The PDF multi select tool helps you apply bulk changes to a set of PDF fields simultaneously. This helps you cut down on time spent creating, editing, and updating PDF templates within Anvil. This tool is especially helpful with reducing time spent on repetitive tasks like setting up PDF fields for arrays and updating your PDF after replacing an underlying document.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Select multiple PDF fields at once
- Move and duplicate PDF fields with keyboard shortcuts
- What can you do with bulk selected fields
Select multiple PDF fields at once
There are two methods to select multiple fields: drag to select and click to select. You can use both selection methods independently or in combination.
- Drag to select: is great for selecting a collection of fields that are next to each other on your PDF.
- Click to select: is great for selecting fields that are far apart from one another on your PDF.
Once your desired fields have been selected, you can make bulk edits to them just as you would an individual field.
To select multiple fields:
- Navigate to your Workflow, Document template, or Etch packet
- Hold down the shift key
- Select your fields
- Click and drag your cursor over all the fields you want to select
- Click to select fields
- Let go of the shift key
- Selected fields will have a bolded outline
- Apply your desired edits
Notes: To select fields that are outside of your view, release the shift key and navigate to where you can see additional fields. Hold down the shift key again before selecting more fields.
Move and duplicate PDF field with keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts can be paired with the multi select tool to optimize your PDF template creating and editing. Just like other PDF field edits, these keyboard shortcuts can be applied at both an individual and bulk level.
| Action | Windows | macOS |
|---|---|---|
| Copy: Great for copying fields across pages. | ctrl + c | command + c |
| Cut: Great for moving fields across pages. | ctrl + x | command + x |
| Paste: Use in conjunction with copy/cut to copy/move fields across pages. | ctrl + v | command + v |
| Duplicate: Instantly duplicate a set of fields on the same PDF page. | ctrl + d | command + d |
| Move fields: Use directional arrow keys to shift fields around with your keyboard instead of your mouse. | ↑ ↓ ← → | ↑ ↓ ← → |
| Delete: Instantly delete fields. | delete | delete |
What can you do with bulk selected fields
Anything you can do at an individual field level can also be accomplished in bulk once you've selected multiple fields. Here are some examples of changes you can make with the multi select tool:
- Assign a field type
- Format the information in the field*
- Change the font family, size, and color*
- Align fields
- Resize fields
- Connect PDF fields to Webform fields
- Apply, edit, or delete conditional logic
* All selected fields must be the same field type in order to make this change in bulk
