Auto Generating Form Fields in Acrobat

Ted Padova Author

March 08, 2004

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To create a table array where multiple columns or rows need individual form fields, begin by manually creating a field for each row or column. Select the Form tool from the Acrobat Command bar and drag open a rectangle. Identify the field type and attributes for each field to be duplicated. Fields need to have unique names but can be of any name you wish to use.

Align the fields across a row or column to be positioned as desired. In this example, fields will be duplicated down multiple rows.

Hold the Shift key down (Windows) or Command key (Macintosh) and drag a marquee around the fields. Be certain to use the Shift/Command key when selecting the fields.

Release the mouse button and a red dotted line will appear around the selected fields.

Hold the Control key down (Windows) or Command key (Macintosh) and select the center handle on the marquee. Keep the modifier key depressed and drag down the number of rows desired.

Strike the Enter/Return key.

Presto! Acrobat 5.0 will automatically create the fields and supply a unique name for each field.

In addition to creating static fields, you can also add JavaScript routines for columnar calculations and have the JavaScript repeated for each new field Acrobat creates.

To learn more about using JavaScript for calculating sums, multiplication, division, subtraction, etc. look for my 101 Acrobat Forms eTips and Techniques.