How to Add a Save Button to an Existing PDF Form
Portable Document Format (PDF) is a file type that is used to convert material created with different programs into a document that is universally viewable by any user with a PDF reading application, such as Adobe Reader. A common use for PDF documents is to post them as interactive forms on websites or as attachments in email. PDF forms may be created using a variety of features, depending on the program used to create them. Many fields may be added to the PDF form, such as a button that allows the user to save the form. You may add a save button to an existing PDF form, with the right program, by following a few steps.
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Instructions
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Use a Commercial PDF Writing Program
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Download a commercial PDF writing application. There are many PDF writing programs available for purchase. Prior to selecting a program, make sure that the one you choose has a form feature that allows you to add an interactive button to existing PDF documents. Adobe Acrobat Pro, which is used in the steps that follow, has an interactive button tool. Because Acrobat Pro is somewhat expensive, try the free trial version that is available from the Adobe website.
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Launch Adobe Acrobat Pro and open the existing PDF form to which you want to add a save button. Select "Open" from the "File" menu to access the "Open" dialogue box. Access the folder in which the existing PDF form is saved using the "Look in" menu. Click once on the file name and once on the "Open" button.
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Select the "Forms" option from the "Tools" menu. This action will generate a list of available forms tools to the right. Click once on the "Button Tool" option. This cursor will change to a plus sign. Click once in the area of the document to which you want to add the save button and drag to an appropriate size while holding down the mouse button. A "Button Properties" box will generate when you release the mouse button.
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Click once on the "Action" tab. Use the "Select Action" menu to select the "Execute a menu item" option. Click once on the "Add" button to launch a list of available menu options. Select the "File>Save As" option and click once on the "OK" button. Click once on the "Options" tab. Type "Save" or "Save As" into the "Label" field to distinguish the button as a save button. Use the other available options to adjust the appearance of the save button. Click once on the "Close" button when you are finished adjusting the save button properties. Remember to save your changes to the form using the "Save" option under the "File" menu.
Use a Free PDF Writing Program
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Download a free PDF writing application. There are several PDF writing programs available for a free download. Prior to selecting a program, make sure that the one you choose has a form feature that allows you to add an interactive button to existing PDF documents. PDFill, which is used in the steps that follow and is available for a free download from the PDFill website, has an interactive button tool.
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Launch "PDFill PDF Editor" and open the existing PDF form to which you want to add a save button. Select "Open existing PDF project" from the "File" menu to access the "Open" dialogue box. Access the folder in which the existing PDF form is saved using the "Look in" menu. Click once on the file name and once on the "Open" button.
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Select the "PDF Action" option from the "Tools" menu. This cursor will change to a plus sign. Click once in the area of the document to which you want to add the save button and drag to an appropriate size while holding down the mouse button. A "Link" box will generate when you release the mouse button.
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Use the "Select Action" menu to select the "Launch Application or Document" option. Type the current file name in the "Application" field. Type "Save" in the "Operation" field. In order to save the PDF form to the user's hard drive, type a universal path into the "DefaultDir" field, such as "C:\Desktop\." If the user does not have this path, he will be prompted to select another folder. Click once on the "OK" button. Click once on the "Add" button to launch a list of available menu options. Select the "File>Save As" option and click once on the "OK" button. You may type "Save" or "Save As" directly onto the button to label it. Remember to save your changes to the form using the "Save" option under the "File" menu.
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