Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I get an error: “There was an error trying to send your message. Please try again later.”

A: Please check your server’s email configuration. Please check to make sure your SPAM mitigation technique is not causing the problem (reCaptcha/Akismet/etc).

Q: Does this plugin allow my website users to edit PDF files?

A: No. This plugin adds features to the Contact Form 7 interface in the WordPress Admin Panel only.

Q: Does this plugin require special software installation on the web server?

A: No. The plugin uses core WordPress and CF7 features only. No special software or PHP extensions are needed. Working with PDF files is done through Pdf.Ninja API. It is recommended to have a working SSL/TLS certificate validation with cURL. Enterprise Extension is available if your business requirements prevent the use of a third party API.

Q: How are CF7 form fields mapped to PDF form fields?

A: The field mapper tool allows you to map fields individually and, when needed, generate new CF7 fields on the fly. CF7 fields can be mapped to multiple PDF fields. Mappings can be associated with a specific PDF attachment or all PDF attachments. Field value mappings can also be created, allowing filled PDF fields to be filled with data that differs from the originally filled values.

Q: My fields are not getting filled, what is wrong?

A: Make sure the mapping exists in the list of mappings and the field names match.

If you attached an updated PDF file and your mappings were associated with the old attachment ID then those mappings will be deleted and you will need to recreate them.

Sometimes PDF form fields have validation scripts which prevent value with an incorrect format to be filled in. Date PDF fields must be formatted with the format mail-tag.

Q: How do I update the attached PDF file without attaching a new version and losing attachment ID associated mappings and embeds?

A: Try using the Enable Media Replace plugin to replace the PDF file in-place in the Media Library.

Q: My checkboxes and/or radio buttons are not getting filled, what is wrong?

A: Make sure your PDF checkbox/radio field’s exported value matches the value of the CF7 form’s checkbox tag. Usually, it is “On” or “Yes”. If you need to display a different value in the CF7 form, you will need to create a value mapping or use pipes.

CF7 allows you to have multiselect checkboxes, however, PDFs can’t have multiple values with checkbox fields. You either need to switch to using a listbox in your PDF or rename your checkboxes such that each has a unique name and then map them appropriately.

Some PDF viewers don’t render checkboxes correctly in some PDF files. You may be able to solve this issue by recreating the PDF in a different PDF editor. If you are still using Pdf.Ninja API v1, switching to v2 may resolve your issue.

Q: How do I remove the watermark in the filled PDF files?

A: Please see the Pdf.Ninja API website and the Enterprise Extension plugin page.

Q: How do I set up PDF form filling on my local web server?

A: Please see the Enterprise Extension plugin page.