InDesign: Create interactive PDF - so it'll work
Since InDesign CS6, you can use the program to create an interactive PDF. You can read how this works in this practical tip.
InDesign: Create interactive PDF - how it works
If you previously had to go through Acrobat to create an interactive PDF, this cumbersome detour has been eliminated since InDesign CS6. That's how it works:
- First create the layout for the form. For the later input fields, placeholders with the rectangular frame tool or the rectangular tool.
- Once the layout is complete, open the menu "Window -> Interactive -> Buttons and forms".
- To assign a function to an input field, mark the placeholder with the selection tool.
- You then determine the desired function in the forms control panel. You can choose between a check box, list box, radio button, combo box, signature box and simple text box.
- There are numerous options available for each type. For example, you can find many templates for check boxes, combo boxes, list and option fields in the context menu of the forms control panel.
- Simply drag the desired element to the intended position in the print sheet while holding down the mouse button.
- Now all you have to do is assign the appropriate function using the drop-down menu next to the "Type" field in the forms panel.
- You can also add a description to all fields. The later user will then be shown this as a quick info when mouse-over in the PDF document. You can also specify whether the form should be printable.
The best tips on how to work with paragraph formats in InDesign can be found in the next practical tip.