There are several different form field tools. Each tool is used to create the respective field type. To create a field, first select the tool for the kind of field to be created, and then drag the pointer on the page where you want to position the field. After creating a field, you can move the field by selecting the respective tool, clicking the field and then dragging it on the page. You can resize a field by dragging any one of the corner handles in or out. If you need to change field attributes, you can double-click the form field to access its properties.

The different types of form fields have some attributes the same, as outlined below, but because the form fields differ greatly in their design and intent, you have unique attribute assignments you can add to any given field type. For example, when creating text fields, you have options for data formatting, validation, and calculations. When using button fields, you have more options for adding appearances where icon images can be used as button faces. When using combo and list boxes you have options for adding menu names.

The signature field lets you add an empty digital signature form field to a document. When a signer clicks on the field, a dialog opens and prompts them to certify or digitally sign the file with their digital ID.

The most common field type on PDF forms is the text field. Text fields permit respondents to add alpha text and/or numeric values. You can format text fields in a number of different ways to ensure fields are completed properly. You can add custom format scripts, validate data, assign actions, and perform calculations on text fields.

Radio buttons can be assigned the same attributes as check box fields. You use radio buttons more often for either/or responses. When you create check boxes you can uncheck a checkbox by clicking on it. The only way to uncheck a radio button is to clear a form or check another button that turns off companion radio button checkmarks.

Of all the field types, button fields have the broadest use. You can add buttons on PDF forms to perform a variety of actions associated with filling out a form or you can use buttons on PDF documents not intended for form use. Buttons can be used for items in any PDF such as navigational tools in a PDF design, hyperlinks for a variety of different actions, and just about any other condition that sparks your imagination.

List Boxes provide users scrollable menus. You can define attributes for list boxes to accept only a single response or multiple responses. Adding items to the menu list are performed similarly to defining responses in combo boxes.

Combo Boxes provide users a drop down menu, and only a single response can be selected from this menu. You can add menu items for combo boxes via the Options category in the field’s Properties.

In almost all cases you should use unique field names when creating form fields. If you use the same name for a field, like a text field, data typed in the field box is replicated for all fields with the same name. The exception to the rule is when creating check box and radio button fields. If you want one check box or radio button in a group to be unchecked as another check box or radio button is checked, you use the same field name. Both these field types have an option for adding an export value. When you create fields with the same name, you use different export values to distinguish one choice from another.

When creating many of the same type of form field, the quickest and easiest method is to use the Make Copies tool. Just setup the form field with the appearance and other properties you’d like all the fields to be like and then chose how many rows and columns you want.

With Nitro Pro, you can use grids to assist you in precisely lining up links, form fields, and other objects on a page. When turned on, the grid is visible over your PDF pages; however, grid lines will not be printed when you print your document. You can also customize the grid’s display, setting preferences such as default units, line color, spacing, and other options.