How to Create a Colored Rectangle with Text in a PDF Form
Question details
The user wants to insert a colored rectangle containing text within a PDF form.
- Product
- PDF Editor
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Designing or editing an interactive PDF form and needing to highlight specific textual information with a colored background.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs a reliable method to combine a colored background and text elements seamlessly within a single form field or element.
Ensure you have a PDF editing software installed that supports advanced form creation and property editing, such as Adobe Acrobat or WPS PDF.
Use a Form Text Field with a Background Fill Color
This is the most efficient way to create a colored block of text in a PDF form, as it allows you to easily format the background and text simultaneously.
By utilizing a standard text field and modifying its properties, you can create a seamless colored rectangle that houses your desired text without needing to layer multiple shapes.
Open your PDF document in your PDF editor and navigate to the 'Form' or 'Prepare Form' tab to activate the form editing tools.
Select the 'Add Text Field' tool from the toolbar and drag your cursor on the document to draw a rectangle over your desired area.
Right-click the newly created text field and select 'Properties' from the context menu to open the customization window.
Navigate to the 'Appearance' tab within the Properties window and choose your preferred color from the 'Fill Color' dropdown menu.
Switch to the 'Options' tab, enter your required text in the 'Default Value' box, and adjust the 'Alignment' settings so the text is centered or positioned correctly inside the rectangle.
Combine a Shape Element and a Standard Text Box
If you do not need the element to function as an interactive form field, you can manually layer a text box over a colored rectangle shape.
Easily Create Interactive PDF Forms with WPS PDF
WPS Office features a powerful PDF editor that allows you to seamlessly add text fields, customize background colors, and create interactive forms without the need for expensive software.
- 1. Open PDF in WPS: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF file using the WPS PDF editor.
- 2. Access Form Tools: Navigate to the 'Form' tab on the top ribbon.
- 3. Draw the Field: Click 'Text Field' and drag to draw a rectangle on your document.
- 4. Set Background Color: Right-click the text field, choose 'Properties', and set your desired 'Fill Color' under the Appearance tab.
- 5. Add Text and Save: Enter your default text under the Options tab, adjust alignment, and save your newly formatted PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the colored rectangle read-only so users cannot edit the text?
Yes. In the text field properties, go to the 'General' tab and check the 'Read Only' box. This ensures the colored background and your predefined text remain visible but cannot be altered by users viewing the form.
Why is the text in my colored rectangle aligned to the top left?
By default, text fields align text to the top left corner. To center it, open the text field Properties, go to the 'Options' tab, and change the 'Alignment' dropdown to 'Center'.
Will the colored background print when I print the PDF form?
Usually, yes. However, if it doesn't print, ensure that your print settings are configured to print 'Document and Markups' or 'Document and Stamps', and check that the form field property under the 'General' tab is set to 'Visible'.
Can I use multiple lines of text inside the colored rectangle?
Yes. In the text field Properties under the 'Options' tab, check the 'Multi-line' option. This allows your text to wrap automatically and fill the colored rectangle properly without getting cut off.
