PDF Forms Comparison

Dear LiveCycle Users,
I desperatly need your help on that one... We are using PDF Forms (created using Adobe LiveCycle), these forms are injected with XML Date using LiveCycle servers.
We need to compare to these forms between each other, but the built-in compare tool in Acrobat X does not seem to handle PDF forms comparison.
Do you know how we could proceed to compare the data entered in these forms ?
We even tried using some software to do a Diff comparison on the XML data, but the problem with this scenario is that we cannot find a way to highlight the changes in the PDF form, once reinjected with the XML data (no way to control the formating from the data itsel for all fields e.g. using HTML code...)
Thanks for your help...
Thibault

If it is differences in the data then you will have to use an external tool to do the comparison of the data files. You coudl put some sort of marker in the data node then have code in the form that woudl look in the field for that marker and if present change the background color to indicate that something has changed.
Are you concerned about someone changing the form after it was rendered before the user sees it? Can you elaborate on your use case a bit - specifically what scenario are you trying to guard against?
Paul

Similar Messages

Adobe Acrobat - PDF Forms Comparison

Dear Acrobat Users,
I desperatly need your help on that one... We are using PDF Forms (created using Adobe LiveCycle), these forms are injected with XML Date using LiveCycle servers.
We need to compare to these forms between each other, but the built-in compare tool in Acrobat X does not seem to handle PDF forms comparison.
Do you know how we could proceed to compare the data entered in these forms ?
We even tried using some software to do a Diff comparison on the XML data, but the problem with this scenario is that we cannot find a way to highlight the changes in the PDF form, once reinjected with the XML data (no way to control the formating from the data itsel e.g. using HTML code...)
Thanks for your help...
Thibault

Why not? It's open to everyone here:
http://forums.adobe.com/community/livecycle/livecycle_es/livecycle_designer_es?view=discus sions

PDF forms and how they work with different Reader versions

I'll start this off by giving a little background information and describing a workflow scenario. I work as an InHouse designer for a company that keeps the majority of the employee population always a few versions behind. Fortunately, for us designers they keep us updated, but it doesn't always play nicely when you're saving your PDFs for older versions of Acrobat Reader.
What happens is that I create a form in InDesign, export a PDF, and then create my form fields in Acrobat Pro 9 on a Mac. After saving for version 9 I then take the PDF and test within the Windows environment which our IT is enforcing Acrobat Reader 7. The PDF opens ok and I can fill out the form, but I cannot save. I then open in Acrobat Pro 7 for Windows and then it gives the option to save or make modifications.
My questions really come down to whether or not Reader 7 is doing this because of how old the technology is, or if that would change if our IT would allow Acrobat Reader 8 or 9? Now I've looked at the Acrobat Pro 9 comparison chart and it states "Enable users of Adobe Reader® (version 8 or later) to fill in and save PDF forms locally." Does this mean that we just need version 8 or 9 and then people can save the form? What in version 7 is causing us not to be able to save? Did that change the technology in some way? I'm trying to figure out if we get IT to upgrade users to Reader 9 if this will solve the issue or will they have to install Acrobat Standard/Pro 9 to save a PDF form?
What other selling points could we make to our IT department that using Reader 9 is a lot better than using Reader 7? Any technology benefits, security or functions?
Thanks

