.FDF File Extension
Acrobat Forms Data Format
| Developer | Adobe Systems |
| Popularity | |
| Category | Text Files |
| Format | .FDF |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an FDF file?
The .FDF file extension stands for “Forms Data Format.” It’s a type of file used primarily in conjunction with PDF (Portable Document Format) files.
.FDF is specifically designed to distribute form data and annotations in a file separate from the form itself.
This format allows for the easy submission and distribution of form data without altering the original layout and structure of the form.
More Information.
Initially, the .FDF format was created to address the need for a simple method to collect data entered into PDF forms.
Before the advent of .FDF, the only way to electronically handle filled-out forms was to distribute entire PDFs, which was not only cumbersome but also raised file size and compatibility issues.
.FDF files allowed for the distribution of just the form data, making the process more efficient and less resource-intensive.
Origin Of This File.
The .FDF format was developed by Adobe Systems Incorporated, the creators of the PDF format.
It was introduced as part of the Acrobat product line, designed to work seamlessly with PDF documents, especially those requiring form data entry and submission.
The development of .FDF was driven by the need for a lightweight and efficient way to handle form data in conjunction with PDF documents, which are known for their stable layout and cross-platform compatibility.
File Structure Technical Specification.
An .FDF file is typically much smaller than the corresponding PDF because it contains only form field data and annotations, not the entire content of the original PDF form.
It is structured in a way that mirrors the form fields in the PDF document, using key-value pairs to associate each piece of data with the correct form field.
.FDF files can also include information about the appearance of the form data, such as text formatting.
How to Convert the File?
Converting an .FDF (Forms Data Format) file typically involves integrating it with a PDF (Portable Document Format) file. This process populates the form fields in the PDF with the data stored in the .FDF file.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
Using Adobe Acrobat (Windows and macOS):
- Open the Original PDF Form:
- Launch Adobe Acrobat.
- Open the PDF form associated with the .FDF file.
- Import the FDF Data:
- Go to ‘Tools’ in the menu bar.
- Select ‘Forms’ and then choose ‘Manage Form Data’ > ‘Import Data.’
- In the file selection dialog, locate and select the .FDF file you wish to import.
- Click ‘Open’ to import the .FDF data into the PDF form.
- Review and Save:
- The form fields in the PDF will be populated with the data from the .FDF file.
- Review the data for accuracy.
- Save the PDF file with the imported data by choosing ‘File’ > ‘Save As.’
Using Other PDF Software:
Other PDF management tools, such as Foxit PhantomPDF or Nitro Pro, also offer similar functionalities to import .FDF data into PDF forms.
The exact steps might vary slightly, but the general process involves opening the PDF form in the software and then using an import or merge function to integrate the .FDF file.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Efficiency: .FDF files are lightweight, making them easy to transmit and manage.
- Compatibility: .FDF works seamlessly with PDF, a widely used and highly compatible file format.
- Data Integrity: Since .FDF files only contain form data and not the form itself, the original document’s layout remains unaltered, preserving data integrity.
Disadvantages:
- Dependency on PDF: .FDF cannot be used independently of PDF files.
- Limited Editing Capabilities: Editing an .FDF file directly can be more challenging than editing a PDF.
- Software Requirements: To fully utilize .FDF files, users typically need specific software, such as Adobe Acrobat.
How to Open FDF?
Open In Windows
- Adobe Acrobat Reader:
- Download and install Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Right-click the .FDF file, select ‘Open with,’ and choose Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Foxit Reader:
- Install Foxit Reader from its official website.
- Open Foxit Reader, go to ‘File’ > ‘Open,’ and choose your .FDF file.
Open In Linux
- Okular:
- Install Okular using your distribution’s package manager.
- Open Okular, then open the .FDF file through the file browser.
- Evince:
- Install Evince, a popular document viewer for GNOME.
- Open Evince and use it to open the .FDF file.
Open In MAC
- Adobe Acrobat Reader for Mac:
- Download Adobe Acrobat Reader from the Adobe website or the Mac App Store.
- Right-click on the .FDF file and select ‘Open With’ > ‘Adobe Acrobat Reader.’
- Preview:
- Right-click the .FDF file.
- Select ‘Open With’ > ‘Preview’ (default image and PDF viewer in macOS).
Open In Android
Open In IOS
Open in Others
Mobile Platforms (iOS and Android):
- Adobe Acrobat Reader for Mobile:
- Download Adobe Acrobat Reader from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Open the app and navigate to the location of your .FDF file to open it.
Web Browsers:
Some modern web browsers might allow you to view the contents of an .FDF file, especially if integrated with a PDF viewer plugin or extension. The functionality might be limited compared to dedicated PDF software.
- Open the Web Browser:
- Use any modern browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
- Drag and Drop or Open File:
- You can often drag and drop the .FDF file into the browser window.
- Alternatively, use the ‘Open File’ feature in the browser (often found in the File menu) to navigate to and open the .FDF file.
- Review the Limitations:
- Keep in mind that while some browsers might display the content of the .FDF file, they may not handle it as effectively as dedicated PDF software, particularly when it comes to importing data into a PDF form.
