[Scribus] pdf forms

[PLinnell]

On Monday 14 February 2005 14:43, Maciej Hanski wrote:
> On Mon, 14 Feb 2005 10:05:25 -1000
>
> wayne <iw at ukulele.com> wrote:
> > On Monday 14 February 2005 09:27 am, Henry Hartley wrote:
> > > >> From: wayne
> > > >> Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 2:14 PM
> > > >>
> > > >> Been meaning to ask about this. What's the difference between an
> > > >> online pdf form and an HTML form that we see in most web pages? Why
> > > >> would I want to use (create) a pdf form? I do use HTML forms and I
> > > >> noticed the pdf form creation commands in Scribus and I was
> > > >> wondering why people use them.
> > >
> > > Suppose you have a paper form that you want filled out.  You can
> > > either have it:
> > >
> > > 1) filled out by hand.  This makes it harder on the person reading
> > >    the form and can introduce errors when their writing is poor, or
> > > 2) put it in an old-fashioned (TM) typewriter.  That requires the
> > >    person filling out the form to have a typewriter and spend the
> > >    effort to get the type lined up with all the spaces on the form.
> > >
> > > With a PDF form, I can download a form from the web, fill it out on
> > > my computer and print it out.  For instance, before I did my taxes
> > > on the computer, I'd type my form 1040 on a PDF form and print it
> > > out for mailing to the IRS.  The last time I renewed my passport I
> > > did the same thing.  The forms are submitted on paper but can be
> > > typed on the computer.
> >
> > So, the whole form is downloaded into your computer? I thought you would
> > fill it in online and print it out, just like an HTML form.
>
> Being online doesn't mean, that the things you see in your browser aren't
> on your computer --- your browser does always to get them first, html, pdf,
> jpg, whatever.
>
> m.
>
In addition to what Maceij mentioned:

PDF forms can be digitally signed
PDF forms can be encrypted and password protected

This can have many practical applications within govt/legal circles.

Cheers,
Peter