Getting a PDF form to my email!

[A-Dzine4U]

I saw a few posts in here, but it doesn't look as if they were answered, so trying myself,....

I'm a clothing designer and have a few semi-technical forms I need on line so my clients can simply open the pdf, fill in what needs filling in, and hit submit. In return, I want the pdf file to come to me - as is - so I can print it and put it into my files.

I'm beating my head right now trying to figure this out. I know nothing about .php - or if I even have to use that! (I've seen a couple sites when searching on the topic, that say it can be emailed directly to me)

Where does one start,...once the headache goes away! :eek:

[EricJ]

I'm a clothing designer and have a few semi-technical forms I need on line so my clients can simply open the pdf, fill in what needs filling in, and hit submit. In return, I want the pdf file to come to me - as is - so I can print it and put it into my files.

As far as I know PDF files aren't able to be opened and edited, so if you need something like this to happen it is going to take a lot of work. If you've never worked with PHP before, hire a professional programmer; OR be ready to dedicate a few hours per day for a few years to learn how to do this and make it look good..

Something I often notice is that people think that web development is very easy to do.. Although it is easy (IMO) to get a few simple html pages up.. PHP is an entirely different ball park. Remember, people get degrees from universities in PHP programming. Think of it this way: If you had a clothes design forum, and someone posted there saying, "I need to design, and do everything else necessary to get an entire line of clothing out in four days. Also, I'm only going to work on it in my spare time." You would probably laugh at them, it is the same concept here.

In my opinion, you should hire a professional PHP developer. It's going to cost a pretty penny but it will look great and have the functionality that you really want. If you're dead set on doing it yourself, check out Tizag (http://www.tizag.com/phpT/). If you master everything on that PHP tutorial, you'll have mastered the basics of PHP. You'll also need a strong understanding of HTML and CSS if you really want things to look good.

With what you are asking about though, you might be able to get away with a simple email form, which you can pick up in the CGI Center of your cPanel. Then just edit the code how you want it, and paste it into your site. It won't be in PDF format, but it will get the information where you need it.

Sorry if this wasn't the answer you were looking for, but it's really the truth.

[felgall]

PDFs can have forms embedded in them that can be filled out.Then you can either print the filled out form or save the information filled into the form. That information uses a different format from the PDF itself. It should be possible to set up an email to attach that file and send it to you where you can then import it back into the form for printing but those are some of the things I haven't actually tried to do with forms in PDFs. Usually I just get people to print it and send it to me and use an HTML equivalent form for those who want to send the info electronically which I can then convert to the filled out PDF using FPDF.

[EricJ]

PDFs can have forms embedded in them that can be filled out.Then you can either print the filled out form or save the information filled into the form. That information uses a different format from the PDF itself. It should be possible to set up an email to attach that file and send it to you where you can then import it back into the form for printing but those are some of the things I haven't actually tried to do with forms in PDFs. Usually I just get people to print it and send it to me and use an HTML equivalent form for those who want to send the info electronically which I can then convert to the filled out PDF using FPDF.

Interesting, I had no idea that was possible :). I stand corrected.

[farcaster]

Experience - the thing you get just after you need it!

[charlesp]

I know in Acrobat 8 & 9 it is possible to "distribute" the form via email by adding a submit button to the form. You can make the fields "typeable" and once the form is filled out you select Forms -> Distribute -> via email. The complete details are easy to find. It can also be sent as an attachment.

[Tanya]

Hello,

I think i know the answer for your problem :

Just post on your site the link to the online software like
www.pdffiller.com
and your clients can edit any pdf form online and return the filled form as an email back to you!!!

I think the software is either free for occasional user or really inexpensive. or you can do as we did - buy a subscription and give your clients login and password!

Let me know if it helps!
:)