My interactive PDF loses functionality when published online...help?

[Juniel]

I've tried posting an interactive PDF online, but the fields lose interactivity. Is there an extra step I need to take?

[BobLevine]

Are you actually referring to a PDF or Publish Online?

[Juniel]

I would like the document below to be interactive. I designed it as an interactive PDF and it works when I export it to my computer.

https://adobeindd.com/view/publications/cdad84e2-f797-404a-a7af-ba72a0a2b84f/1/publication-web-resou...

[BobLevine]

That is NOT a PDF. Publish online does not support form fields.

[Sandee Cohen]

Bob,

I'm confused. It doesn't seem like a PubOnline either. It feels like a PDF posted online.

But I'm confused as to how the item is posted to adobeindd.com. Is't that only Publish Online?

[BobLevine]

Sandee, I think it's the PDF link from the Publish Online document.

Juniel, no, please read my previous reply again.

[BobLevine]

Sorry, hit send too soon.

The PDF that is uploaded with publish online is not interactive. You can upload an interactive PDF and add a button to download it from the publish online document.

That said, if it’s being used in a browser there is no assurance that it will work. Only support is with Acrobat or Reader.

[Juniel]

Bob,

I have to export the PDF as interactive first, then upload it to Publish Online?

[Sandee Cohen · Accepted solution]

Juniel,

OK, I got what you're doing. And everything about it is not correct.

First, the PDF that you created obviously does have fields and interactivity because you can interact on your computer.

If you were to take that PDF and upload it to your own web site, you could send people that link to view/download. And the interactivity would work (as well as the browser would let you).

HOWEVER, you're trying to use Adobe's Publish Online to host the Publish Online ID document as well as the PDF. Then, you've isolated the link for the PDF to have people read/download it.

That's your biggest mistake. The PDF created by Publish Online is not interactive. Not even a little bit.

So your only option is to get your own server with a link to download the actual interactive PDF.

[Juniel]

Thank you both!