Open the XFA form in Acrobat.
Last updated on
Aug 16, 2025
Learn how to work with XFA forms that can't be directly edited in Adobe Acrobat.
XFA forms use a different technology from standard PDF forms. They contain XML data that defines the form structure, layout, and behavior. Acrobat Pro is not designed to edit this XML data directly.
When attempting to edit an XFA form in Acrobat Pro, you may encounter the following error:
This XFA form cannot be edited using Adobe Acrobat.
Editing XFA forms isn’t supported
XFA forms are dynamic and interactive by nature. Acrobat Pro cannot edit these forms while preserving their full functionality and interactivity. You can use two workarounds to modify an XFA form in Acrobat: Save the form as a PostScript file or print it as an Adobe PDF.
Caution
If you edit an XFA form in Acrobat using a workaround, the resultant PDF or form will be flattened and lose all form fields, layers, interactive objects, buttons, and JavaScript.
Save as Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) file
Windows
Select Menu > Save As.
Select Encapsulated PostScript (*.eps) as the file type.
Select a location to save the file and then select Save.
Open the saved file in Acrobat to edit the content.
macOS
Open the XFA form in Acrobat.
Select File > Save As.
Select Encapsulated PostScript (*.eps) as the file type.
Select a location to save the file and then select Save.
Open the saved file in Acrobat to edit the content.
Print to Adobe PDF
Windows
Open the XFA form in Acrobat.
Press Ctrl + P.
Select Adobe PDF in the Printer drop-down menu.
Select Print.
Type a name and select a location for the new PDF.
Select Save.
macOS
Open the XFA form in Acrobat.
Press command + P.
Select Adobe PDF in the Printer drop-down menu.
Select Print.
Type a name and select a location for the new PDF.
Select Save.