~graffiti wrote:
No version of Reader can save a filled in form unless it has been enabled first.
To enable, open the file in Acrobat then go to Advanced>Enable usage rights in Adobe Reader...
And for my standard disclaimer, if you are going to use the forms in a corporate environment, be sure to study and understand the usage limits for enabled forms (the limit is 500 uses, but there are caveats to that) in the EULA. Mostly the enabled forms are meant for very small time users. If you do not meet that requirement, Adobe sells another product that can enable files for unlimited uses but it costs in the tens of thousands of dollars and is a server side solution.
Hey Graffii,
I enabled the usage rights and that did help with saving in Reader 7. I am a little concerned about the limit of 500 uses. Let me try and understand you a little better. I have a PDF that has a couple form fields and you're saying that the PDF can only be opened 500 times? I've never heard of restrictions on PDFs before. Does this happen after you place just 1 form field? How do I find out more information? I looked in the EULA, but found nothing.
Also, what does Adobe mean here "Enable users of Adobe Reader® (version 8 or later) to fill in and save PDF forms locally." Are they saying that you need Reader 8 or later to read a form or that you need Acrobat Pro 8 or later to enable the form feature?
It's all very confusing because one of the features they tout in version 9 is the ability to save forms locally, but once I enable the form I could save it with Reader 7. It's hard to tell if they are referring to Reader 9 or Acrobat Pro 9.
Thanks

Need documents related to PDF forms

Hi all,
Please provide me documents related to :
1) what is PDF forms.
2) advantages of PDF forms
3) Comparison between PDF & Smartforms or sap scripts.
4) or any other info refarding PDF forms
Thanks

Hi,
SAP Interactive Forms by Adobe in the Guided Procedures Environment
https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/java?rid=/webcontent/uuid/f057d803-3c53-2910-db92-a6a2f1cc7334
Guided Procedures Functions and Features
https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/go/portal/prtroot/docs/library/uuid/d261b611-0b01-0010-7781-acb929f30163
Guided Procedures Overview
https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/go/portal/prtroot/docs/library/uuid/a553bb11-0b01-0010-23ad-a3dc74e77e39
Task-Oriented Support for Your Department's Informal Processes - Without Calling on IT
https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/go/portal/prtroot/docs/library/uuid/b866ae10-0b01-0010-cc85-e6c886cbfa84
Getting Up to Speed on Guided Procedures, Part I
https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/go/portal/prtroot/docs/media/uuid/49a605f0-0a01-0010-68aa-ebb5dfdce852
Getting Up to Speed on Guided Procedures, Part II
https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/go/portal/prtroot/docs/media/uuid/1ffe06f0-0a01-0010-60a7-a2593e1862f3
http://help.sap.com/SAPHELP_NW04S/helpdata/EN/33/198141f906040de10000000a1550b0/content.htm
https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/go/portal/prtroot/docs/library/uuid/a553bb11-0b01-0010-23ad-a3dc74e77e39
https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/java?rid=/webcontent/uuid/f057d803-3c53-2910-db92-a6a2f1cc7334
Wiki
https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/wiki?path=/display/bpx/guidedProceduresGetting+Started
https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/wiki?path=/display/bpx/guidedProcedureGeneral+questions
https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/wiki?path=/display/bpx/guidedProceduresProcess+Examples
https://www.sdn.sap.com/irj/sdn/wiki?path=/display/emtech/adobeformsinGuidedprocedures
https://wiki.sdn.sap.com/wiki/display/EmTech/AdobeinteractiveformsinwebDynpro+JAVA
https://wiki.sdn.sap.com/wiki/display/BPX/TheuseofInteractiveFormsinGP
Useful blogs
A Tale of Two Brothers: Guided Procedures and the SAP NetWeaver BPM Product
The specified item was not found.
Usage guide for creating Guided Procedures
Usage guide for creating Guided Procedures
Galaxy, Universal Worklist, Guided Procedures Connector, and Dr. Bruce
Galaxy, Universal Worklist, Guided Procedures Connector, and Dr. Bruce
Regards,
Arafat

