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yvettescott's avatar
yvettescott
Explorer | Level 3
5 years ago

Document with fillable fields

Hello, I have uploaded a document to Dropbox. It is a document with fillable fields. When I upload it to dropbox, it converts it to a pdf. I need the form to remain as a document with fillable fields. Can you help me with this? Thank you.

  • Jay's avatar
    Jay
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

    Hi yvettescott, thanks for messaging today!

     

    Before you upload the file, is it already a PDF file, or was it another type of document?

     

    PDF files can be edited using one of the extensions on the Dropbox site directly, if you're referring to editing files online.

     

    Let me know more so that I can assist further!

    • yvettescott's avatar
      yvettescott
      Explorer | Level 3

      Hello Jay,

       

      Sorry for the delay, your email just now came through on my spam mail.  It is a pdf with fillable fields.  I can send you the document if there is a way do it on here.

       

      • Jay's avatar
        Jay
        Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

        Okay, so the PDF document appears on the site as a PDF document, so it isn't converted from another filetype. Could you clarify where the issue is exactly?

         

        Are you trying to edit the file via a shared link? Are you logged into your own account? Does the file download without the fillable fields?

    • yvettescott's avatar
      yvettescott
      Explorer | Level 3

      Hello Jay,

       

      Yes, it is already a pdf file but has fillable fields.  I need it to remain with fillable fields.  Dropbox converts it to a pdf without fillable fields when I upload it.  It is a Plaintiff Fact Sheet for United States District Court and I need the clients to fill out the fillable fields and return it.  I would appreciate any and all help with this form.  Thank you!

      • Daphne's avatar
        Daphne
        Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

        Can you let me know if you're trying to edit the file through the website, using an integration yvettescott?

         

        Or are the fields not available after the file is downloaded from Dropbox? In this case, please let me know which app you're using to open the file.

  • HowToDoIt's avatar
    HowToDoIt
    Explorer | Level 3

    Yvette, could you please share how you resolved this? Having an identical issue with fillable PDFs shared with others via Dropbox.

    • Walter's avatar
      Walter
      Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
      Hey there HowToDoIt; sorry to jump in here, but could you provide some additional information about the issue you're having?

      Did you try any of the suggestions on this discussion?
      • HowToDoIt's avatar
        HowToDoIt
        Explorer | Level 3

        Hi Walter! We created a fillable PDF (file with fillable text areas) that we would like to add to our clients' Drobpox folders to collect answers. The fillable fields stop being fillable if the file is open in Dropbox via browser or mobile app. If one opens it through the desktop Dropbox app, then the fillable aspect stays. I'm assuming that the issue is whether the file being dowloaded first or not - if downloaded through the desktop app, then either Adobe or Mac iOS will facilitate the filling-in, but if the file is open in the browser version of Dropbox, then it can't be filled in and opens as a preview of sorts, only to be commented on.  I know we can add an extension, but that will only take care of the issue for us, not for all clients' folders, correct?

         

        Is there a workaround that you know of? What kind of file can we add to all clients' folders that will allow us to have clients type up answers into when opening the file in the browser version of Dropbox, both mobile and computer browsers? 

         

        Thank you!