Create a Form Field

These instructions can also be used to create a form field at both the Form Document tab of the assembly window and in HotDocs Filler.

The first step in automating a form template is creating HotDocs fields at each place on the form where a user's information must be merged.

When you create a field, HotDocs determines the type of field you are creating based on the size of the field—if a field is smaller than a certain dimension, HotDocs creates a check box field. If a field is larger, then it creates an edit field. (You can define these dimensions at HotDocs Options. See Set Properties for New Edit Fields.) Additionally, once you create the field, you can make it a Resource hyperlink or a Control field.

Sometimes when you create a field, HotDocs can detect the borders of the underlying form and adjust its size to fit within those borders. This helps ensure the field fits best in the space allotted. See Detect Borders to Create or Resize a Field.

Once a field is created, you can attach a variable to it.

Please see Check Fillable Fields in a PDF Template for information on working with fields in a template created from a fillable PDF.

To create a form field

1. Edit a form template. (See Edit a Form Template.)
2. Click the Select Tool button.
3. Position the mouse pointer at one end of the intended field.
4. Press and hold down the left mouse button, then drag the pointer to the opposite corner of the field.
5. Release the mouse pointer. The field is created.
6. Optionally, click Detect to have HotDocs adjust the size of the field to more closely match the underlying static line or lines.
7. Optionally, you can customize the appearance of your fields in the following ways:
   • Attach a variable to the field. (See Attach a Variable to a Field.)
   • Change the field type. (See Change the Field Type.)
   • Adjust the size. (See Resize Form Fields.)
   • Change the field's position on the form. (See Move a Field on a Form.)
   • Make a field conditional so the variable is asked only if a condition is true. (See Make a Field Conditional.)

To move multiple fields once they have been created, select the fields and press the arrow key that indicates which direction you want to move them. To move fields more quickly, press the Shift key while pressing the arrow keys.

You can also create a standard-size field by double-clicking on the form. Or, you can click to set the field cross-hair and press F8.