Adobe 62000112DM User Guide - Page 216

ADOBE ACROBAT 3D VERSION 8 209 User Guide Which form fields could benefit from information formatting? Many types of form fields can be configured to accept only certain types of information. For example, text boxes can be set up to accept only numbers, only letters, or a combination of the two. You can restrict input to specific sequences, such as those for dates, telephone numbers, or Social Security numbers. You can create fields that automatically display calculations from other fields. You can set text field properties so that the field area scrolls, allowing users to write lengthy responses without taking up a large area of the form. Decisions about the form's work cycle Planning your PDF form depends on the methods you'll use for collecting data. In Windows, the planning also influ­ ences your choice between editing a form in Acrobat or editing it in LiveCycle Designer. Your answers to the following questions may guide your decision about what elements to include in the form. How do I want users to send back information? The possibilities include: • On paper or fax, to be collated manually. • On paper or fax, to be scanned and save as an electronic document. • On paper or fax, to be scanned and interpreted from one or more barcode fields included in the form. • As an email attachment that includes the entire form. • As an email attachment that includes only the form data. • Through an Internet or network connection directly to a database. What are the needs of those who will fill out the forms? Consider the following factors, which affect who can fill in a form and how comfortable they are in doing so. • Compatibility. Consider whether all members of your intended audience are likely to be using the latest version of Acrobat or Reader to fill in the form. You may need to set up the form to be compatible with earlier versions. • Security. Especially if the form captures sensitive or personal information, consider adding security measures, such as passwords, digital signatures, or masked form data to protect you and your audience, and to prevent others from being able to access the data. • Adobe Reader users. Consider granting Reader users extended rights for the form so they can save a copy of the completed form before submitting it. Do I want to track response levels? Acrobat 8 offers tracking features that you can use to keep yourself informed on the submitted data. For more infor­ mation on this topic, go to the Adobe website. Choosing form elements Once you've determined what information you want to receive from users, you can match information types with appropriate form elements. • For text and numeric data that the user will type in, design the form to use text boxes or combo boxes. • For a single choice from a limited number of options, use radio buttons, a list box, or a combo box. • For a limited number of options from which the user can select none, one, or more items, use check boxes, or use a list box and set the form field properties to allow multiple selections.