Unable to fill out interactive PDF form on Mac mini 2018

Question

Level 1

10 points

Unable to fill out interactive PDF form on Mac mini 2018

I am having issues with trying to fill out interactive PDF forms on my 2018 Mac mini.

I am able to sign forms without issue on PC's and my MacBook; however, on my 2018 Mac mini it won't let me. Natively on MacOS, when I click on a type field box all it does is the borders of the box is bolded but no text is inputted; the same occurs with buttons (check mark boxes). However when I close the app, it recognized that there are changes as it asks if I want to save my changes to the file.

I also have Parallels installed and when I try to do the same in filling out forms on Windows via Parallels, the same issue occurs.

Help with Adobe online support has not helped. I feel the issue may be with the computer.

Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on Oct 10, 2020 12:26 AM

Reply

Answer 1

VikingOSX

Level 10

123,962 points

Oct 10, 2020 10:57 AM in response to hcsitas

We still do not know what version of macOS is installed on the OPs MacBook, or on the 2018 Mac mini, and with Apple's continuing penchant for deprecating PDFKit features, or even just plain errors in the framework, a copy of Preview on an older version of OS X/macOS may behave correctly for the PDF in question, and a current version may not.

The reason I recommended Skim is it too is based on Apple's PDFKit framework, and if Skim works fine on the OPs PDF, then we know the trouble is most likely in the respective Preview implementation. When users have issues with Preview processing PDF form content, I tend to eliminate lost user time by recommending Adobe Acrobat Reader DC. Not going to apologize to you or anyone else for the Skim or Adobe recommendation.

Reply

Answer 2

ryanqc Author

Level 1

10 points

Oct 10, 2020 1:28 PM in response to hcsitas

Regardless of file, the issue was still there.

However, after restarting my computer and restarting Adobe Acrobat Reader, it brought up a window asking about installing security certificates. After that, the problem was resolved on Reader itself and now I'm able to type into the interactive fields.

I have since downloaded Acrobat Pro and the issue is still there. I've tried searching how I can download them but to no avail.

Reply

Answer 3

hcsitas

Level 6

13,970 points

Oct 10, 2020 1:39 AM in response to ryanqc

Ok, try swapping it with a wired keyboard.

Reply

Answer 4

ryanqc Author

Level 1

10 points

Oct 10, 2020 5:15 PM in response to ryanqc

Here is an example of how I am unable to input data

0:08 I am able to input data via Safari

0:35 I download the file and open it up in Acrobat Reader; I am unable to input data

0:49 I open it in preview and I can input data then I save changes to file.

1:20 I reopen the file in Acrobat reader and I can see the data that was inputted in the boxes and I'm able to modify the data; however, I am unable to edit any other form field

https://youtu.be/DxgndVnpaLA

Reply