This table covers the usage differences, not the underlying technical differences.
| Acrobat Pro (AcroForms) | AEM/LiveCycle Designer (XFA forms) | |
|---|---|---|
| Form Design | Created in separate program; form fields are added in Acrobat. (Note: Adobe InDesign can create form design and add basic fields; forms are generally fine-tuned in Acrobat.) | Forms are created from scratch in Designer, eliminating the "double-work" of AcroForms. |
| Expandability | AcroForms are static, however, they can support Form Templates, which allows the duplication of entire pages. | One of the main features of Designer is the ability to create expandable forms--or forms that add in pages automatically based on user input. |
| Tables | Acrobat does not create tables, but it can create multiple fields semi-automatically on a table designed elsewhere. | Designer can create it own tables. |
| Extended Reader Rights | Done with Save As Other. Note: using this feature adds some legal restrictions on the number of users. | Requires Acrobat Pro or AEM Design Enterprise. |
| Save Form Data with Adobe Reader (Does not affect Acrobat Pro users) |
Acrobat XI, DC, and higher can save AcroForm data without saving with extended rights. Older versions of Reader need to have extended rights enabled. | Form data can only be saved with extended Reader rights (unless using separately-purchased AEM Enterprise options). |
| Adobe Reader for Mobile Devices | AcroForms will work, but some JavaScript might not. | Cannot work on mobile devices. Designer forms can work as HTML with AEM Enterprise services. |
| Browser Support (Computers) | AcroForms will display if Acrobat plugin/extension is installed. | Cannot work in browser view; must be downloaded and opened. |
| Advanced Scripting | JavaScript | JavaScript and FormCalc |
| Form Distribution and Data Collection | Built in | Requires Acrobat Pro or AEM Enterprise. |