11
DESIGNER 11 HELP
Getting Started
Last updated 12/4/2013
Preview PDF tab Displays a PDF form based on the current form design. As you work, if you have Acrobat or Adobe
Reader installed, you can preview the form in the Preview PDF tab. Use the Preview PDF tab to view and test the
operation of a form or template as if it were a PDF file. You can set options for previewing interactive forms or
printable forms in PDF by using the Form Properties dialog box (Preview tab).
Note: To preview a form in the Preview PDF tab, in Acrobat, ensure that the Edit > Preferences > Internet > Display PDF
In Browser option is selected.
By default, not all the tabs are displayed. The Design View tab is displayed; however, the Master Pages tab and the XML
Source tab are not displayed. The Preview PDF tab is displayed only when Acrobat or Adobe Reader is installed.
Tabbed palettes are arranged around the Layout Editor to provide easy access to the tools without cluttering your
workspace.
For more information see “To customize the Layout Editor” on page 17.
Script Editor
The Script Editor is where you create, modify, and view the calculations and scripts of a particular form. For example,
you can use the Script Editor to write a simple calculation that adds two numeric fields or complex scripts that alter
the appearance of the form based on end-user actions. Designer supports scripting either in its own scripting language
called FormCalc or in JavaScript.
By default, the Script Editor appears at the top of the Designer workspace, but you can dock it anywhere. It has both a
single-line view and a multiline view that you can switch between, depending on your needs. Single-line view is
designed to maximize the amount of space dedicated to the Layout Editor and other palettes. Multiline view is
designed to maximize the amount of space for writing script.
Show Lists all form design events that support user-defined scripting. Any events that do not apply to a particular
object appear dimmed. Events that contain a calculation or script display an asterisk (*) beside the name of the event.
Show Events for Child Objects Displays the event you have currently selected in the Show list for the current object
and all of its child objects. If you select the uppermost object in the Hierarchy palette, this option displays the event
you have currently selected in the Show list for all objects on your form.
Functions Displays a list of available built-in FormCalc or JavaScript functions, depending on the scripting
language you currently have selected in the Language list.
To place a function onto your script editing field, select a function from the list and press Enter.
Check Script Syntax Checks all of the scripts in a form for correct syntax and reports any errors on the Warnings
tab in the Report palette.
Language Specifies the scripting language you want to use for the current calculation or script. Two options are
available:
• FormCalc FormCalc is a native Adobe calculation language typically used for shorter scripts, such as simple
calculations.
• JavaScript JavaScript is the default scripting language for new forms.
The scripting language that is displayed in the Language list matches the scripting language option you select as the
default for new forms in the Workspace panel in the Options dialog box. However, if you change the scripting
language setting for the current form on the Defaults tab in the Form Properties dialog box, the scripting language
that is displayed in the Language list changes similarly for any new scripts on new events. Changing the scripting
language option in the Form Properties dialog box does not change the scripting language for existing scripts. If an
event already contains script and that script is deleted, the Script Editor continues to use that same scripting
language for the duration of your Designer working session.