How To! Using Adobe Files (PDF) Second Most Commonly Asked!

I probably get more questions regarding PDF files than anything else, except sending Emails! Why not check these questions to see if they are ones you have had and see if the answers help! Thanks!

How to Fill PDF's Video!

Get a brief overview of how to fill out and send editable PDF's!

General Questions

What is an "Adobe" or "PDF" file?

The program uses Adobe PDF Files throughout. "PDF" stands for "Portable Document File" and are used frequently in sending files to and from persons. They are actually very complex files with all kinds of information included within the file, so that it will view properly in a variety of situations. These files are generated by the program into attachments that are sent via email. Also the program fills a variety of PDF fillable forms from the branch office. You must have Adobe Reader [Free] or Acrobat to use "Circuit Data On The Go" and to view and fill forms.

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What do I need to view a PDF file?

You will need to download Adobe Reader at least to view PDF files generated and filled from the program. You can find out more information on Adobe Reader and other Adobe Products here!

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What is the difference between a 'fillable' and regular PDF?

A fillable form is one that has fields that you can fill in and then in most cases save. You can only create these files if you have Adobe Acrobat. In order to fill fillable forms from the program, including the 303, s2, 317, 303, 326, you must FIRST insert these into the program by dragging them to the "Storage" area accessible from the "Directory" page. Some of these can be reinserted right from the program into the storage area, using the small arrow in the circle icon in the top right of the box where available. The program can only generate a single PDF letter (or forms or outlines) to be included with letters. It CANNOT generate fillable forms. It can, however, fill the forms noted above in many languages and branches For more information on how to use Adobe Reader Click Here

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Can I use "my own" PDF reading program besides Adobe Reader?

Please no. Many brothers write me and ask, "Hey, why don't my PDF files view properly?" I then write back and ask what they are using to view the PDF file and it is almost always an inferior PDF documents reader. Remember, Adobe invented the PDF file basically. So please do not use other PDF reading programs and then write asking why they don't work to read the file. Please use the free download from Adobe and you will save yourself and me a lot of time! Some of the inferior programs like, PDF(not so)Expert don't work as well in viewing all PDF documents, nor Preview. You must use Adobe Reader, you must use Adobe Reader, you must use Adobe Reader a condition of using "Circuit Data On The Go!" For more information on how to use Adobe Reader Click Here

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Can I insert fillable PDF forms into "Circuit Data On The Go?"

Yes! You can insert fillable PDF forms from the branch for filling of course. All sent as attachments will go to the recipient as they were inserted in the program.

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Can I automatically attach PDF files to my Emails from the Program?

Yes! Drop and drag PDF or even text files into the program for mailing as attachments.

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There seems to be a change in sending the s-302 from the "Routing" form?

This has been simplified and no longer sends from the iPad. (Sorry!) But to simplify and speed things up, the program now sends a 302 form for the week in one click in the routing portal and sends an actual s-302 form that has been filled. The fields for the dates will be locked so the end recipient cannot inadvertently change this. There is no sending a month at a time. This was deemed not all that necessary as some brothers might want to send only a number of weeks not the whole month, and really, it's easier to click once, check the data, then send, rather than 4 or 5 at a time.

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I get error messages when trying to FILL or SEND a PDF, what causes this?

This may not sound comforting, but frankly we don't always know. At times, this can even cause your program to completely crash. Remember, PDF files are very complex files so keeping that in mind if you have issues there may be some things you can try. Many editable forms are now filled within the program using our new plug-in called DynaPDF. This has really opened up more opportunities for many other PDF functions. But here's some suggestions below:

  1. Try replacing the problem PDF file with a new one. If you have created the file, you may have errors in it, yes errors! Adobe Acrobat has ways to run a "Preflight Check" on PDF files. Use this to check if you have it. In the meantime, you can remove the files (pages) one at a time until you find the offending file.
  2. If you get errors upon filling, usually it is caused by 1) Your file having errors in it or 2) data being transferred from the program to the PDF file. There can be characters that Filemaker does not play well with. This can happen if you copy and paste data into the program and then try to transfer this to a PDF file. Remember, any time you try to copy and paste and then transfer to another file from the program, you can run into issues. Delete any text you may have inserted or copied into fields and try again.
  3. Often times after any upgrades, Filemaker has trouble finding Adobe Acrobat again, so reinstalling Adobe Reader will usually correct this issue
  4. Check the size of your PDF files in the program if you created them. Any file much larger than 1mb will really slow things down. Try making them again using different settings.
  5. Be sure that the file name does not have any unusual characters, like "/" marks or other illegal characters that could also cause the filename to cause the process to create an error message.
  6. If you still have error messages on creating a PDF file, close down everything, including the computer and try again.

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