Adding Text Boxes to a PDF File

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Introduction

Add text boxes to a PDF form to make it easier for users to fill out using Adobe Acrobat Reader. To add text boxes to the PDF document, you need to use Adobe Acrobat 8 Professional.

If you want to create and/or edit a .pdf file and add text boxes, you must install the full Adobe Acrobat 8 Professional edition.

For Windows XP & Vista on PCs / Macs running OSX

1. Open the PDF file in Adobe Acrobat 8 Professional.

2. Select Tools > Advanced Editing > Show Advanced Editing Toolbar.

3. A box will appear on your screen. Click on the arrow next to the square-shaped object and select Text Field Tool.

4. Click where you want one corner of the text box to be and drag it into a rectangle. A box may pop up automatically. If one doesn't, right-click on the text box (control-click on a Mac) and select Properties. A box is displayed that lists ways to change the text box, if desired.

Notice that you are given the option to change such features as text box border and fill colors.

5. Save the new PDF document and try opening it in Adobe Reader. You should now be able to enter text into your new text boxes, and print the results.

Saving a Form with Filled-in Data Fields

To allow users to save a form with filled-in data fields in Reader, select Advanced > Enable Usage Rights in Adobe Reader, then click Save Now.

• Veronica Brandstrader vbrandst@wellesley.edu
• Information Services
• Last Modified: October 26, 2007
• Expires: December 31, 2008