How to Export and Import FDF Form Data in Acrobat Reader
Question details
Users need to know how to export and import FDF (Forms Data Format) data using Acrobat Reader, considering its restricted access compared to Acrobat Pro.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Distributing PDF forms to users who only have Acrobat Reader and need them to seamlessly export or import form data.
- Observed behavior
- Acrobat Reader users cannot freely export FDF form data or run privileged scripts by default due to security restrictions, though importing data is generally supported.
Ensure you have access to Adobe Acrobat Pro to set up the necessary document permissions before distributing the PDF form to Acrobat Reader users.
Enable Reader Extended Rights in Acrobat Pro
Assign special permissions to the PDF form before distributing it so that Acrobat Reader users can save and export form data.
Acrobat Reader restricts data export functions by default for security reasons. To allow users to export FDF data, the document author must enable Extended Rights using Acrobat Pro.
Launch Adobe Acrobat Pro and open the PDF form you intend to distribute.
Go to the 'File' menu in the top left corner, select 'Save as Other', and then choose 'Reader Extended PDF'.
Click on 'Enable More Tools (includes form fill-in & save)'. This grants the necessary permissions to Reader users.
Save the newly created file. When users open this file in Acrobat Reader, they will now have the ability to export form data.
Set Up a Controlled Form Submission Button
Use a submit button to collect data automatically, circumventing the need for users to manually export FDF files.
Use WPS Office to Fill and Manage PDF Forms Seamlessly
WPS Office provides robust PDF editing capabilities, allowing users to easily fill out, save, and manage PDF form data without the restrictive permissions required by some other PDF readers.
- 1. Open your PDF form: Launch WPS Office and open your interactive PDF form document.
- 2. Fill in the data: Click directly on the form fields to type in your data. WPS Office automatically recognizes fillable areas.
- 3. Save your completed form: Go to 'Menu' and click 'Save' to preserve all your filled-in data instantly without needing special extended rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an FDF file?
FDF stands for Forms Data Format. It is a lightweight text file format specifically used to export and import data from PDF forms without saving the entire PDF document structure.
Why can't I export form data in Acrobat Reader?
Acrobat Reader restricts data export functions by default to protect document security. The document author must explicitly enable Reader Extended Rights using Acrobat Pro for this feature to work.
Can a JavaScript script bypass Reader restrictions?
No, Reader users cannot freely run privileged JavaScript to export data without proper permissions. A script can only execute advanced functions if it is properly trusted and supported by the Acrobat security model.
