Expert: Ken Black - 6/15/2010

Question
QUESTION: I am trying to use a PDF form supplied by our court library to bring a court action.  They suggested that I just print it out and fill it out by hand but isn't there some way that I can type it it with my computer?  My cursor goes to each line as if it wants to print but nothing shows up when I hit the keys.  I am a complete beginner so if I've asked a really stupid question please forgive me.  Thanks.  Chuck

ANSWER: Hi Chuck,

It's possible that they have created the form so it does not allow any editing.

Are you using Adobe Acrobat Reader? If so, it's possible that you may need to upgrade to a newer version. The current version is 9.

Thanks,

Ken Black

www.bestprintingonline.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes, I'm using Adobe 9 and I know that sometimes they make forms that cannot be used.  I guess I'm asking "How do you know if you can use it or not?"  Just try to use it and if it doesn't automatically work....give up?  I guess I was hoping to find out that there was some way to tell if you could manipulate the system to tell if you had a document that would allow you to type right into it or not.  So....

Answer
Hi Chuck,

Adobe Reader 9 will highlight the fields of a form that can be edited automatically by default.

If the form isn't highlighted, chances are it either isn't a fillable form or it has security applied.

Go to the File menu, choose Properties. In the window that opens click the Security tab.

If the document shows any Security method active and any of the restrictions as Not Allowed, then you will not be able to perform any of those functions.

As far as "manipulating the system" goes, if there isn't any security applied to the document, you could use Adobe Acrobat Pro to recognize the form fields for you and make them editable. NitroPDF from www.nitropdf.com may have this capability as well for a much cheaper price (about $100 vs. $400). However I cannot offer assistance with this software.

Unfortunately, it has been my experience, that forms from local government typically are not fillable electronically. Most often due to the methods they use to prepare the document for availability.

For what its worth, unless you need to fill this form out repeatedly, you might be better off with the old-fashioned way, filling it in by hand.

Thanks,

Ken Black

www.bestprintingonline.com