Drop Down Boxes and PDF Conversion

[pmwallis]

Discussion Group has come close to answering my question, but let me Word it
(no pun intended) another way.
I have created a Word document that has one Appendix set up a drop down box
for users to indicate their selection. The box is designated as a bookmark as
well. Throughout this Appendix, I also have reference text to the bookmark
that changes to indicate the drop down box selection users select.
Couple of quandaries here. First, I can't seem to enable the drop down box
to work unless I protect the document (that section). When I protect the
section, users are unable to print that section.
The bigger quandary is that I would like to take this tightly constructed
document and convert it to PDF -- and retain the drop down boxes, plus the
references. This would provide a functional distribution of th e file. I
might add that the Appendix with the box and references are to be printed,
signed and mailed back (I have not convinced the customer to use digital
signatures).

Can someone help me to solve converting a Word into PDF and retaining the
drop down boxes and references?

Thanks in advance,
Patrick Wallis

 

[Graham Mayor]

You will need Acrobat - Version 8 Professional onwards - to add fields
including dropdown fields to a PDF form for use as you appear to be
describing.

Why can't you print a protected section in a Word form?

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Graham Mayor - Word MVP


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[pmwallis]

Thanks Graham. If I follow you correctly, the dropdown boxes I've created in
Word will not convert to PDF? I was pleased with being able to bookmark the
dropdown box selection, then reference it throughout the particular section.
In order to do that, it seems I'll need to just create the 'copy' in Word and
the form/reference in Adobe Pro.
As far as printing, I am able to print the entire document when protected,
but I am unable to print just the Appendix (that contains the drop down box).
Besides the drop down box and references, this section contains signature
blocks for the users to print, sign, and return by mail or scanned PDF.

Seems I did a lot of work in Word that will now be relegated to being
recreated in Adobe Pro. When I attempt to convert the protected document,
Adobe wants that turned off. When it is turned off, I lose the function of
the drop down boxes.

Appreciate the help though. This is a bit of a unique situation, I admit.
Any help is appreciated, to include sending me to research elsewhere.

Thanks,
Patrick

 

[pmwallis]

Graham,
Found a functional workaround for my printing dilemma at least. If I provide
instructions to the users to print via section, the desired Appendix will
print. This saves extraneous printing and gets the job done.

Still wish I could get Word and Adobe to play better together.

 

[Graham Mayor]

Graham,
Found a functional workaround for my printing dilemma at least. If I
provide instructions to the users to print via section, the desired
Appendix will print. This saves extraneous printing and gets the job
done.

Just add a toolbar and a button with a macro to print the section - though
getting the users to allow the macros to run might be amusing

Still wish I could get Word and Adobe to play better together.

I'm afraid wishing won't get you anywhere.

--
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Graham Mayor - Word MVP


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[pmwallis]

Graham....touché. You are correct and I will only wish when I have my sleeves
rolled and prepared to find a solution.
Like your idea of the print button (one of the early attempts I made in
Adobe Pro had a print button). At this point, I will either work to find a
solution in Adobe Pro or tighten the doc up in Word a little more.

Think I'm on the right track...thanks.

 

[Beth Melton]

Still wish I could get Word and Adobe to play better together.

This isn't a Word/PDF solution but InfoPath 2007 will convert forms created
in Word containing form fields, such as a drop down, to an InfoPath form
with the corresponding controls. The drawback is those who use the InfoPath
form need to have InfoPath installed or you need to have SharePoint Server
with InfoPath Forms Services to enable them to fill in the form.

--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Beth Melton
Microsoft Office MVP
https://mvp.support.microsoft.com/profile/Melton
What is a Microsoft MVP? http://mvp.support.microsoft.com/gp/mvpfaqs

Guides for the Office 2007 Interface:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/training/HA102295841033.aspx