How to Fix Text Typing Backward in an Acrobat PDF Form Field
Question details
The user needs to correct an issue where text appears to type backward when entering information into a PDF form field.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Filling out or editing an interactive PDF form.
- Observed behavior
- Text entered into specific PDF form text fields types in the reverse direction, likely due to incorrect field rotation or right-to-left language settings.
Ensure you have editing permissions for the PDF document, as you cannot modify form field properties in a restricted or read-only file.
Adjust Text Field Orientation in Acrobat Form Properties
Fix the backward text issue by resetting the text field's orientation to 0 degrees using the Prepare Form tool.
This issue is most commonly caused by a text field that was accidentally rotated during the form creation process. Resetting the orientation will restore normal left-to-right typing behavior.
Open the PDF document in Adobe Acrobat DC. Navigate to the 'Tools' menu at the top and select 'Prepare Form'.
Locate the affected text field where the text types backward and double-click it to open the 'Properties' dialog box.
Go to the 'General' tab within the Properties window and change the 'Orientation' setting to '0 degrees'.
Close the properties window, test the text field by typing into it, and save your document once the issue is resolved.
Request an Updated Form from the Author
If you do not have permission to edit the PDF form, you must ask the creator to fix the field settings.
Fix and Fill PDF Forms Smoothly with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a comprehensive PDF editor that allows you to easily fill, edit, and manage PDF forms. You can adjust text fields, correct formatting issues, and ensure your documents are perfectly organized without the hassle.
- 1. Open PDF in WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open your problematic PDF form using the WPS PDF Editor.
- 2. Access Form Tools: Navigate to the 'Form' tab on the top ribbon to access the interactive form editing tools.
- 3. Edit Field Properties: Click on the text field that is typing backward, right-click to access its properties, and correct the text orientation or alignment settings.
- 4. Save and Fill: Exit the form editing mode, verify the text types correctly from left to right, and save your updated document.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my text typing backward in a PDF?
This typically occurs when the text field's orientation is accidentally set to 180 degrees during form creation, or if the document mistakenly uses right-to-left language alignment settings.
Can I fix the backward typing issue without Adobe Acrobat?
Yes. If the document is not restricted by security passwords, you can use other advanced PDF editors like WPS Office to modify the form field properties and fix the text orientation.
How do I check if a PDF has right-to-left text direction enabled?
You can check the specific text field properties under the 'Options' tab in form editing mode, or review the overall document language settings in the document properties menu.
What if the Prepare Form tool is greyed out or unavailable?
If the 'Prepare Form' tool or form editing features are disabled, the PDF is likely secured, locked, or read-only. You will need the document password or have to contact the author to unlock editing permissions.
