How to Use Read-Only vs. Required Fields in Acrobat PDF Forms
Question details
The user needs to understand the functional differences between Read-Only and Required field properties in PDF forms and how they behave during submission.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat / PDF Forms
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Designing or filling out a fillable PDF form where specific data needs to be protected from editing or mandated to be entered before submission.
- Observed behavior
- The Required property validation does not trigger when users save and email the PDF instead of using a Submit Form action button.
Before adjusting form field properties, ensure you are in the form editing mode of your PDF software and clearly define how end-users will submit the completed form.
Configure Read-Only and Required Properties Correctly
Understand the distinct purposes of each property and apply them through the form field's settings.
The 'Read Only' property locks the field so users cannot modify its content. It is most commonly used for fields that display calculated totals or protected static information.
The 'Required' property flags a field that a user must complete. However, this built-in validation is typically only enforced when a designated 'Submit Form' action button is clicked.
Open the PDF document in your PDF editor's form preparation mode, right-click the specific form field, and select 'Properties' from the context menu.
Navigate to the 'General' tab in the Properties dialog box and check the 'Read Only' box if the field is for calculated values or protected text.
On the same 'General' tab, check the 'Required' box if the user must fill out this field before initiating a form submission.
Implement JavaScript for Alternative Submission Methods
Use custom JavaScript validation if you expect users to save and email the form rather than using a Submit button.
Manage PDF Form Fields Easily with WPS PDF
WPS Office features a robust and intuitive PDF editor that simplifies the creation, filling, and management of interactive PDF forms. Whether you need to set up calculated fields or mandate specific user inputs, WPS PDF provides the tools you need in a lightweight interface.
- 1. Open Your PDF Form: Launch WPS Office and open your fillable PDF document using the built-in WPS PDF tool.
- 2. Enter Edit Mode: Navigate to the 'Form' tab on the top ribbon to access interactive form creation and editing tools.
- 3. Adjust Form Settings: Select or double-click any text field, checkbox, or radio button to modify its properties, including read-only settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are my required fields not stopping users from sending the PDF?
Acrobat's built-in required field validation is tied to the 'Submit Form' action. If users simply save the PDF to their desktop and attach it to an email manually, this validation process is bypassed.
When is the best time to use a read-only field in a form?
Read-only fields should be used for displaying automatically calculated totals (like an invoice sum), dates that are auto-populated, or terms and conditions text that you do not want the end-user to alter.
Can I make a required field mandatory for saving a document?
Yes, but this requires adding a custom document-level JavaScript code linked to the 'Document Will Save' action, which checks if the required fields are empty and alerts the user before proceeding.
