Department Financial Office

Hours & Contact Info | Meet The Staff

What Are Interactive Forms?

Interactive PDF forms allow users using Adobe Acrobat 7 OR Adobe Acrobat Reader 7 (or later versions) to fill out specially configured PDF forms using their computer, rather than filling them out by hand. Depending on how a given interactive PDF form is configured, they are capable of doing one or more of the following:

• Click on fields within the form and type in the necessary information;
• Automatically calculate fields within forms such as a Purchase Order Form, thereby letting the computer accurately calculate totals and perform other mathematical functions instead of relying on a given user's math skills;
• Digitally sign the form (requires Acrobat 7 Pro and a valid digital ID or certificate); and
• Automatically email the form to the authorized recipient, who can then process it accordingly.

Use of interactive PDF forms requires the user to either the purchase of Adobe Acrobat 7 Standard, Acrobat 7 Professional, OR download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader 7.

Acrobat Reader Capabilities and Limitations vs. Acrobat Standard/Pro

• Acrobat Reader users can view, fill out, print, search and email any interactive PDF document.
• Acrobat Reader users cannot digitally sign or certify a PDF document.
• Acrobat Standard/Pro users can view, fill out, print, search, email, digitally sign and certify a PDF document.

Acrobat Reader Compatability With Older Acrobat Software

If you have a previous version of the full version of Acrobat, you can still download and safely install Acrobat Reader 7 to run alongside your older Acrobat program, although an upgrade to Acrobat Standard or Pro version 7 is recommended. However, if you have an older version of Acrobat Reader, you are strongly advised to remove it and replace it with Acrobat Reader 7.

Location & Contact

6431 Fannin Street,
Houston, Texas 77030

PO Box 20708,
Houston, Texas 77225

713.500.4472