This way, you can ensure they are set up correctly for accessibility.
| Feature | Text Box | Dropdown List |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Allows users to type any text freely. | Provides a list of predefined options for users to choose from. |
| Input Method | Typing text into an empty field. | Clicking to open a list and selecting one option. |
| Use Case | Entering names, addresses, or open comments. | Selecting a state, country, or a specific answer from a limited set. |
You need to enable 'Reader Extended PDF' if you want people who use the free Adobe Reader to be able to save the form after they fill it out. Without this, Reader users can fill in the form, but they cannot save their changes. This feature makes your form much more useful for a wider audience, as many people only have Adobe Reader.