Creating Fillable Forms in the Forms Library

  1. Create the source file and save it in two locations:

    (1) Abacus\v23\data01\Forms\Source\<appropriate category folder>, and

    (2) Abacus\v23\data01\Forms\Library\<appropriate category folder>

    Note that you are adding the source file to the Source folder for safe keeping in case the background changes. But you will work with the file in the Library folder to convert it to a fillable form.

  2. In the Forms Library, click the Add button on the Forms Library toolbar OR right-click the left pane and click Add form > Single form.

  3. The Select a form to add to the Forms Library window appears. Select the source file in the Library folder and click Open.

    NOTE: If you don't see the source file you want, ensure that the correct document type is selected (or select all document types).

  4. The Add a new form to the Forms Library window appears. Edit/complete the form properties and click Done.

  5. The remainder of this procedure depends on whether you are creating a PDF fillable form or a non-PDF fillable form.

    1. If you are creating a PDF fiillable form:

      1. The Forms Designer initializes the smart database layer and opens the source file for you to map your data fields to the form fields, thus creating the fillable form overlay. Click here for more information about designing forms.

      2. When you are finished, click the Save button on the Forms Designer toolbar (or click File > Save).

      3. Close the Forms Designer. Notice that the PDF fillable form is now listed in the Forms Library and is now ready to be filled.

    2. If you are creating a non-PDF fillable form:

      1. The source file is now listed in the Forms Library. Highlight the source file and click the Design button on the Forms Library toolbar.

      2. The source file opens in the appropriate program. Insert Abacus merge fields as desired to create the fillable form overlay.

      3. When you are finished, click File > Save. Notice that the PDF fillable form is now listed in the Forms Library and is now ready to be filled.

      4. Close the fillable form.