Expert: Ken Black - 5/28/2009

Question
Hi There,

Hope you can help. I have created an interactive PDF with 3 x interactive text
boxes. In 1 of the boxes i need to add a line of text for clients to type over
when that return the form. I want the line of text to be red (so they are aware
they need to fill that text box in) but need the response from the client to be
written in black. Is there of way of actioning this request in my interactive
pdf.

Cheers
Michelle  

Answer
Hi Michelle,

One way you could do this would be to check the "Required" box in that fields properties dialog (ctrl-click mac or right click pc on the field you want). When "Required" is checked, a red box will show around that field when your form is distributed and it will only print the black text your clients fill in. I believe this only works when the highlight fields is on while a recipient of the form is viewing it. This should be on if you are distributing and collecting the forms through a server such as Acrobat.com.

If you are manually distributing the form, you could inform the clients to view the form with the interactive fields highlighted.

To have the forms text change from one color to another i.e. from red to black when filled out, there is a way to create custom field formatting using javascript, if you know someone handy with writing code, you should be able to have a custom script take care of that format and action. I myself am not familiar enough with writing scripts to tell you exactly how to do it, sorry.

Thanks,

Ken Black

www.bestprintingonline.com