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LiveCycle supports several types of PDF forms. Although
Acrobat or Adobe Reader users notice no apparent difference between
the form types, the way the PDF form is constructed can be different.
For example, forms can be rendered to PDF by the Forms service on
the LiveCycle server or by Acrobat or Adobe Reader.
PDF forms that do not require rendering can be used with the
Signature service in any situation. However, PDF forms that require
rendering can be problematic for digital signatures, depending on
how they are used.
When a PDF form that is digitally signed is rendered, the signature
on the form is invalidated. For example, a user opens a dynamic
PDF form in Acrobat, digitally signs it, and saves it. Then the
user sends the file to a colleague in an email message. When the
colleague opens the form, Acrobat renders the form to PDF, which
invalidates the digital signature.
To use the Signature service, identify the type of form you are
using.
- Acrobat PDF form:
- PDF forms that are created using Acrobat (or a similar tool). These
forms do not require rendering after they are created.
- Adobe PDF form:
- PDF forms that are created by using Designer. These files
are saved as static or dynamic PDF forms:
The content
of static PDF forms, except for field values, does not change. When the
file is opened, Acrobat or Adobe Reader use information in the file
to render the PDF form. When the file is saved for the first time,
the PDF form is stored in the file. The next time the form is opened,
it is not rerendered.
The content of dynamic PDF forms can change according to
user input. For example, table rows or subforms can be added as
required. The PDF form is always rendered when it is opened by using
Acrobat or Adobe Reader.
For more information about
the static and dynamic Adobe PDF forms, see Using Designer >
Working with Form Designs > Guidelines for creating PDF forms
in Designer Help.
- Adobe XML form:
- XDP files that are created by using Designer. Adobe XML forms
are prepared for opening in Acrobat or Adobe Reader by using the
Forms service. The Forms service can be configured so that the PDF
form is rendered by any of these agents:
- Non-interactive PDF forms:
- PDF forms that users can view electronically or print. For
example, files that are converted to PDF from a different file format
are non-interactive. These forms do not require rendering after
they are created.
For information about design requirements
for forms that are used in LiveCycle Workspace, see Requirements for form design and Workspace.
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