Forms in PDF files

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Forms are one of the most common uses of PDF documents. Using form tools and JavaScript you can create dynamic, interactive documents, and create alternatives for writing complex HTML code when hosting forms on web sites. There are seven form tools in Nitro PDF Professional used for creating PDF forms. Each tool offers a number of different settings to control form behavior and appearance.

When a PDF form is opened in Nitro Pro, the Information bar (above the document pane area) appears, notifying the user that the file contains forms fields.

Fill & create forms

Fill in PDF forms
Create & edit PDF forms
Form field controls for PDF
Set PDF form field tab order
Edit, align and space multiple PDF fields
Reuse PDF form field appearance settings
Manage PDF form fields
Show/hide form fields in PDF

Form data

Submit form data in PDF
Import/export PDF form data
Reset PDF form data
Calculate form field data

Forms preferences

The forms preferences give you extra control over how you work with PDF forms. Preferences include:

• Automatically calculate field values. A PDF form containing many complex and interdependent form calculations can affect how well a PDF viewer performs. If you use this kind of form regularly, or know you're about to fill in such a form, consider turning off this preference.
• Highlight form fields. A PDF form can be difficult for people to use as it is not always visibly clear what areas of the file must be filled in. When this preference is turned on, each time a form is opened in Nitro Pro, all form fields will display using the background color specified here. In addition, for form fields that must be filled in, you can specify a different color.
• Double click form field opens. There are two different ways when designing forms to get to the key properties and appearance settings: firstly via the Properties context ribbon, and secondly via the Properties dialog. This preference allows you to choose which method you will use when you double click on a form field to edit it.

To edit form preferences:

• Click the Nitro PDF Button and then click Nitro PDF Preferences.
• Click Forms and update your preferences.
• Click OK.