To make a PDF fillable, you can follow these general steps using various tools, with Adobe Acrobat being the most popular and feature-rich option:
Using Adobe Acrobat
- Open Adobe Acrobat and go to the Tools tab.
- Select Prepare Form.
- Choose an existing PDF file or scan a document.
- Acrobat will automatically detect and create fillable form fields (text boxes, checkboxes, radio buttons, dropdowns, signature fields).
- You can add, move, or delete form fields manually using the toolbar.
- Customize field properties such as name, size, and validation rules.
- Save the PDF as a fillable form.
- Optionally, distribute the form to collect responses electronically
Using Free Online Tools (e.g., Sejda, Smallpdf)
- Upload your existing PDF to the online editor.
- Add fillable form fields by selecting field types (text, checkbox, radio button, dropdown, signature).
- Place the fields on the document where users need to enter information.
- Customize field properties like border color and names.
- Apply changes and download the updated fillable PDF
Creating Fillable PDFs from Scratch with Word or Google Docs
- Create your form layout in Word or Google Docs by adding placeholders or underlined spaces for fields.
- Save or export the document as a PDF.
- This PDF can then be made fillable by adding form fields using tools like Adobe Acrobat or online editors
Other Software Options
- Nitro PDF Pro also allows creating fillable PDFs without Adobe by opening the document, selecting the Forms tab, and adding text fields or other form elements manually
Summary
Method| Steps| Tools| Notes
---|---|---|---
Adobe Acrobat| Tools > Prepare Form > Select file > Auto-detect/add fields >
Save| Adobe Acrobat DC/Pro| Most powerful, supports advanced features
Online Editors| Upload PDF > Add form fields > Customize > Save| Sejda,
Smallpdf, Jotform| Free or freemium, easy for quick edits
Word/Google Docs| Create form layout > Export as PDF > Add fields via editor|
MS Word, Google Docs| Good for simple forms, may need further editing
Nitro PDF Pro| Open file > Forms tab > Add fields > Save| Nitro PDF Pro|
Alternative to Adobe Acrobat
These methods allow you to create interactive PDFs that users can fill out electronically, improving data collection and document handling efficiency
