Is it possible to edit a .pdf file

[greenstick]

I have downloaded an application form from the web. I would like to complete it and email it back. The only problem is it is a PDF file. I can read it OK in Acrobat reader but I'm note sure what software I need to edit it.

If it cannot be edited as a PDF file, would it be possible to convert it to a Word document or similar (bearing in mind the images and tables)?

Cheers

[GroundZero3]

there is a special program that i seen that is pretty expensive to edit pdfs


also i don't think the tables, images and lines will convert with word. only the text

[amdkt7]

If it's not to big try capturing a screen shot, then add text using a graphics program. I have done this myself to fill out some forms.

I think that PDF's are used to prevent the form from being altered or tampered with. I think you can not use any software to edit a pdf.

Your next problem is sending it back, if it's not in pdf format they might reject it or not know how to open it.

Good Luck!

[vass0922]

1. If the document was created with Acrobat 5.0 and read with Acrobat 5.0 it does allow for editable fields.

2. Adobe Acrobat Full version (not acrobat reader) allows you to edit all text in the document.

3. I believe you would also need acrobat to change to a word document. I believe it does try to change images/tables appropriately, although I don't remeber that part. What you do have to worry about it, is if it has been scanned into a pdf some of the text may not be converted correctly so make sure it is spell checked.

Adobe Acrobat full is I think 100 bucks US.

[AdamVC]

You could buy the full version of Adobe Acrobat (not just the reader), but I don't think thats a really good idea if you just have to edit this one document. I would suggest printing it, filling it out by hand, and mailing it in. I know it takes more time then just e-mailing it, but it's easier.

[eweruk]

vass is correct. You would need Acrobat Writer to edit the pdf and/or save as a document.

[nodnerb2]

Hi,

If it's nothing personal( unless you know the person you are sending it to well) you could e mail it to someone who has Acrobat have them fill it out and e it back

Cheers

Nodnerb2

[crystaldragon]

greenstick

just a thought

If this form was designed to be filled out offline it should have the fields already in place. Try opening it and click, where you would normally place the cursor to start typing if you get a standard blinking cursor you good to go. You should be able to go from field to field by tabbing.
If it won't support that then AdamVC's suggestionwould be good except that I would print it out and then scan it in after I was done then you could still email it.

[fosin]

Not sure if some of this has been said already, but...

If there are no form fields already in it like they were talking about above:

Do you have a good page layout program like PageMaker, Ventura, etc (not Word or Publisher, I said good )? They will sometimes let you import a PDF file. It will prob still import as a graphic but you can easily type text over the top of it.

Many graphics programs will let you drag and drop a PDF file into them as a graphic. Then you write over them, but it's kind of a pain. Also, there is a graphic select tool on the menu bar of reader (little circle and triangle icon). If it is greyed out the document is locked. If not you can select it, draw a rectangle around the whole page, and copy and paste it into a graphics program.

Or, you can open and edit PDFs in Illustrator if you happen to have it. Or you can get the full Acrobat version for $200 .

[edwelly]

well, I have Adobe FULL version and I can't figure out how to edit anything other than one line at a time...
---edwelly

[fosin]

Right, you can only edit on line at a time, thats all it supports. You can select all the text and then paste it into a word processor using the text select tool, but you loose any layout formatting (columns, etc). Yes, I know, it's wierd .

[vass0922]

yeah that is the downfall of adobe's writer its not the greatest tool ever invented

Wonderful tool for creating the PDF... editing is a different story.