AEM Forms: Import Data button not working in Reader Extended PDF forms
This article explains how to resolve an issue in Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) Forms where the Import Data button does not function in Reader Extended PDF forms. The issue occurs because the required import permissions are not available when Reader Extensions are applied without the appropriate rights. To resolve the issue, verify the Reader Extension configuration and ensure that the Import/Export Form Data right is enabled.
Description description
Environment
- Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) Forms Designer 6.5.25.20260604.1 (64-bit)
- On-premises deployment
- JEE, standalone, development environment
Issue/Symptoms
- The Import Data button that uses
xfa.host.importData()does not work when the PDF form is Reader Extended. - Other buttons in the Reader Extended PDF continue to function normally.
- The Import Data button works in non-extended PDFs but fails in Reader Extended PDFs.
- No error message appears, and the Import Data button remains unresponsive.
Root Cause
Reader Extended PDFs require the Import/Export Form Data right to support data import functionality. Acrobat’s built-in Reader Extension does not provide this right. As a result, data import must occur before applying Reader Extensions, or Reader Extensions must be applied through AEM Forms with the required rights enabled.
Resolution resolution
Follow the steps below to resolve the issue:
- When applying Reader Extensions, ensure that the Import/Export Form Data right is explicitly selected.
- Open the non-extended PDF form in Acrobat Standard or Acrobat Pro.
- Use the Import Data button to load the XML data into the form.
- After importing the data, apply Reader Extensions to the populated form. In Acrobat, navigate to Menu
>Save As Other>Reader Extended PDF>Enable More Tools (Form Fill-In & Save). - If you use AEM Forms Reader Extensions, ensure that the Import/Export Form Data right is enabled when import functionality is required in Adobe Reader.
- Distribute the Reader Extended PDF as required.
- Verify the resolution by confirming that the Import Data button functions correctly in the Reader Extended PDF when the required rights are enabled.