1. Dynamic Forms

• Dynamic Forms adjust their layout, content and behavior based on user input or data retrieved from external sources. For instance, sections of the form can be shown or hidden based on the values selected by the user.
• Dynamic Data Binding: You can bind form fields to a data source (e.g., XML, database or SAP data) so that data can be displayed or populated automatically. When the form is opened or submitted, it dynamically reflects the data.
• Dynamic Scripting: You can use JavaScript to write dynamic scripts that change form fields, show/hide sections or manipulate form data depending on user input.
  • Example: If a user selects a specific option from a dropdown, additional fields can appear that are relevant to the selection.
• Field Visibility: Fields in the form can be set to show or hide based on conditions like user input, allowing for a tailored user experience.
  • Example: If a user chooses a certain value from a dropdown, the form might display additional fields related to that value.

2. Interactive Forms

• Interactive Forms provide a more engaging experience for the user. These forms include features such as auto-completion, error highlighting and conditional actions based on the data the user enters.
• Form Validation: Interactive forms can validate data at the client side before submission, reducing the errors in form submission. For example, checking if the user entered the correct format for a phone number or email address.
• Submit Actions: Interactive forms can include submit buttons that can either:
  • Submit data to a database or a backend system (e.g., SAP, CRM).
  • Trigger email sending with form data.
• Web Services Integration: Interactive forms can call web services to validate the data or retrieve information dynamically from external sources.

3. Key Features of Dynamic and Interactive Forms

• Form Calculations: You can perform calculations based on data entered by the user. For example, in a financial form, totals can be calculated automatically as the user fills in values.
  • Example: A form could dynamically calculate totals, taxes or discounts based on user input.
• Conditionally Visible Fields: Certain form fields can be dynamically shown or hidden based on input, providing a cleaner and more user-friendly experience.
  • Example: If a user selects “Yes” for a specific question, a text field asking for further details appears.
• Repeatable Subforms: These are dynamic subforms that allow users to add or remove instances based on their input. For instance, if a form asks for multiple phone numbers, the user can click a button to add more phone number fields.
• Dynamic Dropdowns and Lists: Dropdown lists can be populated dynamically based on prior user selections or external data sources (e.g., fetching values from an SAP system).

4. Examples of Dynamic and Interactive Form Features

• Auto-Complete Fields: As the user starts typing in a field, suggestions can automatically appear based on a predefined list or data source.
• Data Validation: Forms can validate fields dynamically as the user types, highlighting errors like incorrect dates, missing fields or invalid input formats.
• Dynamic Layout: The form can adapt its layout based on the content entered, such as adjusting the number of displayed fields or even changing field types.
• Calculations: Forms can perform calculations as the user fills them out, such as calculating taxes, totals or other financial data.

5. Deployment and Distribution of Adobe Forms

• Web Forms: Adobe LiveCycle forms can be deployed as interactive HTML forms on the web. These forms are accessible in browsers and can be submitted to a server for further processing.
• Email Forms: Forms can be designed to be filled out in a PDF viewer (like Adobe Acrobat Reader) and submitted back as a PDF or XML data file.
• Offline Forms: Forms can be designed for offline use where users fill them out locally on their devices and then submit them later when an internet connection is available.

6. Form Security and Permissions

• Digital Signatures: Interactive forms can include fields for digital signatures, which ensure data integrity and security during submission.
• Encryption: Data submitted via Adobe Forms can be encrypted for privacy and security.
• Permissions: The form can be configured to allow certain users or roles to access specific fields or actions, depending on security rules.

7. Best Practices for Dynamic and Interactive Forms

• User Experience: Keep the user interface simple and intuitive. Use conditional logic to hide unnecessary fields and make the form easy to navigate.
• Performance: Ensure that the form performs well, especially if it involves dynamic data loading or complex calculations. Test the form with different devices and browsers.
• Accessibility: Make sure the form is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Ensure that screen readers can interpret the form content and that all elements are keyboard-navigable.