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Fixed layoutThe most common type
of forms have a fixed layout; that is, they have a predetermined
layout, always with a fixed number of pages regardless of the amount
of data available to fill it. For example, a course registration
form that an end user can either print and fill by hand, or fill
in Acrobat or Adobe Reader. When filled, the form retains its original
layout and number of pages. Fields that are not filled remain empty.
Conversely, if the amount of data is more that the form can hold, the
form cannot expand to accommodate excess data. For example, if a
course registration form has 5 rows where end users list their course
selections, and enough data is available to fill 10 rows, only 5
rows can be filled. Similarly, if an end user lists only 2 course
selections, you will still see 5 rows, 2 that are filled and 3 that
are empty.
This
form can be interactive, where an end user fills the form typically
in Acrobat or Adobe Reader, or it can be non-interactive, where
a server process merges the form with data from a data source. Similarly,
Forms typically renders non-interactive forms that have a fixed
layout to present information from a data source.
Flowable layoutIn addition to forms that have a fixed layout,
you can define sections of the form that will expand and shrink
in response to the amount of data that is merged when the form is
rendered. You do this by wrapping various sections (groups of subforms)
in subforms that are set to flow content. Then, at run time, only
the subforms that are necessary for displaying the exact amount
of data are instantiated.
This type of form has a flowable layout with
a varying number of pages. The subforms adjust depending on the
amount of data merged with the form when it is rendered, or the
subforms expand when end users need to add more data. For example,
you may decide to let end users add to the form the number of rows they
need to list their selections, remove rows from the form, and then
return the form data electronically. Depending on how many rows
they add, the form may extend over two or more pages.
Interactive
forms that have a flowable layout are sometimes referred to as client-side
forms. Acrobat and Adobe Reader 7.0 and later support this type
of interactive forms.
You can also create forms that
have a flowable layout for use with Forms. In this scenario, Forms
merges the form design with data. For example, such forms as a telephone
bill or credit card statement are typically non-interactive forms
and designed to present users with information from a data source.
Users then print these forms or store them electronically. These forms
are sometimes referred to as server-side forms because the merging
of the form design and data occurs at the server.
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