Setting Default Values for the Forms Library

  1. Click the Settings button on the Forms Library toolbar. The Forms Setup and Default Values window appears.

  2. Complete the settings on the General tab as follows:

    1. Base (root) folder for saved documents: The directory under which all saved fillable forms are stored. NOTE: Documents created using the Save and Log to Abacus macro are also stored in this location.

    2. Folders\Subfolder(s) and File name: Indicates the naming convention to use for sub folders (under the root folder) and file names for filled forms. NOTE: Documents created using the Save and Log to Abacus macro are also named using this naming convention.

    3. Court Setup: Click to add, edit, or delete a court on the fly. Click here for more information.

    4. Jurisdiction Setup: Click to add, edit, or delete a jurisdiction on the fly. Click here for more information.

    5. ALF File Setup: Lets you select an ALF file for the fillable form, which defines what information is going to go out from Abacus and over to your document/PDF form. Click here for more information.

  3. Complete the settings on the PDF Court Forms tab as follows:

    1. Default Printer Bin: The printer bin you want to be selected for new fillable form properties.

    2. Default Duplex print mode: The duplex print mode you want to be selected when printing forms. Individual fillable forms can also have a specific setting in their Forms Library properties.

    3. Matter to use in Design mode: When designing fillable forms, you want to have a common matter selected so that all mapped data fields are collected into one matter profile. This makes it easy when you design the next fillable form to select from a complete list of fields so you don't create two field names for the same purpose.

    4. Linked Name to save to: If you use LinkedNameID in the Folder\Subfolder selection on the General tab, change this setting to the preferred link type. The naming convention uses the name linked to the matter with the selected link connection. For example, if BILLTO is selected for this field, the naming convention will use the name with the BillTo link to the matter.

    5. Word to add when saving a final copy: With PDF fillable forms there is an option to save as final, which means that you are locking down all the values, and users will not be able to change the file anymore. When a PDF fillable form is saved as final, the word "final" is added to the PDF file name. This helps distinguish the final PDF file from ones that have not been finalized and can still be opened and edited. If you do not like the word "final" you can enter a new word in this field.

  4. Click Done to save your changes.