How to Add Bold and Underline to Acrobat PDF Form Fields
Question details
The user needs to apply specific text formatting, such as bold and underline, to words typed inside a PDF form field.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Filling out or designing a PDF form where certain input text requires emphasis using bold or underlined styling.
- Observed behavior
- To apply rich text formats like bold and underline to specific words or phrases inside a form field rather than plain text.
Ensure you have permission to edit the PDF form. Note that rich-text formatting cannot be used if the form field already has a predefined format, such as Date or Number.
Enable Rich Text Formatting in Acrobat Form Properties
To apply individual text styles like bold and underline within a form field, you first need to enable the rich text property for that specific field.
By default, PDF form fields accept only plain text. Enabling Rich Text Formatting allows users to highlight specific words within the field and change their properties using a floating text-formatting toolbar.
Enter 'Prepare Form' mode in Adobe Acrobat. Right-click the target form field and select 'Properties' from the context menu.
Navigate to the 'Options' tab within the Properties window and check the box for 'Allow Rich Text Formatting'.
Exit Prepare Form mode. Click inside the form field, select the specific text you want to format, and press Ctrl+E (Windows) or Cmd+E (Mac). A floating text-properties toolbar will appear, allowing you to apply bold, underline, and other formats.
Edit and Fill PDF Forms Easily with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a comprehensive PDF toolkit that allows you to easily edit text, fill out interactive forms, and manage your PDF documents with an intuitive interface.
- 1. Open your PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF document containing the form fields.
- 2. Navigate to the Edit tab: Click on 'Edit PDF' from the top ribbon to easily modify existing text and apply bold or underline styles.
- 3. Fill out forms: Simply click on the interactive form fields to enter your text. Use the floating or top toolbar to adjust text properties as needed before saving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I see the text properties toolbar when I press Ctrl+E?
The floating toolbar (Ctrl+E) only appears if you have clicked inside a field that has 'Allow Rich Text Formatting' enabled. Also, make sure you have exited the 'Prepare Form' mode before trying to type and format the text.
Can I make the entire form field bold by default?
Yes, you can set a default text style for the entire field. Open the field Properties, go to the 'Appearance' tab, and select a bold font style from the Font dropdown menu. This does not require rich text to be enabled.
Will my rich text formatting show up when someone else opens the PDF?
Yes, as long as the recipient opens the PDF in a standard viewer that supports rich text rendering, such as Adobe Acrobat, WPS Office, or most modern web browsers, your formatting will be visible.
