Data in form filled fields not showing up.

We recently upgraded from version 3 to version 4 and now we are having the same problem with all of our existing pdfs that use form fill. The fields are being correctly populated with data but when the pdf form opens, you can no longer see the data in each field and the data does not show up when the pdf is printed. The only way to see the data filled into each form field is to click on the field. When you click on each field, the data in the field will show up. As soon as you click away from the field, the data does not show. I have checked the formatting of all the fields and all are set to visible, so we cannot figure out why the filled in fields do not show up.

First, make sure you downloaded and are using the latest build of the COM product (Build 21029).  If you get the latest version (or already have it) and you are still experiencing the same issue then we will want to recreate it on our end so that we can look into a resolution.  Please send an email to support@cete.com with everything we will need to recreate the issue including:

  1.  The original PDF you are filling in
  2.  The code you are using to fill it it
  3.  The method you are using to output the PDF (Draw, DrawToWeb)
  4.  The browser or viewer and version used to view the PDF
  5.  And go ahead and send the PDF output that you are getting

With this information we will be able to determine the exact cause of the issue and provide a workaround or a rough timeline on a fix.

Thanks,
ceTe Software Support Team

We are experiencing the same problem.  Data will not show up until the fields are clicked.  Build # = 21029

We have found that the data will show and print if you use Fox it 2.3 Reader. However, if you use Adobe Reader 6.0, 7.0, 8.0 or Adobe Acrobat 6.0 Professional or Adobe Acrobat 7.0 Professional you can not view or print the data. If you highlight all of the data form fields and right click on properties. Then you can select Hidden in the Form field common properties section. Reselect Visible in the form field common properties section. The data will be visible and printable from there.

In fox it reader you can just view and print the data with no problem.

needing a better solution to fix the problem.

After much research and discussion with help support we have found that the Appearance Stream was not being set correctly to write to the PDF for adobe reader to show the population.

You want to make sure when you create the PDF form that all your fields are defaulted in the common properties>form field to visible. Then in your code of you page before calling the DrawToWeb method place one line of code.
document.Form.NeedsAppearances = True

This was able to fix our problem both on single out put and on merge output of the PDF's. It is now working in Adobe Reader 6.0, 7.0, 8.0 and Adobe Acrobat 6.0 Professional and 7.0 Professional.