Step 4: Determine If the PDF File is Meant to Be an Interactive Form

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Determining if a PDF file is meant to be an interactive form is a matter of visually examining the file and looking for the presence of form fields, or areas in the document where some kind of information is being asked for, for instance name, address, social security number, or boxes or fields drawn on the page are typical indications that the document is meant to function as a form. If you want users to be able to complete the form online, rather than resort to printing a paper copy in order to complete the form, then the form is meant to be an interactive form.

If the PDF File is Meant to be an Interactive Form

Once you have determined the document is to be an interactive form, you have two choices for adding the fields to the PDF file. You can use Adobe Acrobat's form tools Tools > Advanced Editing > Show Forms Toolbar to use the Acroforms tools (See Figure 2 - 11 Adobe Acrobat Forms Tools) .

Figure 2 - 11 Adobe Acrobat Forms Tools

You also have the option of using the Adobe LiveCycle Designer which is a tool meant for the design of interactive forms. PDF files can be imported into the LiveCycle Designer which is included with Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Professional. To import your PDF form into the LiveCycle Designer, select Advanced > Forms > Open Form in Adobe Designer. An alert informs you that the PDF file will be opened in the LiveCycle Designer application (See Figure 2 - 12 LiveCycle Designer Import Alert) . Detailed information regarding how to use the LiveCycle Designer to make a form accessible is found in Module 2 of this Tutorial (See Adobe LiveCycle Designer) .

Figure 2 - 12

LiveCycle Designer Import Alert

If the PDF File is Not Meant to be an Interactive Form

Proceed to Step 5 to Determine if the PDF File is a Legacy PDF file.