Obtaining information from customers by PDF forms

The organisation I work for is considering designing an electronic interactive PDF form using Adobe Acrobat X Standard. We would like to upload the form to our website from which users could download the form to their PCs.
Obviously, the target audience would include non-technical users so we would like to make the process as simple and intuitive as possible. Therefore, we would like to instruct them to download the form and save it on their PC, fill it in, save the filled in form with a different name and then send it back to us. I know that for a user of Adobe Reader XI all of it would now be possible. I understand that Adobe Reader is a free software but I would like to reassure – are we allowed to implement the above, i.e. build a fillable PDF form, upload it to our website, distribute it by allowing people downloading it and collect information from our customers by obtaining filled in forms by e-mail? Are there any restrictions such as the number of filled in forms received?
We would also like to make sure that this solution is not limited to users of Adobe Reader 11 only but is available to people using older versions of the Reader. I’ve come across some guidance on the following webpage: http://helpx.adobe.com/x-productkb/multi/fill-out-pdf-form-or.html but I would like to ask for some clarification. Does it mean that by saving the PDF form in Acrobat as Reader Extended PDF and selecting Enable Forms Fill-In & Save in Adobe Reader would enable those using older versions of the Adobe Reader to fill in and save changes to the form? Are there any restrictions in this case? Any advice would be appreciated.

It's not a realistic option as you will be limited to 500 responses unless you buy a LiveCycle enterprise server package.
You can't apply extended rights to a PDF form (so that users of Adobe Reader X or earlier can save the filled-in data) in Acrobat Standard - that's a Pro feature.
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/product-comparison.html

Yesterday, as today's deadline for filing tax returns approached, I was paralyzed by the inability to create new IRS PDF forms and to retrieve archived ones from a year ago. My computer went crazy. 24 hours later, I am still paralyzed. Can you help?

My computer went crazy yesterday on two occasions involving PDF documents. One dealt with attachments to an email from a bona fide corporation. The other dealt with IRS PDF forms & schedules needed for today's submission.
As both dealt with PDF and had nothing else in common, I suspected my PC had a virus. When I asked a local store technician, he agreed. I turned to Norton, which protects my PC from viruses, and after a few hours of really thorough searching, the computer was found to have no viruses.
Before describing what I call "crazy" computer behavior, you need to know that I have long had IE8 as my default browser but a few weeks ago switched to Mozilla Firefox because IE8 had beome incompatible with some websites from which I get information.
When I received the email from AT&T email service and clicked the first of four icons representing attachments, there was figuratively an explosion on my monitor: a series of new tabs, each called New Tab, burst onto the monitor--but no text or picture. The new tabs appeared faster than I coul kill them. I finally decided just to shut down the computer, hoping they would not reappear when I restarted. I was wrong. After 2 repeats, I decided to forget about the attachments and asked the sender to send them to me by regular mail.
That was no solution for my IRS PDFs. I wanted to complete filling in the various forms and schedules that I had begun months ago so that I could mail them today to the IRS (without having to copy them all in ink). When I tried to open the first one, BOOM. The same thing happened: the blizzard of New Tabs atop blank pages; my IRS form or schedule did not show up. Did the same shutdown/restart routine with the same results.
When I looked at the list of current forms that had to be completed, I noticed something very strange: the icons that began the listing of the documents' names were replaced one by one by Mozilla icons. When I moused over them, they said Firefox HTML. Why?
Starting the day today, I had the same experience. What's more, when I started to retrieve 2012 IRS PDFs from a year ago, the same New Tab tabs appeared and had to be killed, and Mozilla icons replaced whatever icon was there before.
Assuming that the problem arose with Adobe Reader's reading of the PDFs, I contacted Adobe but got no helpful phone number because PDFs are a free service and was directed to use this Forum to get help.
What do I have to do to (a) read and use PDFs in the normal way and (b) remove the Mozilla icon from those that have appeared on icon documents. If Mozilla is the source of the problem, shall I go back to IE8? (In my 80s, I want eventually to replace my old computer but for the time being I must continue using it. It will not take an IE9. Anther possible default browser would be Google Chrome, but I have unfavorable impressions of it because of its intrusiveness, loading my PC with stuff I do not need.
Can you help?

