Share via

How do I make developer check boxes and text boxes usable in PDF again?

Anonymous
2023-11-03T15:54:25+00:00

I made an entire fillable application earlier this year in word complete with fillable text boxes, check boxes, and a box where you select a state from a drop-down and that state's legal notice populates. I then saved as a PDF and everything has been perfectly functional for clients. (Microsoft word 97-2003 file type)

Recently I know that Microsoft made some sort of update so that I can't even save a word document as a PDF unless I save as a .docx which I think is the root problem I'm having, but not sure. I am looking to make a similar application for a different kind of business but I can't even convert to a PDF unless I save as macro enabled file type first and when I do, none of the developer components like the text box and state notice dropdown are functional. How do get these components to work again?

Microsoft 365 and Office | Word | For business | Windows

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

2 answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. John Korchok 232.1K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2023-11-04T17:22:58+00:00

    Sorry, I've never seen any version of Word create a fillable PDF from a fillable Word form. If you did indeed save in "Microsoft word 97-2003 file type", that was a Word form, not a PDF.

    You can export the PDF, then re-add PDF fillable fields in a full copy of Acrobat or another third-party PDF editor.

    Was this answer helpful?

    2 people found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2023-11-04T16:16:20+00:00

    Dear Felicia Donohoue,

    Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft community. We are delighted to offer our assistance.

    We afraid that in order to address this issue, it may be necessary to investigate the environment on your end. As forum support, we do not have sufficient permissions and resources to perform an investigation directly.

    We have noted that you have posted this question in the For Business category and assume that you have a Microsoft 365 for Business subscription. Therefore, we sincerely recommend that you contact your Microsoft 365 administrator and follow the steps outlined in this article to create a support ticket and contact Online Support.

    The support team at Online Support has higher permissions than us and can remotely examine the situation on your end, gather more resources, and assist you with troubleshooting. This will be a more efficient way to address your concerns.

    Thank you for your understanding and cooperation! Have a great day.

    Sincerely,

    Sean | Microsoft Community Moderator

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments