I’ve recently been working on interactive PDFs in Adobe Livecycle designer. I’ve realised that it is possible to create interactive PDFs which can be saved in Adobe Reader 8, and create a save form button to encourage users to do this.

For normal users, there are three stages. Advanced users can skip straight to the code.

Stage 1: Create a PDF which can be saved in Adobe Reader 8

1. Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Professional
2. Choose Advanced > Enable Usage Rights in Adobe Reader
3. Save the file somewhere, as directed

Stage 2: Download and install the save form button XFO

1. Download the “Save a Copy” file from http://www.livecycletraining.com/ (direct link to zip file)
2. Save the XFO file somewhere safe
3. Open your form in Adobe LiveCycle Designer
4. Click on the menu icon in the Library pallet
5. Choose Add Group & enter a name
6. Now click the menu icon on your newly created group, and in the Group properties options box, locate the XFO file

Stage 3: Create a Save Form button

1. Simply drag the save form button which appears in your newly created group.

Save form button instructions for Advanced Users

Add the following javascript code to a button in the XML source view on your interactive PDF.

<event activity="click">
<script contentType="application/x-javascript">app.execMenuItem("SaveAs");</script>
</event>