The problem is absolutely not Reader. The problem is that FireFox has stepped in front of Reader and handles all the PDF stuff - wrongly in your case. FireFox is DESIGNED to take over PDF files. But it is not capable of doing IRS forms!
To start with go back to IE for these forms. When you save them to disk DO NOT DOUBLE CLICK ON THEM until this is fixed. Just open the in the normal way - start Adobe Reader and use Open from the File menu.

Is there a way to create a PDF form that ANYONE can fill out and SAVE with their content?

Is there a way to create a PDF form that ANYONE can fill out and SAVE with their content? By anyone, I mean someone who can download and use the free Adobe Reader, on either a Mac or PC. I have Acrobat Pro, and would like to be able to create forms that can not only be filled out and printed, but saved and emailed, which is not an option with the forms I have created to date. They can be filled out, but not saved, with Adobe Reader.
TIA,
Nancy

To do what Dave indicated you need to do, it depends on what version of Acrobat you have:
Acrobat 8: Advanced > Enable Usage Rights in Adobe Reader
Acrobat 9: Advanced > Extend Features in Adobe Reader
Acrobat 10: File > Save As > Reader Extended PDF > Enable Additional Features
Acrobat 11: File > Save as Other > Reader Extended PDF > Enable More Tools (includes form fill-in & save)
I wonder what it will be next time?

I am working in Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro and just created a pdf form from a MS Word document. I need to find out how to have a date field in my form which will update automatically. Can some one out there help me?

I am working in Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro and just created a pdf form from a MS Word document. I need to find out how to have a date field in my form which will update automatically.

Update automatically under which circumstances, exactly?

I have created a PDF form with field but for some reason I cant type in them

I have created a PDF form with field but for some reason I cant type in them

May be that the text fields are read-only.

I have created a PDF form with multiple drop downs, all with the same drop down values. When I select a value from 1 of the drop down fields, it replicates in all of the others - which I do not want. How can I fix this?

I have created a PDF form with multiple drop downs, all with the same drop down values. When I select a value from 1 of the drop down fields, it replicates in all of the others - which I do not want. Can I fix this?

I'm fairly new to this, but I think it has to do with the way you have the drop downs named. Did you copy one then keep pasting it in each field? If so, that is the problem. You should rename each one with a different number: Dropdown1, Dropdown2, etc. I think that might solve the issue.

