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1. Re: Word2010 form to PDF - check boxes aren't recognized by Acrobat 10
It doesn't really matter what's the type of object they originally were. The form detection wizard works on a visual basis, not based on objects. Basically there's nothing much you can do about it, except try to find an object that is recognized as a check-box.
Another option is to use a script after running the wizard to convert those files to check-boxes.
Or you can use OpenOffice, which can generate PDF files and convert the fields in the document directly to the same kind of fields in the PDF version.
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2. Re: Word2010 form to PDF - check boxes aren't recognized by Acrobat 10
Hi Gilad,
Thank you very much for your response!
What do you mean by an object that is recognized as a check box? I guess you meant a special character?
My form contains tables that have check boxes in 2 out of 4 columns. So how can I traverse through all tables, select the 2 and 3rd column and put a check box in each row? It should also involve resizing the check boxes as the Acrobat default ones are too big. They should also be aligned. Can javascript do all that?
BTW, I saw someone on Youtube putting a "legacy" check box on a Word page and using Acrobat 10 to convert it to PDF. After running the form wizard, Acrobat recognized the check box as a radio button. I can't reproduce the same for some reason.
Have a nice day and thanks again!
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3. Re: Word2010 form to PDF - check boxes aren't recognized by Acrobat 10
A quick test clarified the case: when a check box is put outside a table, Acrobat does recognize it as a check box. But when it is put inside a table cell, Acrobat ignores the check box and creates a text field that covers the table cell. Any ideas how to make Acrobat recognize the check box inside a table cell?
Thank you in advance!
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4. Re: Word2010 form to PDF - check boxes aren't recognized by Acrobat 10
Another approach is to open the Word docuement in OpenOffie.org Writer, add the form fields and exprot to PDF.
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5. Re: Word2010 form to PDF - check boxes aren't recognized by Acrobat 10
Hi GKaiseril,
Thanks for the suggestion!
The problem with this approach is that:
1. Opening a word doc. in openoffice ruins the layout (headers/footers are misplaced, some tables aren't rendered properly, etc.). So the file requires reconstruction.
2. Effort-wise, adding new form fields manually in openoffice is the same as adding them in Acrobat.
Apparently, this is a bug in Acrobat. Check boxes must be rendered as check boxes no matter where they are put - inside a table cell or in a body text.
Have a nice day!
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6. Re: Word2010 form to PDF - check boxes aren't recognized by Acrobat 10
You can try making the check boxes bigger or with thicker borders.
Personally I never use the "Form Wizard" because there is still a lot of cleanup of the fields and adding scripts to get the form to work properly.
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7. Re: Word2010 form to PDF - check boxes aren't recognized by Acrobat 10
Hi,
Unfortunately, this did not help. But thanks for the suggestion!
Have an excellent day!
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8. Re: Word2010 form to PDF - check boxes aren't recognized by Acrobat 10
I've had good experience in using Wingdings symbols. #168, for example, is consistently converted to a check-box even when in a Word table.
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9. Re: Word2010 form to PDF - check boxes aren't recognized by Acrobat 10
Hi Gilad,
I tried using the Wingding symbol you mentioned - same result - text field that covers the whole table cell. I tried increasing the size of the symbol - same result.
Which version of Acrobat/Word are you using?
I am using Word 2010 and Acrobat 10.1.8.
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10. Re: Word2010 form to PDF - check boxes aren't recognized by Acrobat 10
Yes, I forgot to mention that some of the cells where then identified as text boxes, but removing them was quite easy and fast. I used Word 2003 and Acrobat Pro XI 11.0.4.
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11. Re: Word2010 form to PDF - check boxes aren't recognized by Acrobat 10
OK, thanks. I wonder why this does not work in Word 2010. Removing text boxes manually may be a good solution for small forms but not for 10-15 page documents.
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12. Re: Word2010 form to PDF - check boxes aren't recognized by Acrobat 10
hey rombanks,
Did you ever find a satisfactory solution to your problem? Being a forms newbie, I naively designed a beautifully formatted, complex, multi-page form in Word 2010, with checkboxes everywhere in tables.
Then when I imported it into Acrobat X forms wizard, it translated 90% of the checkboxes into text fields, and some into radio buttons.
I started fixing it in Acrobat, replacing the "text" boxes with checkboxes, but the auto-sizing and alignment commands don't work very well and it's super difficult to get all the new checkboxes to line up perfectly and look professional the way they do in Word. VERY time-consuming.
Ugh. I'd really love it if I didn't have to start over from scratch and could "run a script" as some have suggested..."Another option is to use a script after running the wizard to convert those files to check-boxes." - Gilad D
Thanks for any suggestions!!
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13. Re: Word2010 form to PDF - check boxes aren't recognized by Acrobat 10
Hi, annieab,
Currently, there is no satisfactory solution, if you would like to continue using Word 2010 and Acrobat.
If your form is short (less than 10 pages), you can try importing the form to the Adobe LiveCycle Designer (by default, installed with Acrobat 10). This may work for you.
Alternatively, if you are ready to abandon Word:
1. Save the Word file in Open Office format (.odt).
2. Open the file in Open Office and replace all Word check boxes with the "native" Open Office check boxes.
3. Export the file to PDF. All check boxes will be rendered correctly.
HTH,
Roman
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14. Re: Word2010 form to PDF - check boxes aren't recognized by Acrobat 10
I tried both of Roman's solutions, and 1) my PC doesn't have Adobe LiveCycle for some reason, and 2) I downloaded OpenOffice and the formatting in my form was completely thrown off. I can see that if one were starting from scratch that could be a good solutions and I'll try it i the future.
So I contacted Gilad D, got his script, tested it, and bought it. It works like a dream!! I am so happy right now! I would HIGHLY recommend it for anyone having this problem. It doesn't affect the complicated formatting of my form at all, which is super critical.
It comes with instructions and even though I'm a total newbie and didn't even knwo what a "script" was before today, I'm all set and running!
I guess he's not allowed to sell it on here directly, but it was worth every penny I spent.
Thanks Gilad and thanks for answering my questions. You rock.
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15. Re: Word2010 form to PDF - check boxes aren't recognized by Acrobat 10
Hi annieab,
If you have Acrobat 10 Pro, Adobe LiveCycle Designer should be installed as well, unless someone removed it deliberately.
I converted my Word documents into OpenOffice as well - except for minor header/footer issues, I did not have any problem. Conversion to PDF works like a charm.
In any case, I am glad you solved your problem with check boxes.
I hope that Adobe will improve the form control recognition mechanism in the future versions of Acrobat.
Kind regards,
Roman