We have put all these features to extensive testing. Existing forms were opened in Acrobat Pro - we then used the Enable Usage Rights in Adobe Reader located within the Advanced Toolbar. We were prompted on the new file name that it will be saved as. Once new name is entered, Acrobat 8.0 Pro adds the necessary code to the form - this allows the end user to fill in the form and save it with their data entered using Acrobat Reader 7.0 or higher.
With Acrobat Reader 10.0 and higher,
the end user now has the ability to Electronically Sign a form. If
a Digital Signature is required, then a Digital Signature box will be
inserted or end user can insert a Digital File by using their mouse to
create a box. With PDF Expert app for the iPad, users have the
ability to sign the form directly on the tablet screen using the
incorporated Signature Panel. Android tablet users sign forms on screen
using the freehand panel incorporated into apps.
Forms were sent to users and
they were asked to fill in data and save it - wanted to make sure it
worked well for them. All respondents were able to save the form with
their data entered. Responses were: "Worked Great".
We tested forms originally created in full
Acrobat 5.0 through 10.0 - Acrobat Pro worked on all, without a problem
- this was a major benefit! No revisions were necessary to enable these
forms. Files were simply opened in Acrobat Pro - user rights enabled,
then saved - we were done.
Acrobat 8, 9, 10, and 11 Pro also allows users to
incorporate multiple forms into one PDF file and save the Reader Usage
Rights. To do this, simply go to File - Combine Files. In the Combine
Files window, add your forms to be be combined. Now, click on the Next
button. The default setting is Merge Files - to save the Reader Usage
Rights, click the Assemble files into PDF package [all red warnings
should disappear]. Once done, click the Create button - save your file
and your New PDF file will retain all incorporated settings!
The
only end user requirement is Acrobat Reader 10.0 or higher be installed on
their system to fill in your form fields and save the entered data - no
3rd party software is needed. Note: Preview software supplied with the
MAC Operating system does not allow saving data entered into forms - end
users need to download / install Adobe Reader for their MAC system.
Adobe did a nice job on making this feature simple and not requiring an existing PDF form to be modified. This now puts Acrobat Pro into the hands of SOHO businesses - no outrageous pricing on enabling reader rights. They can now have a paper form scanned - form fields enabled for a reasonable price, such as what we offer - Thank you Adobe!