Published pdf form is unable to connect with database

Hi Guys!
I have created a PDF form using Adobe Live Cycle Designer which have some text fields namely RECORD and NAME. I have connected this form with a Database. When I enter a record in the RECORD number field the NAME field of this form has been populated with the help of XFA Script which is written on the exit event of the RECORD text field. When we publish this form, a new interactive PDF is created which works fine and populates the NAME field from the an SQL database but when I access this PDF form (which is located on a shared location) from some another location (not on the same machine where i designed this form) it is unable to connect to the database and does not work as expected.
I think there is some thing i am missing for the database connectivity.
If any body on this forum can help me out.
thanks
Here is the Script for the above form which i used to populate the NAME FIELD on the basis of enetered RECORD number.
----- Document.Page1.txt_MRN::exit: - (JavaScript, client) -----------------------------------------
/* This dropdown list object will populate two columns with data from a data connection.
sDataConnectionName - name of the data connection to get the data from. Note the data connection will appear in the Data View.
sColHiddenValue - this is the hidden value column of the dropdown. Specify the table column name used for populating.
sColDisplayText - this is the display text column of the dropdown. Specify the table column name used for populating.
These variables must be assigned for this script to run correctly. Replace <value> with the correct value.
var sDataConnectionName = "DataSource"; // example - var sDataConnectionName = "MyDataConnection";
var sColHiddenValue = "RecordNum";   // example - var sColHiddenValue = "MyIndexValue";
var sColDisplayText = "Name";   // example - var sColDisplayText = "MyDescription"
// Search for sourceSet node which matchs the DataConnection name
var nIndex = 0;
while(xfa.sourceSet.nodes.item(nIndex).name != sDataConnectionName)
nIndex++;
//var oDB = xfa.sourceSet.nodes.item(nIndex);
var oDB = xfa.sourceSet.nodes.item(nIndex).clone(1);
oDB.open();
oDB.first();
// Search node with the class name "command"
var nDBIndex = 0;
while(oDB.nodes.item(nDBIndex).className != "command")
nDBIndex++;
// Backup the original settings before assigning BOF and EOF to stay
var sBOFBackup = oDB.nodes.item(nDBIndex).query.recordSet.getAttribute("bofAction");
var sEOFBackup = oDB.nodes.item(nDBIndex).query.recordSet.getAttribute("eofAction");
oDB.nodes.item(nDBIndex).query.recordSet.setAttribute("stayBOF", "bofAction");
oDB.nodes.item(nDBIndex).query.recordSet.setAttribute("stayEOF", "eofAction");
// Clear the list
this.clearItems();
// Search for the record node with the matching Data Connection name
nIndex = 0;
while(xfa.record.nodes.item(nIndex).name != sDataConnectionName)
nIndex++;
var oRecord = xfa.record.nodes.item(nIndex);
// Find the value node
var oValueNode   = null;
var oTextNode   = null;
var sRecordNum = $.rawValue;
for(var nColIndex = 0; nColIndex < oRecord.nodes.length; nColIndex++)
if(oRecord.nodes.item(nColIndex).name == sColHiddenValue)
oValueNode = oRecord.nodes.item(nColIndex);
else if(oRecord.nodes.item(nColIndex).name == sColDisplayText)
oTextNode = oRecord.nodes.item(nColIndex);
var found= 0;
while(!oDB.isEOF())
if (oValueNode.value== sRecordNum)
txt_FirstName.rawValue = oTextNode.value;
txt_LastName.rawValue = oTextNode.value;
found = 1;
break;
//this.addItem(oTextNode.value, oValueNode.value);
   oDB.next();
   if (found == 0)
    txt_FirstName.rawValue = "";
    txt_LastName.rawValue = "";
// Restore the original settings
oDB.nodes.item(nDBIndex).query.recordSet.setAttribute(sBOFBackup, "bofAction");
oDB.nodes.item(nDBIndex).query.recordSet.setAttribute(sEOFBackup, "eofAction");
// Close connection
oDB.close();

Finally achived the database connectivity for the published pdf form developed in the Adobe LiveCycle Designer 8.0.
There must be the same driver version of the DSN on both machines. The machine which published the form and the one accessing it.
Use the Admin account to add the DSN on both machines.
Get rid of the error: Connection for Source "DataConnectionName" failed because the environment is not trusted.
Thanks
AbdulHafeez

Is there any part of a PDF Form that is ignored when digitally signing?

I'm building a simplified workflow process using PDF forms. Users would add a Submit button to a form that posted to an internal web service, which would add the forms to an internal document system for further processing.
Part of the process involves subsequent users in the workflow opening the forms and adding additional signatures, then submitted them back into the system.
I'm trying to find a way to identify PDF forms that have already been submitted vs. new forms that have not been seen before. I'd like to add an internal identifier (flag, ID value, something) to the PDF the first time we see it. But, I need to make sure not to invalidate the existing signatures. I don't want to change any of the form fields, or the visual content, or any other user-facing aspect of the PDF itself; I'm looking more for, say, a custom property, or new keyword, or something.
Is there any portion of a PDF that does not get considered as "part" of the form when applying and validating the digital signatures?

Yeah I kinda figured that... Really too bad. Seems lke it should be possible somehow. Anyway, do you all have any suggestions about the best way to combine a static form that is really just text fields and such (that comments and markup tools can be used in) with another page that is sections of narrative that would need to be able to flow?
Or better yet, a way to draw lines on to a form without using the comment and markup function?
I like your idea about connecting two forms - but I need to keep the final product as simple as possible. Once the user fills it out, they would be to be able to submit it and it show up as one file, even if that is just a flat file. I don't expect you all to tell me how to do this, but it would be nice to know its possible before I commit to the project and research. Thanks in advance.

