I'm trying to use the official editable character sheet for 5e (editable PDF format) and I've run into an issue. I'm hoping someone can tell me if it's user error on my part or a problem with the form.
I assume that the "character appearance" box on sheet two is for a picture of your character. With that in mind, I click on that area expecting to be able to either paste in an image or open and import an image file. However, what opens is a file system dialog box with the title "select icon" that will only allow you to open another PDF file.
Anyone else run into this issue or know if I'm doing something wrong? Thanks in advance.
OK, guess no one is using the official form-fillable template. I hope that isn't an indicator on the likelyhood we'll get more of those types of templates in the future.
You can import picture files, not just .pdf files. You just have to change the drop down for the "files of type" field.
BTW, am I the only person that read the thread title as "Edible character sheet?" 
Yeah, I just went ahead and made my own.
As long as you follow the instructions, it will automatically determine your level and proficiency based on how much exp you enter, and it will fill in all your modifiers, saving throws, and skills when you enter your ability scores.
You'll have to download the file to use the calculations (i.e. cannot be edited w/ calculations in your browser...as far as I know, so open in Adobe Reader or Acrobat - Reader is free). It doesn't appear to be editable on mobile devices, so you'll have to edit from your computer. You can just edit the file using Adobe Reader and then save it as a new name for each character/player. You can download it here.
Pressing 'Enter' after entering info into Character Name on the first page should fill out the corresponding box on the second page.
Entering your EXP will alter your level and proficiency bonus automatically. So, fill in how much EXP you have. Press 'Enter'. You may have to click into the EXP box and press 'Enter' a second time if it does not automatically update.
When you fill in your stats (STR, DEX, etc.) put the stat number in the smaller (bottom) box of each stat. Press 'Enter'. Click into the box again. Press 'Enter' again. If it works correctly, the pdf should automatically fill out ALL your saving throws and skills.
Clicking the check boxes next to your saving throws and skills will automatically add your proficiency bonus - assuming you have filled out the EXP section and there is an integer available for the pdf to calculate.
When you level up, if anything changes (proficiency, attribute scores, etc) you'll have to go through the process of clicking into the boxes you changed and pressing 'Enter' again, but everything will automatically be calculated. Also, if an ability score changes, or your proficiency changes, you will need to uncheck and recheck mark any saving throws or skills you have proficiency in.
Sooo, to shorten that:
Step 1: Enter your character name.
Step 2: Enter your EXP and press 'Enter'. Click back into the EXP box and press 'Enter' again.
Step 3: Roll for your stats.
Step 4: Enter the total into the smaller (bottom) box of the stat boxes on the left side of the page and press 'Enter'. Click back into each and press 'Enter' again.
Step 5: Click boxes for saving throws and skills in which you have proficiency.
Step 6: Fill out the rest of the document with background, traits, languages, equipment, character image, etc.
Best of luck,
Jess
Sadly, if you only have Acrobat, you can't save the character sheet. Another fine solution from Adobe. *sigh* It's nice WotC went to the trouble of creating a form you can fill out. Too bad Adobe won't let me save it with the text in it.
Cheers
alienux wrote:
DooHickey wrote:
JessJoy wrote:
GalbraithTelmor wrote:
GalbraithTelmor wrote:
I'm glad it's helpful. I've been using LiveCycle to make all the code and stuff. I will probably update it as I find time.
I ran into the same difficulty saving. Updating Adobe Reader seems to have corrected it.
alienux wrote:
Moribund wrote:
Reinstalled and same issue. Still blocked to only opening PDF files in the browse window for the appearance cell. Tried posting a screenshot but I guess the forums won't allow it. 
I no longer think this is a machine-specific issue even though one person said they updated Reader and were able to use the picture functionality. I've now tried this on three separate PCs and have the same issue on all. Guess it's a template bug.
Here's what it should look like.
I just tried on two different computers. One has Windows 8.1 and the full version of Adobe Acrobat 9.5 (the one the picture was taken on). The other is running Windows 8 and is also using the full version of Acrobat. I haven't tried with the free Adobe Reader, so maybe that's somehow related?
GalbraithTelmor wrote:
alienux wrote:
JessJoy wrote:
Here is what I see when I use Reader. No file options except PDF.
OK, mystery solved but not with the answer I wanted. After a couple hours of investigating and downloading demo copies of both Acrobat XI and Livecycle Designer, it seems neither product will do all that is needed:
Acrobat does not have an image field option. The solution they are using will only allow .PDF files to be added when you are using Reader to edit the form (will allow any file type when using Acrobat).
Livecycle Designer PDFs have an image field but they don't have auto-scaling text boxes. There was a workaround mentioned but it doesn't always work (and didn't in my case).
So, you can either have a form with working image slots (such as the great one JessJoy created) but have to keep your text breif to fit in the boxes. Or, you can go without images and be wordy to your heart's content.
GalbraithTelmor wrote:
GalbraithTelmor wrote: