Validating data entry
Once you have designed your form, added form fields, and supporting text you can configure some data entry rules, i.e. validation, on your form fields. The main objective is to ensure that the form is filled out correctly. This is done by checking that data entered into each field is of the correct format, structure and sequence.
If data entry is not correct the form cannot be submitted until validation is successful.
Validation of Formats
The Format tab for text fields and combo boxes performs validation in that the format of each form field can be restricted to a set structure and sequence.
Text fields can be made to display:
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a Number with differing decimal place settings, separators, or currency symbols. Including distinguishing negative numbers from positive numbers.
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a Date of varying date formats, with differing delimiter types.
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a Time of varying time formats.
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a Custom format as dictated by a custom Format and Keystroke JavaScript.
Simple Validation
For numeric fields you can apply Simple Validation to restrict the number range that the form recipient can input by setting a Minimum value and Maximum value.
Custom Validation with JavaScript
More advanced validation on PDF forms can be performed within PagePlus. It’s possible to develop your own JavaScript code and apply it within the Validation tab of text fields and combo boxes. When the form field is completed by the form recipient, the custom script is run and validation is carried out.
Some examples of custom validation include:
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the blocking of swear words.
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Specifying account numbers with a set structure (e.g., EM 158 3466 7546//2).
The development of JavaScript code is outside the scope of this Help system. However, a useful starting point is the Acrobat JavaScript Scripting Reference available from www.adobe.com.
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Some custom JavaScript may not be supported by versions of Adobe Reader. Serif recommends that you test all forms in Adobe Reader software used by your target audience.