PDF Editing Issues

How to Automatically Insert the Current Date and Reset a PDF Form in Adobe Acrobat

Phi Hung Vo Nov 3, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user wants to automatically populate a PDF form field with the current date and reset the form fields upon submission.

Automatically Insert the Current Date and Reset an Acrobat Form

Product: Adobe Acrobat
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Submitting a completed PDF form and preparing it for the next entry.
Observed behavior: The user needs the correct sequence of actions to ensure the date is inserted and the form is submitted before the reset command clears the fields.

Before you start

Ensure you are using a fully featured PDF editor that supports JavaScript execution, as basic web browser viewers often block automated form scripts.

Solution 1Recommended

Configure a Button Action with JavaScript and Reset Commands

Set up a submit button with a specific sequence of actions: setting the date, submitting the form, and finally resetting the fields.

When automating a PDF form, the order of actions is crucial. You must apply the date and execute the form submission before the reset command triggers; otherwise, the date will be wiped out before the data is sent.

Open form editing mode

Open your PDF form in edit mode using Adobe Acrobat and prepare your text field for the date.

Add a submit button

Add a Button form field to your document, right-click it, and open its 'Properties' dialog.

Add JavaScript for date

Go to the 'Actions' tab, select 'Mouse Up' as the trigger, choose 'Run a JavaScript', and click 'Add'. Enter the script to insert the date (e.g., this.getField('Date').value = util.printd('mm/dd/yyyy', new Date());).

Add form submission

Still under the 'Actions' tab, add a 'Submit a form' action immediately following the JavaScript action to send the data.

Add form reset

Add a final action for 'Reset a form' to clear the fields, ensuring this action is strictly ordered at the bottom of the actions list.

Testing is Important: Always test your form submission within Acrobat. External browser viewers may restrict form submission behaviors or fail to run the JavaScript properly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't the auto-date script work when opening the PDF in a web browser?

Many web browsers have built-in PDF viewers that disable or do not fully support JavaScript and advanced form actions for security reasons. Users should open the form in dedicated PDF software to ensure scripts run correctly.

Can I choose which fields to reset in my PDF form?

Yes, when you add the 'Reset a form' action in the button properties, a dialog box will appear allowing you to select exactly which fields should be cleared and which should keep their data.

How do I change the date format in the JavaScript code?

You can modify the format string in the util.printd() function. For example, changing 'mm/dd/yyyy' to 'dd-mmm-yyyy' will output dates like '05-Oct-2023'.

PDF Troubleshooting