How to Enable Saving for Fillable PDF Forms in Acrobat Pro DC
Question details
Users need to share fillable PDF forms created in Acrobat Pro DC so that recipients using older versions of Acrobat Reader can fill them out and save the entered data.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Sharing a fillable PDF form with users who may not have Acrobat Pro or the latest Acrobat Reader.
- Observed behavior
- Recipients using older versions of Acrobat Reader are unable to save the filled-in form data unless the PDF is specifically Reader-enabled.
Ensure you have completed designing all the form fields and layout in your PDF using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, as applying Reader Extended features restricts further structural editing of the document.
Enable Reader Extended Features in Acrobat Pro DC
Apply Reader Extended tools to allow users with older versions of Acrobat Reader to save their filled-in form data.
By default, older versions of Adobe Acrobat Reader only allow users to view and print forms, but not save the typed data. To resolve this, the form creator must enable special usage rights within the document before sharing it.
Launch Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and open the completed fillable PDF form.
Click on 'File' in the top menu bar, then hover over 'Save As Other' to reveal additional saving options.
From the 'Save As Other' submenu, choose 'Reader Extended PDF', and then click on 'Enable More Tools (includes form fill-in & save)'.
Click 'Save Now' when prompted, save this new enabled PDF as a separate file, and distribute this specific version to your recipients.
Create and Fill PDF Forms Easily with WPS Office
WPS Office features a powerful built-in PDF editor that allows you to seamlessly create, edit, fill, and share PDF forms. It bypasses the complexity of extended rights by providing an accessible, all-in-one platform for your document needs.
- 1. Open the WPS PDF Editor: Launch WPS Office and click on 'PDF' to open the dedicated PDF workspace.
- 2. Create or open a document: Open an existing PDF or start a new blank document to build your form.
- 3. Add form fields: Navigate to the 'Form' tab on the ribbon menu to insert interactive elements like text boxes, radio buttons, and checkboxes.
- 4. Save and share: Save your document. Recipients can open it in standard PDF readers to fill out and save their data instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't my recipients save the data they type into the PDF form?
If your recipients are using an older version of Acrobat Reader, they cannot save form data by default. The PDF must have 'Reader Extended' features specifically enabled by the creator in Acrobat Pro DC before sharing.
Can I create a fillable PDF form using the free Acrobat Reader?
No, the free Adobe Acrobat Reader can only be used to view and fill forms. It cannot create or design PDF forms. You need Adobe Acrobat Pro DC or a capable PDF editor like WPS Office to add fillable fields.
Does enabling 'More Tools' change my original PDF document?
Enabling 'More Tools' locks certain structural editing capabilities to preserve the form's integrity. It is highly recommended to 'Save As' and keep a backup of the original, non-extended PDF in case you need to edit the layout or form fields later.
