Question about fillable PDF

Hello,

I’m brand new to jotform.

How many columns can I create in a fillable PDF form that i start from scratch on jotform?

I presume that I can print the filled or partially filled PDF form at any time.

Where is the saved form and data stored?

Can I use that data to fill other fillable PDF forms that I could upload to jotform or do I have to use Webmerge?

Please provide links in answers to my questions.

Thanks!

How many columns can I create in a fillable PDF form that I start from scratch on jotform?

There are twelve (12) columns in the PDF. It's up to you if you will place a field on each column.

I presume that I can print the filled or partially filled PDF form at any time.

Yes, if you have PDF submission reports, you can view them at any time and print them.

Guide: How-to-Customize-PDF-Submissions-Report

Where is the saved form and data stored?

If they submitted fillable PDF (clicked submit button) then it will automatically save the data to your account submissions and upload space.

Guide: How-to-View-Form-Submissions

Can I use that data to fill other fillable PDF forms that I could upload to jotform or do I have to use Webmerge?

Unfortunately, prepopulating fillable PDFs is not possible. If this is an online form then it is possible.

Here are two ways you can use to prefill the online form:

- How-to-Use-the-Spreadsheet-to-Form-Widget

- Prepopulating-Fields-to-Your-JotForm-via-URL-Parameters

Thank you for your reply.

I am still a tad confused.

From reading your documentation in jotform online, it appears as though I may have my PDF terms wrong. The PDF form is a fillable form whereas a PDF document is created from fields submitted using a regular webform. Is this correct? Thus, can I create a PDF template and map the submitted data to a PDF document? Regarding PDF fillable forms, do I need to purchase Acrobat DC to submit these forms?

I look forward to your reply.

Lynn

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Yes, you are correct. Once you created a PDF template (PDF Document), you just need to view it and the submitted data will automatically there.

Regarding PDF fillable forms, do I need to purchase Acrobat DC to submit these forms?

No, the Free one will do. Here's the download link: https://get.adobe.com/uk/reader/.

You can also use Foxit PDF reader to submit fillable PDF: https://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf-reader/ 

Regarding PDF documents, when you upload an image to the PDF template, can you add a text field on top of the image to collect submitted data? For example, I might want to add a snippet image from another form using Microsoft PAINT and then add a text box on top of the snippet image to collect submitted data. Is this possible?

...

Yes, you can indeed add the field to ask any data you want. You will find the available elements on the "Add form element" section while editing/creating your form: 

I hope this helps. 

Just to confirm, I can overlay the field on top of the image.

...

No, you can only put the field above the image field, but you cannot overlap it on top of each field.

ex.

In my sample image, you cannot overlap the text field on the image field. You can only put it above below or on the side.

Let us know if you have any questions or if you need further assistance. 

Hello,

I am having a hard time figuring out how to add columns. Is there a video on how to do this? I shrank the fields and enabled columns but when I try to move one field next to the other, it does not work. I wonder if there is a difference between field columns and form columns. Please advise.

...

Are you referring to the 12 columns I showed in my screenshot before? If yes, you need to resize the fields so you can add fields next to each other.

You can give us a screenshot of the issue you are experiencing so we can give you detailed answers and instruction.

Guide: How-to-Post-Screenshots-to-Our-Support-Forum

I figured it out. Thank you for your prompt reply.

...

Re. Fillable PDF’s, can the submitted form data trigger a tallyfy process?

Lynn
...

Hello Lynn - Unfortunately, that's not possible with fillable PDF because most of the widgets are not supported in PDF. You can tally the submissions in a web form using the Submissions Counter widget.