Send PDF form to e-mail as attachment with a PHP script on the server

Hi,
For several days I've been searching though the internet looking for a solution, a quite simple one in my opinion, but I got a little desperate not getting any result I want.
Okay. The Situation.
I have a PDF form to order sandwiches and drinks.
The PDF has serveral area's and columns where customers fill in the amount of the products they would like to order.
At a position of a field, the kitchen can almost blindly see what products a customer ordered.
Therefore, when someone fills in the form, I want to send the filled PDF by e-mail to the kitchen's e-mail adress. And important: the PDF in the kitchen's mailbox should be completely identical to the form the customer filled in.
So, I have an Order button in my form. I set the action as 'Submit a form'.
In the settings under 'Enter a URL for this link' I used just some PHP mailer script I also use on my website contact form.
IF I check 'HTML' under 'Export Format' the PHP mailer works fine. I receive an HTML e-mail listed the ordered products.
BUT
I do want the original filled PDF in my mailbox instead of an HTML e-mail.
So, for 'Export Format' I checked 'PDF The Complete Document'.
But then my PHP mailer script doesn't work anymore.
It gives errors like 'no valid e-mail adres' , etcetera etcetera.
Who has a solution?
Who has a working standard PHP script for me what just sends the kitchen an empty mail with the original PDF as attachment?!
There is no need to use any database or other more complex functionality. Just mail the filled PDF.

You can submit whole PDF format as long as you enable usage rights on the PDF.
Normally Adobe Reader users can only submit the data, XFDF, FDF, XDP, XML.
To enable usage rights on the PDF you will need to use Adobe Acrobat Std/Pro.
As for the PHP Script; it depends on your PHP web server capabilities.
The script will be slightly different, if the server uses PHP Mail or PHP PEAR.
Just attach the submission to an email and send.
If the client is submitting the form from a standalone pdf reader app, you can also respond with a success or failure FDF \status message; otherwise, you can redirect to a success / failure URL.
For more information and online examples:
http://www.pdfemail.net/examples/

My submit button on my PDF form is greyed out (will not work) after posting link to PDF on my WordPress website. It works in Acrobat Reader just fine.

This is where you can see the form as clicked through to from the WordPress website page:
http://pinetreeplayers.com/ptp_new/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/submit-a-play.pdf
The PDF file was created in Acrobat 11, with a submit button. The submit button is actioned to send the form via email. It works perfectly by itself if the form is opened in Acrobat Reader, but once I upload the PDF to my WordPress site the submit button is greyed out, and will not complete the action to send on-click.
How can I fix this please - can anyone offer advice?

Yes. They need to download Reader and then disable Google Chrome's internal PDF viewer and enable Adobe Reader.
FireFox should also be configured to use Adobe Reader and not the internal PDF viewer.
The internal viewers are created to process PDF documents by not including the features and code to process PDF forms.

PDF form text fields' options change when opened in READER on a MAC.

I created a PDF form using Adobe X PRO. All fields are UNCHECKED for Property/Options/ "scroll long text". I save and distribute the form as a "reader extended pdf/enable additional features" so it can be saved and returned using READER.
When a Mac user opens the extended form in Adobe READER, ALL the text fields change to scroll. When he returns the completed form to me, every text field, even signature and date fields, are changed to scroll text.
What is happening in the transition from PC to MAC?

Preview is the default PDF viewer on the Mac. It should never be used with PDF forms. Just let them know that they should use Adobe Reader. Provide a link or URL where it can be downloaded and let them know that it's free.
There are things you can do so that it doesn't work in Preview, but it involves some scripting. If interested in this approach, post again.

PDF Forms Comparison

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