How to Allow Users to Change Font Formatting in a Fillable PDF
Question details
The user wants to create a fillable PDF form that permits end-users to change the font style, size, and color of the text they type into the form fields.
- Product
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating and distributing a printable, fillable PDF form where recipients require text customization capabilities.
- Observed behavior
- By default, form fields lock the user into a specific font format. Form creators need to modify field properties to allow rich text editing for end-users.
Ensure you have a PDF editor capable of modifying interactive form fields, and inform your recipients that they will need a compliant PDF reader to utilize the formatting tools.
Enable Rich Text Formatting in Form Field Properties
By enabling the rich text formatting option within a text field's properties, you grant users the ability to apply custom styles, sizes, and colors to their inputted text.
Standard PDF text fields are set to plain text by default, which restricts formatting to the designer's predefined settings. Activating rich text allows users to bring up a text formatting toolbar when filling out the form.
Open your PDF document in your PDF form editor (such as Adobe Acrobat) and switch to the form creation or editing workspace.
Right-click or double-click the specific text field you want to modify, and select 'Properties' from the context menu.
Navigate to the 'Options' tab within the Text Field Properties dialog box. Check the box labeled 'Allow Rich Text Formatting'.
Close the Properties dialog box and save your PDF document. The field is now ready to accept customized text from users.
Create and Manage Fillable PDF Forms with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a comprehensive, user-friendly suite of PDF tools, allowing you to seamlessly create, edit, and configure fillable PDF forms with advanced formatting capabilities.
- 1. Open your PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office, go to the 'PDF' tab, and open the document you wish to turn into a fillable form.
- 2. Access the Form tools: Navigate to the 'Form' tab on the top ribbon to reveal the interactive form creation and editing tools.
- 3. Add or modify a text field: Click 'Text Field' to draw a new fillable area, or double-click an existing text field to open its settings.
- 4. Adjust properties and save: Modify the field's appearance and text formatting options according to your needs, then save the document for distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't recipients change the font in my fillable PDF?
If the 'Allow Rich Text Formatting' option is not checked in the text field's properties, the field only accepts plain text. It will default to the single pre-set font and size chosen by you when the form was created.
What happens if a user opens the rich-text PDF form in a web browser?
Many built-in web browser PDF viewers (like Chrome or Edge) offer limited form support and do not recognize rich text formatting properties. Users might only be able to enter plain text or may not see the form fields correctly. It is best to advise users to open the form in a dedicated PDF reader.
Can I set a default font size but still allow users to change it?
Yes. In the text field properties, you can select a default font and size under the 'Appearance' tab while simultaneously enabling rich text formatting in the 'Options' tab. This provides a baseline look but permits user overrides.
