Livecycle

How the paper forms barcode works

The paper forms barcode object is a two-dimensional (2D) barcode that is encoded with an industry standard PDF417, QR Code (Version 2), or DataMatrix (the ECC200 model) symbology. It includes an intelligent calculation script that encodes the data captured in a form’s fields.

You select the form fields to be encoded by the paper forms barcode. However, because the barcodes have limited storage capacity, it is important that you select only required fields.

After you add a paper forms barcode to the form design, you specify its properties so that it behaves in the manner appropriate for your requirements. Using the Object palette, you can define these properties and others for the paper forms barcode:

•	Barcode label

•	Symbology encoded in the barcode

•	Scanning method used to decode the paper forms barcode

•	Error correction level, and the module width and height of the barcode (when you choose a custom scanning method)

•	Object’s visibility on the form

•	Data compression options

•	Form data to include in the barcode

•	Data format that the paper forms barcode uses to encode data and the fields to be included

When you distribute your finished form, users fill the form, print it, and return it. After received, the user-supplied data is decoded by using a scanning device.

Consider the following points when designing forms that include the Paper Forms barcode object:

•	The Paper Forms Barcode object encodes data that users type in a fillable PDF form. The use of paper forms barcodes for paper forms processing requires Adobe LiveCycle Barcoded Forms ES (separate license required).

•	Users must use Acrobat or Adobe Reader 7.0.5 or later to fill a form using QR Code or Data Matrix Paper Forms Barcode. Therefore, form authors must not save the form as either Acrobat 7.0.5 Compatible or Acrobat 6.0.2 Compatible.

•	Users must use Acrobat or Adobe Reader 7.0.5 or later to fill a form that includes the PDF417 Paper Forms Barcode. Therefore, form authors must not save the form as Acrobat 6.0.2 Compatible.

Note:

To make use of the paper forms barcode, your organization must have implemented LiveCycle Barcoded Forms.

See also 

To add objects to a form design

To control how a paper forms barcode encodes data

Paper forms barcode properties in the Field tab

Paper forms barcode properties in the Value tab

Layout properties in the Layout palette