e-Forms is an electronic forms service that assists you in locating, viewing, downloading, and filling out electronic forms through the use of a web interface. E-Forms are most often Adobe PDF files and require Adobe Acrobat Reader to be installed on your desktop computer.

The following is a list of frequently asked questions. Form authors should also see Additional information for e-Form authors.

• Can I Fill The Forms Out Online?
  Many e-Forms can be filled out using Acrobat Reader and your web browser. Adobe Acrobat Reader version 7.0.9 or version 8 is required in order to fill out forms online. You still may encounter forms on campus web sites that have not yet been updated to allow online updates however.



• What is Adobe Acrobat and how do I install it?
  Adobe Acrobat Reader is a desktop application that is used to view and fill out PDF forms online. Adobe Acrobat Reader is available from Adobe Inc.  Different versions are available for several different operating systems.   Go to our Get Software web page for more information.
  
  
• Why do we use Adobe PDF Files?
  Adobe Acrobat Reader is a desktop application that is widely used locally and nationally. Adobe PDF files provide a consistent means for document display on Windows, Apple, Linux, and UNIX platforms. The use of PDF files also insures that printed form output is consistent regardless of the system platform being used.


• How do I Download a Form to use?
  Many forms are listed on and available from campus departmental web sites. Electronic forms are also available on the AIS systems electronic forms index. Some of these forms have been enabled to allow online fill-in, while others have not. If a form has been modified to allow it to be filled in online, the form link will be noted as such. A central form index is also being built to provide an easier method of locating electronic forms that are enabled for online update.
  
  Once you have located the form you want to use, simply click on the link to download the file. Most often you will be using a web browser to locate the forms. If your browser is configured correctly, the Adobe Acrobat Reader application will automatically open the file you select. Otherwise, you will be prompted to save the form to disk. After the file is saved, you can then open the Adobe Acrobat Reader application to view the file. Once opened, click on the fields to fill the out the form online, print the e-Form and save a copy on your disk if you wish, and send the completed form to another individual as an e-mail attachment if so desired.
  
  While you can save e-Forms that have not been filled out on your hard drive, we discourage this practice. Many e-Forms are updated frequently. By obtaining forms online when they are needed, you are assured that you have the current version of an e-Form.
  
  
• How do I use the e-Form Index?
  A central e-Form index is available and provides an easy method of locating electronic forms that are enabled for online update. The index provides a 'Search for a form by a keyword' facility.
  
  When viewing form information pages, information may also be available that provides more detailed instructions on a form's use. Links are also provided for downloading the e-Form to your desktop computer or launching the form inside your browser.
  


• How do I Upload a PDF File to The Library?
  First, make sure you read and follow the procedures outlined in Information for e-Form Authors. When your form is complete, use the Publish a Form link. You will need to provide a description of your e-Form along with the file itself. Our online upload process will forward your information to our e-Forms administrator. The administrator will process your form so that it may be filled out as well as place it into a central forms library and index.


• Can I sign an e-Form using a Digital Signature?
  Yes, but you must first obtain a Digital ID from the State of Illinois as well as download and install a software agent on your desktop computer. Please see FAQ for Digital Signatures and Instructions for Using Digital Signatures for more information.