3 Replies Latest reply: Nov 27, 2014 12:36 AM by Groendj RSS

    Remove default value from dropdown list

    Groendj Community Member

      I am currently working with Acrobat XI Pro version. I want to know whether it is possible to remove the default value from a dropdown list.

       

      When the list has less than 4 items, it is possible to deselect the default value by pressing the whitespace below. However, when there are more items, this is not possible anymore.

       

      I have read that you should include a whitespace as item in the item list, however, then you will see an empty list item when people are working with the pdf which is not preferable.

       

      So, does anyone know how to remove the default value from a dropdown list?

       

      Thanks!

        • 1. Re: Remove default value from dropdown list
          try67 CommunityMVP

          A drop-down field will always have a default value, which is the first

          item in the list. There's no way around that.

          • 2. Re: Remove default value from dropdown list
            GKaiseril CommunityMVP

            As noted there will always be a default value for a drop down or combo list filed. If you do not what to use that value, then you need to use an if statement to prevent processing that value anywhere you want to process the value of that field.

             

            Have you considered using text like "Select from the following choices:"?

            • 3. Re: Remove default value from dropdown list
              Groendj Community Member

              Ok, I found a perfect workaround for my problem using FormsCentral for Acrobat. Here is what you should do:


              Step 1:

              -   Open FormsCentral

              -   Create New Form (Choose Blank Form)

              -   Click on the dropdown icon to create a new dropdown

              -   Fill in the list items by clicking on the edit (you also can add a label if you want)

              -   Click: File > Save as PDF Form...


              Step 2:

              -   Open the saved PDF (you now see a blank pdf with a dropdown menu)

              -   Click: Tools > Forms > Edit Form (when a popup shows that you should save a copy of the document in order to make changes, press "Save as a copy" and open the pdf copy file with Acrobat)

              -   Select the dropdown, copy the dropdown and paste it in the desired document


              Now you have a dropdown menu without a default choice. Keep in mind that you cannot edit the items in the dropdown, because a default choice will be chosen and you have to use the pdf copy file again. As long as you don't click on a list item, it doesn't choose a default choice.


              It is not a perfect solution, but it works for me.


              Good luck and thanks!