How do I export a form from Adobe?

To export a form from Adobe Acrobat, you have several options depending on whether you want to export the form's data, the blank interactive form itself, or a filled-out version of the form. The most common scenario for "exporting a form" often involves collecting and consolidating the data submitted in multiple forms.

How Do I Export a Form from Adobe Acrobat?

Adobe Acrobat provides robust tools to manage and export various aspects of PDF forms, from consolidating collected data to saving the form design itself. Understanding your specific export need will guide you to the correct process.

Exporting Form Data to a Spreadsheet (CSV)

One of the most frequent reasons to export a form is to extract the collected data from multiple submissions into a single, manageable file like a spreadsheet. This is particularly useful for analysis, database integration, or generating reports.

Why export form data?

Data Analysis: Easily analyze responses from multiple users.
Consolidation: Combine data from numerous filled-out forms into one master file.
Reporting: Create detailed reports based on the aggregated information.

Step-by-Step Guide to Merging Form Data into a Spreadsheet:

Follow these steps to export data from multiple PDF form submissions into a CSV file:

Open Adobe Acrobat and then open any PDF file. You don't necessarily need to open one of the forms whose data you intend to export at this initial stage.
Navigate to the form tools by clicking on the Tools tab in the top menu, then select Prepare Form.
In the "Prepare Form" toolbar, locate and click on the More dropdown menu (often represented by three dots or a small gear icon).
From the options that appear, select Merge Data Files into Spreadsheet.
In the dialog box that opens, click the Add Files button. This will allow you to browse for your submitted form files.
Locate and select all the desired PDF files (the filled-out forms) from which you want to extract data. You can select multiple files at once.
After adding your files, review the list and then click Export.
Choose a location on your computer, provide a file name, and click Save to save the merged data as a CSV (Comma Separated Values) file. This file can then be opened in spreadsheet programs like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.

Tip: Ensure all your form fields have unique and descriptive names within Adobe Acrobat for cleaner data export.

Exporting a Blank Interactive PDF Form

If your goal is to share the empty, interactive form for others to fill out, you simply need to save the PDF and distribute it.

How to save your form for distribution:

After creating or opening your interactive form in Adobe Acrobat, go to File > Save As.
Choose your desired location and a descriptive file name for your form (e.g., "Customer_Feedback_Form.pdf").
Ensure the "Save as type" is set to *Adobe PDF Files (.pdf)**.
Click Save.

Your blank interactive form is now ready to be shared via email, uploaded to a website, or distributed through other channels. Users will be able to fill it out using Adobe Acrobat Reader or other compatible PDF viewers.

Exporting a Filled-Out PDF Form

When a user has completed a form, they might need to export or save their filled version. This usually involves saving a new copy of the PDF, potentially flattening the form to prevent further edits.

Options for saving a filled-out form:

Saving as a standard PDF:
1. After filling out the form, go to File > Save As.
2. Choose a new name or location to save the filled form. This preserves the interactive fields, allowing for future edits if the recipient has Acrobat.
Saving as a flattened PDF (Print to PDF):
This method converts the interactive fields into static text and images, making the form content permanent and preventing further edits.
1. Once the form is filled, go to File > Print.
2. In the print dialog box, select Adobe PDF (or a similar "Print to PDF" option) as your printer.
3. Click Print.
4. A "Save Print Output As" dialog will appear. Choose your desired location and file name, then click Save.

Considerations:

Saving as a standard PDF is good if the form might need minor adjustments later.
Flattening the form (via Print to PDF) is ideal for final submissions where no further changes should be made, ensuring data integrity.

By understanding these different export methods, you can effectively manage and utilize your PDF forms and the valuable data they collect within Adobe Acrobat.