How to Add Fillable Fields in Acrobat Pro DC

April 30, 2025 5 min read

Creating fillable PDF forms is essential for streamlining data collection and enhancing user interaction. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is a powerful tool for this purpose, but it can be complex for new users. In this article, we'll explore the steps involved in adding fillable fields to your PDFs using Acrobat Pro DC, along with a simpler, more private alternative: Breeze PDF. Breeze PDF allows you to quickly and easily create fillable PDFs directly in your browser without ever sending your documents to a server.

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Understanding Fillable Fields

Fillable fields, also known as form fields, are interactive areas within a PDF document where users can enter information. These fields can include text boxes, checkboxes, radio buttons, dropdown menus, and signature fields. By incorporating these elements, you transform a static document into a dynamic form that facilitates efficient data gathering and simplifies document completion. This approach reduces errors, saves time, and improves the overall user experience.

Steps to Add Fillable Fields in Acrobat Pro DC

  1. Open the PDF in Acrobat Pro DC: Launch Acrobat Pro DC and open the PDF document you wish to make fillable.
  2. Prepare Form: Navigate to the "Tools" tab and select "Prepare Form." Acrobat will automatically attempt to detect existing fields.
  3. Add New Fields: Use the form field toolbar to add new fields such as text fields, checkboxes, radio buttons, dropdown lists, and signature fields. Drag and drop the fields onto the desired locations on your document.
  4. Adjust Field Properties: Right-click on a field to access its properties. Configure the field name, appearance, validation rules, and other settings.
  5. Preview and Test: Click the "Preview" button to test the form. Enter data into the fields to ensure they function correctly.
  6. Save the Fillable PDF: Save the document to preserve the added fillable fields. The PDF is now ready for distribution and data collection.

Acrobat Pro DC provides robust features for creating sophisticated forms. However, the process can be time-consuming and may require a learning curve for those unfamiliar with the software.

Alternative: Creating Fillable PDFs with Breeze PDF

Breeze PDF offers a simpler, more straightforward approach to creating fillable PDFs. Unlike Acrobat Pro DC, Breeze PDF operates entirely within your browser, ensuring your documents remain private and secure on your device. No sign-up or downloads are necessary to begin creating fillable PDFs. This makes it a quick and convenient option for users who need a simple solution.

How to Use Breeze PDF to Add Fillable Fields

  1. Access Breeze PDF: Simply visit the Breeze PDF website. There’s no need to create an account or download any software.
  2. Upload Your PDF: Upload the PDF document you want to make fillable directly into the browser interface.
  3. Add Input Boxes: Click the “Input Box” icon. Then, drag and drop the input box to the desired location on your PDF. You can easily resize and reposition the box as needed.
  4. Add Text, Signatures, and Images: Use the other icons to add text, signatures, and images to your PDF. Breeze PDF allows you to customize the font size and color of your text.
  5. Password Protect: If you need to protect your PDF, use the lock icon to add a password. Your PDF will automatically be password-protected when you download it.
  6. Download Your Fillable PDF: Once you’ve added all the necessary fields and customized your document, simply download the fillable PDF to your computer.

Breeze PDF simplifies the creation of fillable PDFs with an intuitive interface and direct browser operation. You can easily create input boxes and move them around as needed. You can also add text, signatures, and images to your PDF, and password protect it before downloading. It is 100% free to use.

Benefits of Using Breeze PDF

  • Privacy: Your documents never leave your device, ensuring complete privacy and security.
  • Ease of Use: The simple, intuitive interface makes creating fillable PDFs quick and easy, even for beginners.
  • No Sign-Up or Downloads: Start creating fillable PDFs instantly without the hassle of creating an account or downloading software.
  • Free: All features are available for free, making it a cost-effective solution for creating fillable PDFs.

Additional Features of Breeze PDF

Beyond adding fillable fields, Breeze PDF offers a range of features to enhance your PDF editing experience. You can easily type on the PDF, adjusting the color and font size to suit your needs. Adding a signature is simple with the scribble icon; just draw your signature and insert it where needed. The platform also allows you to merge PDFs and delete unwanted pages, providing comprehensive PDF management tools. Consider exploring merging PDFs to consolidate multiple documents into a single, organized file.

Conclusion

While Acrobat Pro DC is a powerful tool for creating fillable PDFs, Breeze PDF offers a simpler, more private, and cost-effective alternative. Whether you're adding input boxes, text, signatures, or images, Breeze PDF provides an intuitive platform to create fillable PDFs directly in your browser. With its emphasis on privacy and ease of use, Breeze PDF is an excellent choice for anyone looking to streamline their PDF workflow. You can use Breeze PDF to add a signature to a fillable PDF, or add fillable fields to a Word document.