How To Fix RECPSF212 - Form &1 should be configured as a PDF-based form

SAP Error Message - Details

• Message type: E = Error

• Message class: RECPSF - Correspondence Using Smart Forms

• Message number: 212

• Message text: Form &1 should be configured as a PDF-based form

What causes this issue?

You set up SAP standard form &V1& as a Smart Form.
However, starting in Release ERP 2005, SAP only supplies sample forms as
PDF-based forms. This type of form replaces Smart Forms.
You can still continue to use Smart Forms (especially any you have
created yourself). But we recommend that you use PDF-based forms for
standard forms. Otherwise all data may not be output, since the sample
forms for Smart Forms will be frozen at the level of Release ERP 2004,
and will not be developed further.

System Response

The system issues an error message and will not allow you to continue with this transaction until the error is resolved.

How to fix this error?

Change the form type for RE-FX standard forms to <LB>PDF-based forms</>.
The names of RE-FX standard forms begin with <ZH>RE_</>. All standard
forms which existed previously for Smart Forms are now provided as
PDF-based forms with the same name.

Procedure for System Administrators

Error message extract from SAP system. Copyright SAP SE.

Smart SAP Assistant

• What is the cause and solution for SAP error message RECPSF212 - Form &1 should be configured as a PDF-based form ?

  The SAP error message RECPSF212 indicates that a specific form (denoted as &1) is not configured as a PDF-based form, which is required for certain functionalities in SAP, particularly when dealing with print layouts and output management.
  Cause:
  The error typically arises when:
  
  The form in question is not set up correctly in the SAP system to be used as a PDF-based form.
  The form may be using an older format (like SAPscript or Smart Forms) that is not compatible with the PDF output.
  The necessary configuration for PDF forms has not been completed in the SAP system.
  
  Solution:
  To resolve this error, you can follow these steps:
  
  
  Check Form Configuration:
  
  Go to the transaction code SFP (Form Builder) and check the form configuration.
  Ensure that the form is designed as a PDF-based form. If it is not, you may need to create a new PDF form or convert the existing one.
  
  
  
  Create/Convert to PDF Form:
  
  If the form is not a PDF form, you can create a new form using Adobe LiveCycle Designer or convert an existing Smart Form or SAPscript to a PDF-based form.
  Ensure that the form is properly activated after making changes.
  
  
  
  Check Output Type Configuration:
  
  Go to transaction NACE to check the output type configuration related to the form.
  Ensure that the output type is correctly linked to the PDF form.
  
  
  
  Testing:
  
  After making the necessary changes, test the output to ensure that the form is now being processed correctly without the error.
  
  
  
  Consult Documentation:
  
  Refer to SAP documentation or help resources for detailed steps on creating and configuring PDF-based forms.
  
  
  
  Related Information:
  
  SAPscript vs. Smart Forms vs. PDF Forms: Understand the differences between these types of forms and when to use each.
  Adobe Forms: If you are using Adobe Forms, ensure that you have the necessary licenses and that the Adobe Document Services (ADS) are properly configured in your SAP system.
  SAP Notes: Check for any relevant SAP Notes that might address specific issues or provide additional guidance related to PDF forms and the RECPSF212 error.
  
  If the issue persists after following these steps, it may be beneficial to consult with your SAP Basis or technical team for further assistance.