Acrobat and Applying an Arbitrary Mask

Summary

Arbitrary Mask can be set for any type of entry (alpha, numeric, symbols) but is most frequently set for numeric entry including currency amounts, percents, and other numerical fields.

There are two parts to setting this up: Options tab for number of characters and Format tab for the mask.

How to Restrict Entry to Specific Number

1. Select the field,

2. Go to the Options tab,

3. Select the “Limit of” checkbox, and

4. Indicate the number of characters.

Options tab with Limit of Checkbox

How to Setup the Arbitrary Mask

1. In the Format tab, select the Special format category,

2. Select Arbitrary Mask from the Special Options box, and

3. Provide the number\type of characters.

   1. If a default value needs to display in addition to what a user enters,

   2. Add the character (must be other than A, O, or X), such as zzz-9999999999

Notes on What Can Be Used in the Value Box

~ Courtesy: JR Boulay: https://community.adobe.com/questions-9/arbitrary-mask-question-1298081

• A - Accepts only letters (A through Z, a through z).

• X - Accepts spaces and most printable characters, including all characters available on a standard keyboard and ANSI characters in 32 through126 and 128 through 255.

• O - The letter “O” accepts alphanumeric characters (A through Z, a-z, and 0 through 9).

• 9 - Accepts only numeric characters (0 through 9).

Format tab Special format category, Arbitrary Mask selection with Value