How do I export form data from my Playbook Acknowledgements form?

Open your Playbook Acknowledgements form in Acrobat. Go to the 'Options' menu. Select 'Export data'. Choose the file type (FDF, XML, or CSV) and save your data.

What is the difference between an editable form and a flattened form?

An editable form has interactive fields where users can type information, click buttons, and use JavaScript. A flattened form has had these interactive elements removed. The information typed into the fields becomes fixed text on the page, and you cannot edit it as a field anymore. Flattening is a one-way process, so always keep an editable copy.

If I edit an XFA form using a workaround, what happens to its fields?

If you edit an XFA form using a workaround, the form will flatten. This means all the fields, layers, buttons, and JavaScript in the XFA form will be lost. The interactive elements become fixed text, and you cannot edit them as fields again. It's important to know this before using any workarounds.

Why would I want to flatten a PDF form after collecting all acknowledgements?

You might flatten a PDF form after collecting acknowledgements to make the document permanent and unchangeable. Once flattened, the acknowledgement text becomes part of the page content, preventing accidental edits or changes to the responses. This is useful for archiving or sharing final, signed documents where you don't want any further interaction.

Can I get my interactive form fields back after I flatten a form?

No, once you flatten a form, the fields cannot be edited as fields again. Flattening is a one-way process. The interactive fields are removed, and their values become fixed text on the page. Always keep an original, unflattened copy if you need to make future edits to the fields.

◆ Acrobat · fill

Merge data from multiple filled forms into one file

I have a revised sales playbook that every field rep must acknowledge by [deadline=Friday] so we can measure adoption …

3ready prompts

1real task

3roles

See the prompt↓More fill workflows

When to use it

real situations

A teacher wants to combine student feedback forms into one report.
An office worker needs all job application forms in a single file.
A club leader wants to merge event sign-up forms for easy review.

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Please merge these filled forms into one file: [list files]…+

Please merge these filled forms into one file: [insert file names or upload forms here].

when the reply comes backWould you like a summary of the merged data?

BImprove — “do it better”Can you organize the merged form data by [criteria]…+

Can you organize the merged form data by [date, name, or other criteria] after merging?

when the reply comes backNeed help checking for duplicate entries?

CDecide — “help me choose”Should I merge my forms as PDF or spreadsheet?…+

Should I merge my filled forms as a PDF file or convert them into a spreadsheet? Which is better for [my purpose]?

when the reply comes backWant to share the merged file with someone?

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open your PDF file in Adobe Acrobat.
2
Go to the File menu and select Save As Other.
3
Choose Reduced Size PDF from the submenu.
4
Select the desired compatibility option in the dialog that appears.
CautionChoosing a lower compatibility may prevent older PDF viewers from opening the file.
5
Click OK to proceed.
6
Enter a new file name and location if prompted, then click Save.
Best practiceFor best results, always save the reduced file as a new copy to preserve your original PDF.

In the appWith the API

You can quickly reduce the file size of your PDF using the 'Save as Other' option in the File menu.

This runs in the Acrobat app - there is no separate API for this task.

Glossary

words on this page

MergeTo put several separate files together into one single file.ExampleYou merge three separate monthly reports into one single annual report file.

FormA document people fill out to give information.ExampleYou need to fill out this application form with your personal details and submit it.

FileA digital document stored on a computer.ExampleYou open the 'MeetingNotes.docx' file to review what was discussed last week.

Who does this

3 roles

Office AdministratorLegal AssistantProject Manager

FAQ

about this task

In Adobe Acrobat, you can use the 'Combine Files' tool to join several filled forms into one file. This is helpful if you want to keep all responses together. Make sure your forms are saved and then follow the steps to combine them.

Merging forms means putting all the forms into one file, while exporting form data means saving only the answers from the forms, often into a spreadsheet. Choose merging if you want the forms together, or exporting if you just need the information.

A student might need to merge filled forms to organize survey results, collect feedback from classmates, or submit several assignments in one file for easy review by a teacher.

Yes, you can edit the merged file in Adobe Acrobat, but some changes might be limited depending on how the forms were created. You can usually add comments, highlight text, or fill in any empty fields.

It depends on what you need. Merging as PDFs keeps the original look of the forms, which is good for printing or sharing. Exporting to a spreadsheet is better if you want to analyze or compare the answers easily.