PDF Forms with Background Images

Overview

Learn how to generate a PDF form that includes:

• Text boxes and checkboxes
• Professional background images

Step-by-Step Guide

This guide shows you how to create an ODT template with background images using Carbone. You'll learn to design a form by placing text boxes and checkboxes over background images.

1. Add Background Images

For the first page:

• Right-click on the page
• Select Page Style...
• Navigate to the Area tab
• Click Add/Import and choose your background image
• Select the Stretched style under options
• Click OK

For forms with multiple pages, create a unique page style for each one:

• Open the Styles panel (View > Styles)
• Click the Page Styles icon (fourth icon, showing a small page)
• Right-click on an existing style (e.g., Default Page Style)
• Select New...
• Enter a unique Name in the General tab
• In the Area tab:
  • Click Image
  • Use Add/Import to select your background image
  • Choose Stretched style
  • Click OK

To apply background styles to each page:

• Place your cursor at the start of the page
• Go to Insert > More Breaks > Manual Break...
• Choose Page break
• Select the appropriate style from the Page Style list
• Click OK

Repeat these steps for each page of your form.

2. Add Form Elements

Add text boxes and checkboxes to complete your form.

Technical Tips for Better Layout

• Remove Text Box Borders:

  1. Right-click on the text box
  2. Select Control Properties
  3. Navigate to the General tab
  4. Find the Border section
  5. Choose Without frame

• Checkbox Configuration: When using checkboxes, avoid copying and pasting them unless you assign a unique Label to each one.

Related Examples