Alternatively, if PDF form cannot be edited, then use "Yes/No" text in the data source to match export values of the PDF form. If database has 1 and 0 for Yes/No fields, then you have to edit the PDF form and set checkbox`s "export value" to 1 in order to match the database. Look at Yes/No fields and see what text is displayed for these values. If using AutoMailMerge, navigate to "Data Source" tab in the Settings, and click "View and Filter Records." button to preview data. This is important to check what "actual" values are stored in corresponging data fields. However, it is possible to change those values in MS Access. By default, these fields export 1 (if Yes/No field is checked in the Access) or 0 (if Yes/No field is unchecked in MS Access). If you want to make a PDF checkbox appear checked using a Yes/No field value from MS Access/Excel or any other database, then you need first to figure out what values those field are "exporting". Please note that this value is case-sensitive, filling a checkbox with "YES" or "yes" will have no effect. Using "Yes/No" fields from the Microsoft Access or Excel For example, by default, the Adobe® Acrobat® defines export value for a new checkbox as "Yes". Selected to match the way the corresponding values are listed in the data source that will be used for the mail merge.
The export value is typically selected based on the way filled PDF forms are going to be processed. However, depending on the project requirements, it can be virtually anything such as "Male", "Female", "Dependent" and etc. Here are the examples of the "Export Value:" field for check boxes and for list boxes: The "export value" of "Yes" is used as a defaut value for all checkboxes created in Adobe Acrobat. The "Export value" can be set or modified using "Field Properties" dialog in the Adobe Acrobat "Prepare Form" tool.īoth "value" and "export value" are always treated as text. If these two values do not match, then checkbox appears as "unchecked". If a checkbox's "value" matches its "export value", then the checkbox appears as "checked". It can contain any text as desired by the form designer. The "export value" is assigned at the time the field is placed on the form. It is used to determine if the checkbox needs to be displayed in checked or unchecked state. You have to fill checkbox field with a value in the very same way as a text form field.Įvery checkbox/radio button/list box has a special property called "export value".
How to check a checkbox or radio button, or select an item from a list box using mail merge? Actually, there is no such thing as "checking" a PDF checkbox field or making selection from the list. Read more about creating interactive PDF forms in Adobe Acrobat. Populating a PDF form with checkboxes, radio buttons and list boxes using the AutoMailMerge™ Plug-in.How to create a radio button and edit its export value?.How to create a checkbox and edit its export value?.Using "Yes/No" fields from the Microsoft Access or Excel.