What is the best solution to design PDF Forms which is fillable, collapsible, validation and bar code.

[Vi_H]

Our objectives are:

1. We want to design  PDF forms which can be fillable, collapsible and interactive (validations).

2. The PDF form must be able to save filled-in information and simultaneously generate a dynamic 2D barcode containing the data filled in on the form.

3. The form should operate independently at end-user level on acrobat reader. That is the end-user does not need to download any extension to be able to fill-in, generate the barcode and save the form.

4. The form should be able to run on Windows and MAC OS

What have we done so far?

1. We have bought a monthly licence of Acrobat Pro DC and we notice that we cannot create the stated type of form on this software as Adobe LiveCycle (which we understand could meet our requirements) is not part of Acrobat Pro DC anymore.

2. We have contacted a support agent on adobe support chat. He has provided us with a link to download Adobe Experience Manager - Forms Designer with a serial number: 

3. We have created a form on AEM Forms Designer.

    The form works (fillable, collapsible,  validation and generates a dynamic 2D barcode) on Acrobat Pro Dc. 

    However, when the same form is open by an end-user on Acrobat Reader and filled-in, the collapsible section is not working as well as the barcode is not generated and the filled-in pdf form cannot be saved.

What is the solution to design the stated PDF Form?

[TundraSteve · Accepted solution]

Adobe Form Designer is not sold separately anymore, it's provided as part of a server license of AEM Forms.

To answer your questions, the form must be Adobe Reader Extended in order for the dynamic barcode to work with Adobe Reader.  There are capabilities such as the barcode that are available in Acrobat but not within Adobe Reader until the specific document/form is Adobe Reader Extended using the server technology.  Some features can be extended through Acrobat Pro using the File>Save As Other>Reader Extend PDF but the barcode is not available in Acrobat Pro.

Hope this clarifies your situation.