Using Adobe Acrobat

To complete forms online and print them from your computer, you need the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader. This free software is used all over the Web (especially on government sites and forms). Find out how to:

Back to Forms Home

 

 How to Download Acrobat Reader

If you don't have Acrobat Reader software or you're not sure you have the latest version, you can download from Adobe's Web site. When you open Adobe's Web site, you'll see instructions on how to download the free software. Follow the instructions to download the software version that matches your computer (MacIntosh or PC).

The download and installation process should take about 15 minutes. You only have to do it once in order to be able to access all Acrobat forms.

To go to Adobe's Web site and download Acrobat Reader, click here.

Back to top

 

 How to Complete Forms On-Line

Once you have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can click on a form that is saved as a PDF file and the form will open on your screen.

To fill out the form right on your screen, move the cursor over the form with your mouse. The pointer changes to various shapes as you move your mouse to various sections of the form. For example, you'll see an I-beam when your mouse is over a text entry box.

Use your mouse to click applicable checkboxes or open text fields. Once you've clicked on a text field, you can type in the appropriate information.

When you finish entering information into the last text field on a form, be sure to tab out of it. Otherwise, the information in the last field won't print.

Back to top

 

 How to Print Forms

If the form is loaded directly into your Netscape browser, an extra Adobe Acrobat toolbar will appear under the Netscape toolbars at the top of your screen. Click the button at the far left of the Adobe Acrobat toolbar that looks like a printer, and the form will print.

If the form is loaded into a separate window, you should go to "File" in the menu bar at the top of your screen and click on print.

Back to top

 

 Get Answers to Your Questions

If you have questions about using Adobe Acrobat, please send an e-mail or review the frequently asked questions below.

  • How can I tell whether I need to download Acrobat Reader?

If you click on a PDF file and your computer tries to download it rather than opening the form on your screen, you don't have Acrobat Reader. If you can see the form but you can't fill it out, you probably don't have the most recent version of Acrobat Reader.

  • What if I want to download the form rather than filling it out online?

Select "Save As" from the Netscape file menu when the form appears on your screen, and save it to your computer.

  • Things don't seem to be working as described. Any ideas why?

You may be using a browser that is out-of-date. If your browser has a lower version number than Netscape 3.0, you may want to upgrade your browser to a newer version.

Back to top

UHRM® The University of Chicago® University Human Resources Management
956 East 58th St., Chicago, IL 60637 773-702-8900