Word 2000 text form fields 1

[jjefferson]

I have two "issues" with form fields I need to resolve, if possible.

The template has a line of text, followed by a form field for a number, followed by a form field for an amount, all on the same line (this is repeated down the page).

I need to somehow "fix" the position and size of the "number" and "amount" form fields, so that as data is entered they do not cause any other formatting changes to the document. I've played with the maximum length setting, but if a small "number" is entered the "amount" next to it is not lined up with the "amount" field of the line above, which might have a larger "number". The form field doesn't have any sort of handles that would let me stretch it to take up the required space. Hope this isn't too muddy a description.

The second "issue" is: can I add a text form field to a textbox? I've tried, but when editing the text of the textbox the forms toolbar is disabled. So, it's either a limitation in Word or I'm not doing something right. Any ideas or workarounds are appreciated.

Thanks!
Jim

 

[Dreamboat]

1. Use tables. See

http://www.theofficeexperts.com/word.htm#Fill-inForms

and scroll down to "Tips for creating forms in tables"

2. Don't use textboxes. I'm sure there's an alternative layout you can use. What are you trying to do?

Anne Troy
Way cool stuff:

http://www.cafeshops.com/OfficeExperts

 

[jjefferson]

1. Thanks! I sort of thought that might be the solution, but wanted to make sure there weren't standard features to the text form field that I was missing.

2. We are converting forms from various states, in PDF, to DOTs that we can fill in and print (no room for typewriters anymore - sigh). We need to make the result match the original exactly enough that the standard civil servant won't notice. One form (so far) had a couple of fill-in fields wrapped in a single border, with other text to the right of and below this "box".

Haven't tried it yet, but was thinking I could put two columns in the page, mess with borders on the left column and none on the right. Can I have a page that goes from "standard" to a couple of inches of two columns and back to "standard" again, on the same page?

I can work more on this myself, but if you have any nifty suggestions I'm all ears (and some waistline, but I'm working on that).

Thanks!
Jim

 

[Dreamboat]

LOL

Jim: If you want to fax one of your forms, I could probably give LOTS of suggestions, or if you want to email, that'd be cool too, but seeing the completed prior version would be best.

Fax: 215-536-3790
email: Anne@TheOfficeExperts.com

Generally, you can put your whole form in one big table, and just add/remove borders, but the table keeps the text "inside" the margins...you know?

Anne Troy
Way cool stuff:

http://www.cafeshops.com/OfficeExperts

 

[jjefferson]

Let me find a simple (for me) one and I can send you the original PDF and my current attempt at the DOT (which won't have the table option you've suggested yet).

I appreciate the offer of the review. Might take a short time to package it up since I am at everyone's disposal around here.

Thx,
Jim

 

[Dreamboat]

No prob. I'll be here at least a couple hours. Gonna check to make sure there's paper in the fax machine. LOL

Anne Troy
Way cool stuff:

http://www.cafeshops.com/OfficeExperts

 

[janetlyn]

Jim, did you ever get the above worked out? I do the same thing with all our government forms. However, I make my forms in Excel. It is easier to manipulate the cells. Do you have a better way? JL

 

[jjefferson]

janetlyn:

We had some success using tables for this, but some of the forms just totally defied our attempts to beat them into submission and retain the original look.

What we're investigating now is using Acrobat to add fill-in text fields on the PDF document from the state/feds itself. We had to get some licenses for the full blown product for another project, so we thought we'd try it. We're told that the free, stand-alone Acrobat Reader allows entry of information to the fill-in fields, so not everyone will need the licensed version.

Word was pretty good, though, for most of the work.

Jim

 

[Dreamboat]

Acrobat is the full program.

Acrobat Reader is a different program, like a Viewer, which is free.

To CREATE the forms, Acrobat is required.
To READ and complete the forms, Acrobat Reader is required.

Just to clarify...

Anne Troy

http://www.VBAExpress.com

 

[janetlyn]

Jim and Anne, thanks for the information. We do not do enough with government forms to justify purchasing acrobat (thanks Anne for explaining the difference), and Word tables and I do not get along. They are too touchy for me and they are the only thing in Word that can get me mad enough to throw my computer across the room. I probably have just not worked with them enough. However, Excel has been doing good, so I guess I will just stick with that. Thanks for the advice. Have a wonderfull day, JL