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I did a search on here and downloaded CutePDF but but that won't work with the form I've got - the output is blank and gives an error message
The original PDF file has drop downs with pre-populated choices so is that what might be causing issues for any freeware out there ? or is there an alternative
TIA for any help
It really depends on how the PDF was originally created as to whether you can re-save it down. Using a basic PDF program like Reader or CutePDF [free version] usually only allows you to open the PDF to print it. If the PDF has been created in the correct manner then you should be able to complete and re-saved it in Reader [ét al].
Usually though it takes a more professional version of Acrobat to do this with most PDF's.
As Paul says, it depends how the Pdf. was created. I've got Serif PagePlus 3 which allows me to edit most Pdfs.
I had to pay for it when I got it but it must be over three years old now and Serif usually allow their older stuff to become their free versions so it might be worth a look.
Just a thought.
Quote: It really depends on how the PDF was originally created as to whether you can re-save it down. Using a basic PDF program like Reader or CutePDF [free version] usually only allows you to open the PDF to print it. If the PDF has been created in the correct manner then you should be able to complete and re-saved it in Reader [ét al].
Usually though it takes a more professional version of Acrobat to do this with most PDF's.
I know on opening Reader I get a message that I can't save it only print it - not certain if that is because Reader is a view only or if I really need something like the full Acrobat to do what I want
Have you tried something like dopdf: http://www.dopdf.com/
This will install as a 'printer' and allow you to create a pdf using file>print from any printable document. I've not tried it with a pdf form, but should work
I've got "dopdf" on here and I can't seem to see a way to open pdfs. with it, although I thought you could. Perhaps it only creates them.
However, I've also got "NitroPdf." on here and that has an option that once a document (or form) is open, it's possible to type in the boxes ansd save the changes. It's pretty basic but it does at least work. I know that because I used it recently to complete some tables for an NVQ. I've just completed.
Alternatively, it has an option that once the document's open, you can lift the text from it, open it using Notepad, then copy and paste it into Word where you can save it again as a new Pdf.
That option'ds probably not much use to you if you need to fill in boxes but it's a handy trick if you nee to alter some text.
Again though, these options don't work on all Pdfs.
Hope this helps.
Jester.
Basically, Reader is only a view/read only package and the bought packages will allow you to open, edit and save non-password protected files. That said, if the file is created in a specific way then you can edit and save again in Reader ... can't comment on the other packages mentioned.
The problem with Pdfs. is that they aren't really intended to be edited.
They're more a kind of electronic photocopy which makes them a brilliant and reasonably secure way to pass information around, like the paper agenda at a meeting but that's pretty much where their purpose ends.
Everything produced as a Pdf. was once an editable, printable file and that's the one you need to be editing.
Quote: The problem with Pdfs. is that they aren't really intended to be edited.
These kind are
They are interactive and can be filled in using nothing more than Adobe Reader. Others though need to be printed out then filled in.
I think Taxboy's is one of the latter. If it's not password protected then you can still edit it and fill it in electronically using Adobe Acrobat. You can get a fully functional free trial from here
Wondered when you'd turn up to tell us that we're all wrong.
Quote: a kind of electronic photocopy which makes them a brilliant and reasonably secure way to pass information around, like the paper agenda at a meeting but that's pretty much where their purpose ends.
Really?
Quote: Wondered when you'd turn up to tell us that we're all wrong.
What's your problem, you're telling the guy he can't edit a PDF and needs the original file, I'm telling him he can edit a PDF and how to do it.
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