Types of Form Field and Properties
Nitro PDF for Windows
Form fields share common properties. Each field type also includes properties specific to its function. You configure these properties in the field Properties panel.
For example:
- Text fields support formatting, validation, and calculations
- Button fields support actions and appearance settings
- Combo boxes and list boxes support item lists and export values
Form field types
- Text Field: Accepts text or numeric input. Supports formatting, validation, and calculations
- Check Box: Allows multiple selections
- Radio Button: Allows one selection within a group
- Combo Box: Displays a drop-down list. Users select one item
- List Box: Displays a scrollable list. Users can select one or multiple items
- Button: Performs actions such as navigation, reset, or submission
- Digital Signature: Captures a digital signature using a digital ID
- Barcode: Generates barcodes (PDF417, QR Code, Data Matrix) from form data
General properties
- Name: Nitro Pro assigns a default name based on field type and order (for example, Text1, Text2, Button1). You can change the name.
- Tooltip: Displays text when a user hovers over the field.
- Form Field visibility: Select one option:
- Visible
- Hidden
- Visible but does not print
- Hidden but printable
- Rotation: Set rotation in 90-degree increments
- Read Only: Prevents user edits
- Required: Requires field completion before form submission
- Locked: Locks the field position and properties
Appearance properties
- Font Name: Sets the font used for entered text
- Font Size: Sets text size or uses Auto size
- Font Color: Sets text color
- Border Color: Sets field border color or no color
- Line Thickness: Select Thin, Medium, or Thick
- Line Style: Select Solid, Dashed, Beveled, Inset, or Underlined
- Fill Color: Sets background color of the field
Actions properties
Form fields support actions triggered by user interaction.
Triggers
- Mouse Up: Action runs when the mouse button is released (default)
- Mouse Down: Action runs when the mouse button is pressed
- Mouse Enter: Action runs when the cursor enters the field
- Mouse Exit: Action runs when the cursor leaves the field
- On Focus: Action runs when the field receives focus
- On Blur: Action runs when the field loses focus
Actions
- Open Select Action
- Choose an action type
- Configure the action settings
The Current Actions list shows all assigned actions. You can:
- Double-click an action to edit it
- Select Edit to modify an action
- Select Delete to remove an action
- Use Move Up or Move Down to reorder actions
Working with form fields
- Select a form field tool
- Drag on the page to create a field
- Move a field by selecting and dragging it
- Resize a field using corner handles
- Double-click a field to edit its properties