PDF-based forms are electronic files that users must download and/or view electronically. Various attributes about the form affect the user’s experience in downloading and viewing the form.

File Size

QUIK! TIP: The file size of a PDF form should be as small as possible.

The size of a PDF document largely depends on the number of pages in it, but is also greatly impacted by any images in the document. As mentioned in the section regarding images and backgrounds, the larger the images, the larger the file size of the PDF. File size is the number one attribute that affects a user’s experience with the form. File size affects both the time it takes to download the form and the time it takes to display a form in their PDF viewer. The average Quik! Form file size is 150 kilobytes or 150,000 bytes (0.15 megabytes). While rare, there are a few Quik! Forms that are over 4 megabytes in size and the main reason these forms are so large is because of images included in the document.

Number of Pages

QUIK! TIP: Minimize the number of pages in the PDF form.

The number of pages in a PDF document affects the file size, so minimizing pages should be considered and balanced against usability. Form authors that include blank pages (i.e. in order to mimic the physically printed version of the form) are typically wasting file space and causing the user to waste paper when printing the form.

Embedded Objects

QUIK! TIP: Avoid embedding objects in PDF files.

An embedded object (not including embedded fonts) is typically a file that has been electronically included in the PDF to perform some action or enhance the value of the document in some manner. The most common types of embedded files are movies, sounds, images and other PDF documents related to the base document. Embedded objects rarely appear in PDF forms and should be avoided for automation purposes.

PDF Links

QUIK! TIP: Do not use PDF links in automated forms as they cause corruption.

A PDF link is a type of hyperlink within the PDF document that takes the user to another page, website or object, or to perform some action. The most common use of a PDF link is to take the user to another page or website. As a standard rule, Quik! removes all PDF links because they cause conflicts and corruption within Quik! Forms when the forms are bundled together during automation. While links are very useful in reference guides like this one, they are difficult or impossible to use in forms automation.