Can You Print Form Fields Only in Acrobat Reader for iOS?
Question details
The user wants to know if it is possible to print only the filled data from form fields without printing the background PDF document using Acrobat Reader on an iOS device.
- Product
- Acrobat Reader
- Device & OS
- iOS
- Scenario
- Attempting to print filled form data onto a pre-printed physical form using an iPhone or iPad.
- Observed behavior
- The Acrobat Reader app for iOS lacks the 'Print form fields only' option available in desktop versions, forcing the entire document to be printed.
Ensure your completed PDF form is saved on your iOS device or synced to a cloud storage service so it can be easily transferred to a desktop computer if needed.
Use Desktop Acrobat to Print Only Form Fields
Since iOS does not support printing only form fields, you must transfer your document to a Mac or Windows computer, where the desktop version of Acrobat supports this specific print setting.
Mobile PDF applications generally rely on the native iOS AirPrint framework, which flattens the document and prints the entire visible page. To isolate form fields for printing on pre-printed paper, desktop software is required.
On your iOS device, save your completed PDF form to a cloud service like iCloud, Google Drive, or OneDrive.
Access the cloud storage on your Windows or Mac computer and open the PDF file using Adobe Acrobat.
Go to 'File' in the top menu bar and select 'Print' to open the print dialog box.
In the Print dialog, locate the 'Comments & Forms' section and select 'Form Fields Only' from the dropdown menu, then click 'Print'.
Print the Entire Completed PDF Form on iOS
If you do not have access to a desktop computer and need a physical copy immediately, your only option on iOS is to print the entire document, including the background and the filled fields.
Use WPS Office to Manage and Print PDF Forms
WPS Office offers a comprehensive suite of PDF tools across both desktop and mobile devices. By using WPS Office on your PC, you can easily manage, fill, and print your PDF forms with advanced settings that bypass standard mobile limitations.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Install WPS Office on your Windows or Mac computer.
- 2. Open your PDF form: Launch the WPS PDF tool and open your filled PDF document.
- 3. Access advanced print settings: Click on the 'Print' icon or press Ctrl+P to open the comprehensive print settings menu.
- 4. Print your document: Configure your preferred print parameters and click 'Print' to output your document exactly as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I print only the form fields on Acrobat Reader for iOS?
The mobile version of Acrobat Reader is streamlined for touch interfaces and relies on the native iOS printing system (AirPrint). It does not include all the advanced print spooling settings found in the desktop version, such as separating form field layers from the background.
Can I export just the form data on an iPhone or iPad?
Generally, exporting only the raw form data (such as an FDF or XML file) requires full desktop PDF software. On iOS, you are currently limited to saving, flattening, or sharing the entire completed PDF.
Are there any iOS apps that support printing only the form fields?
Most standard PDF viewers and editors on iOS use the same underlying print architecture, which processes the document as a single image or flattened file for the printer. You will typically need to move the file to a desktop OS for granular printing control.
How do I easily share my filled PDF from my iPhone to my computer?
You can use cloud storage services like iCloud Drive, Google Drive, or Dropbox. Alternatively, you can use Apple's AirDrop feature if transferring to a Mac, or simply email the PDF to yourself to open on your desktop.
