Positioning Tab

Position adjustments for fields (both image and text) are sometimes necessary. The positioning feature will also allow you to change the width and the height of the form field. This is helpful when you just need to tweak a field without having to make changes to the PDF itself and re-upload it to the template.

To locate the positioning option, go to: Templates > Choose to edit your template > Field Setup > Choose the field that needs adjusting > select the Positioning tab. Positioning is available for both versions of Online Template Builder.

Before making changes, be sure to Define the units of measure at the top, right are of creator. 

Emulate Acrobat Text Field Positioning - The purpose of this is to attempt to tweak the output with how Adobe Acrobat presents filled in fields. The positioning is approxiate.

• None - means no special positioning.

• Single Line - enforces vertical center alignment, insets the text by 2.5 points horizontally from the edge, and moves the field down by 6% of the font size.

• Multiline - enforces vertical top alignment, insets the text by 2.5 points horizontally and 3 points vertically from the edge, uses 116% of the point size for "auto" leading, and moves the field down by 6% of the font size.

Override Positioning from PDF - The four entries allow repositioning of your text, graphic, or image field to any position within your document instead of just tweaking the positioning from the PDF. If you want to override the field position in the PDF then check this box.

Measurement Settings - The default entry for these fields is zero. It is important to note that these fields must be populated with a dimension, even if changes are not made. The units of measure dropdown may be set to inches, points, or centimeters

• Left - Assign a position in relation to the left edge or margin of your document.

• Bottom - Assign a position in relation to the distance fro the bottom edge of your document.

• Width - Enter the width of the form field. If changes do not need to be made, enter what the original setting is.

• Height - Enter the height of the form field. If changes do not need to be made, enter what the original setting is.

*Please note: the positioning will not work if you leave any of the settings to zero. Either an entry by you, or the original setting (shown in parenthesis) needs to be entered.

Example:

The image below displays copy that has been stacked and placed at a 45 degree angle to the image that it overlays. Using the positioning functions, the copy may be repositioned simply by assigning a new set of metrics within the positioning interface. In the example, two fields have been added (Award and AwardYear). The new PDF is uploaded under template assets, and field properties are applied, including angling the field at forty-five degrees, with the axis at center. On completion of those steps, the template will appear similar to the “Before” example.

Previous Chapter: Chapter 17 - Field Scripting Tab

Next Chapter:  Chapter 18b - Rules Tab for Text Fields