"You cannot save data typed into this form" !

[Joel-CNVI]

Has anyone figured out a workaround?  I know there are other free viewers (tracker software) but small business client isn't going to like that they have to pour thousands into reader extensions.  There must be a way for a PDF designed in LiveCycle ES4 v.11 and allow the end user to save a copy (and submit via email) from Acrobat Reader DC.  I see lots of threads complaining about this very simple problem but I do not see any solutions that utilize a free adobe reader.  I am aware of the PRINT to PDF solution but not all end users have a PDF printer on their computer.  Adobe please help. 

[George_Johnson]

An option is to Reader-enable the form with Acrobat DC. It doesn't have the licensing restrictions related to enabled documents that previous versions do. You won't be able to Reader-enable documents for your client with Acrobat, but your client can.

[Joel-CNVI]

What are the specific steps to do this?  Thank you so much in advance!

[George_Johnson]

Open the form in Acrobat DC and select: File > Save as Other > Reader Extended PDF > Enable More Tools

[Joel-CNVI]

I do not have that option.  Opened file in Reader DC version 2015 and when I click SAVE AS OTHER, I get only two options

text

word or excel

Is there a permission I have not set in LiveCycle ES4?

[George_Johnson · Accepted solution]

You can't use Reader, you have to use Acrobat. So your client will have to get Acrobat and Reader-enable the forms that you develop. If you don't have Acrobat, you can download and install the trial version so you can test this out.

[Joel-CNVI]

Wow.  So after paying hundreds for Livecycle turns out I also need Acrobat?   top that off with the unpleasant icing that Adobe doesn't even offer phone support for Livecycle.  Adobe you make me exhausted.

[George_Johnson]

You don't need Acrobat, your client does. It's far less cost than LiveCycle Reader Extensions, which would have been the only option before Acrobat DC was available. Licensing costs can be as low as $14.99/month. So if their need is limited, it can be done for very little.

[Joel-CNVI]

Client is technologically challenged.  They want nothing to do with creating PDFs, sending PDFs, etc.  They hired me to create their forms which will be available from a password protected directory on their website and stored (after completion) on a HIPAA compliant email server.  Why is this so complicated?

[wlt_1953]

I have Acrobat DC, so why can't I Reader enable the LiveCycle form and distribute to the user?  The targeted user-base only has reader and cannot install anything anyway; even on a trial basis.

[Tony-46719125]

Try doing the following. Don't know if it is available in DC or requires DC Pro.  With the file open in DC,

From the File menu

Select ‘Save as Other…’

Select ‘Reader Extended PDF’

Select ‘Enable More Tools (Including form fill-in and save)…’

This step will need to be done every time after you make any changes to the form.

[wlt_1953]

Thank you, Tony!

It worked in Adobe Acrobat DC Pro''.  I don't know why they are implying above the end-user has to do the extended save in Pro.  I did it and forwarded the resulting PDF and it works perfectly.

Thanks!

[George_Johnson]

Not the end user, but the person who is distributing the form to the end users. That Acrobat license allows the licensee to Reader-enable documents and distribute them, but it does not allow the licensee to sell Reader-enabled forms to someone else who distributes them.

[wlt_1953]

As you said above, George, "You can't use Reader, you have to use Acrobat. So your client will have to get Acrobat and Reader-enable the forms that you develop. If you don't have Acrobat, you can download and install the trial version so you can test this out." 

The key words being, " . . . So your client will have to get Acrobat and Reader-enable the forms that you develop."  It was just a tad misleading, which is what I was commenting on to Tony.  And, downloading a trial version?  My clients do not have installation rights, much less the desire to install Acrobat DC Pro.  All they want is a working form for their Adobe Reader DC.

'Not "selling the form either, by the way."  Sorry.

Thank you for your input.  It is none the less appreciated.

[wlt_1953]

Tony had the correct answer.  The end-user DOES NOT have to have Acrobat DC.  The form must be made "Reader enabled," but that can be done by the author prior to distribution.  Follow Tony's steps and you'll be good.