How to Create Editable Fields in a PDF Document Using Acrobat 8

Use Adobe Acrobat 8 to create editable fields in PDF documents.

Acrobat is a widely used PDF creation and editing application developed by Adobe Systems. It lets users convert documents from nearly any program to PDF format, insert and edit blocks of text, add or remove layout elements, add security and watermark features, and much more. Acrobat also supports the creation of editable fields, such as text boxes, buttons and check boxes. Once you understand where to find the proper menu commands, adding these elements to your PDF document using Acrobat 8 becomes a quick task.

Instructions

1. Open your PDF document in Adobe Acrobat 8.

2. Click "Tools" in the top menu bar and select "Forms."

3. Select the name of your preferred form field type (e.g., Button, List Box, Text Field) from the list of options.

4. Click and hold near the area where you want the field placed.

5. Drag until the field reaches your preferred size, and then release your click.

6. Define the appearance and content of your form field in the resulting "Properties" dialog box. Click the tabs running across the top of the dialog box to view and edit different types of properties (e.g., "Appearance," "Actions"). The exact tab names and options vary, depending on the type of field you selected in Step 3.

7. Click "Close" to confirm the field's properties.

8. Hold your mouse over the newly created form field until the cross-hair cursor turns into a pointer.

9. Click and drag to move the form field to your preferred location, and then release your click. Return to Step 2 if you need to create additional form fields.

References

• Adobe Help: Adobe Acrobat Professional 8, Create Form Fields in Acrobat
• Adobe: Acrobat 8 Tutorial, Configuring Form Fields in Acrobat
• Wake Forest University Libraries: Adobe Acrobat Forms Menu Screen Image