Can You Create a Fillable PDF for Free?

What is a Fillable PDF?

A fillable PDF is an interactive PDF document designed to allow users to enter information directly into designated fields. Unlike regular PDFs, which are static and require special software to edit, fillable PDFs offer an easy way to collect data without the need for printing and scanning. These documents are also known as interactive PDFs, editable PDFs, writable PDFs, or automated PDFs.

Fillable PDFs have a wide range of applications. They streamline data collection through surveys, applications, and contracts. The convenience of fillable PDFs also facilitates the use of e-signatures, making agreements and approvals more efficient. Furthermore, they are highly effective for performance reviews, questionnaires, event registrations, and many other forms that benefit from structured input.

The advantages of using fillable PDFs are numerous. Fillable PDFs enable efficient and streamlined data collection, eliminating the need for manual data entry. They are environmentally friendly, reducing paper consumption and waste. Fillable PDFs are also easily accessible online and simple to share, regardless of the recipient’s location. Most importantly, fillable PDFs keep the data organized in the original document, maintaining context and clarity.

Fillable PDFs vs. Regular PDFs

Regular PDFs are static file formats that are generally uneditable without specialized software. They are typically opened with a PDF viewer, such as Adobe Reader or a web browser. Any editing or modification of a regular PDF often requires printing the document, making changes by hand, and then scanning it back into a digital format, or using specialized PDF editing software.

In contrast, fillable PDFs are interactive documents designed for data collection through web browsers or dedicated PDF readers. They provide a user-friendly interface with fillable fields, checkboxes, and other interactive elements. Fillable PDFs can be accessed and filled out directly online, making them convenient for users. Fillable PDFs can be designed to integrate seamlessly with other tools and widgets, enhancing their functionality and versatility.

Methods to Create Fillable PDFs for Free

Several methods are available to create fillable PDFs without incurring any costs. From online tools to document processors, finding a solution that fits your needs is possible. Here are a few options:

Using BreezePDF

BreezePDF is an intuitive and easy-to-use online tool that enables you to create fillable PDFs for free. It offers a simple interface and powerful features, making it accessible to users of all skill levels. BreezePDF offers a seamless experience without feature limitations and without ever sending your files to the server.

With BreezePDF, you can easily add input boxes to your PDF by clicking the input box icon and dragging the field to your desired location. You can also type directly on the PDF using the letter icon, adjusting the color and font size to your liking. BreezePDF further supports signing your PDFs using the scribble icon, adding images by selecting the image icon, and even password-protecting your PDFs. All these features are available completely free.

Using Google Docs

Google Docs offers a basic method to create simple fillable forms. Start by opening a new Google Doc (simply type "doc.new" in your browser). Add placeholder text for the form fields and create underlines or text boxes where users should input their data. Customize the formatting as desired, and then download the document as a PDF (File > Download > PDF Document) or print to PDF (Print > Destination > Save as PDF).

This method is best suited for simple forms due to its formatting limitations. Google Docs might also offer auto-fill suggestions, which can be helpful for users. Be aware that the resulting PDF will not have true fillable fields, but rather areas where users can type over the placeholder text.

Using Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word also provides a way to create fillable forms. Open a new Word document (DOC or DOCX) and add placeholder text for the form fields. Similar to Google Docs, create underlines or text boxes where users should enter their data, and adjust the formatting to your specifications. You can either save or print the document as a PDF file.

For more advanced form creation, you can use the Developer Tab in Word. This tab allows you to insert text boxes, checkboxes, dropdowns, and other interactive controls. To save the form correctly, go to File > Save As > PDF, and ensure that the "Document structure tags" option is checked under Options.

Using LibreOffice Writer

LibreOffice Writer provides another free alternative for creating fillable PDFs. Start by opening LibreOffice Writer and using the Form Controls toolbar to add various fields. This toolbar provides a range of form elements, including text boxes, checkboxes, and radio buttons, allowing you to create interactive forms.

Once you've designed your form, go to File > Export As > Export as PDF to save your document in PDF format. Before exporting, ensure you check the option for "Create PDF form" to ensure the fields are properly recognized as fillable elements. This step is crucial for maintaining the interactivity of your form.

Using PDF Editors

Several online PDF editors offer free functionality for creating fillable PDFs, albeit with certain limitations. Smallpdf, for example, provides a free online editor that allows you to add text boxes to a PDF. PDFescape is another free online editor that enables you to create fillable forms and add various form fields.

Sejda PDF Editor is a web-based editor with a free version that includes form creation capabilities. Keep in mind that the free versions of these editors often come with limitations, such as restrictions on the number of forms you can create or the features you can access.

Using Mac Preview (Limited)

Mac Preview offers a limited set of tools for creating basic fillable PDFs. Open the PDF in Preview and show the Markup Toolbar by clicking the pencil icon. Use the Text tool to add placeholder text and the Shape tools to create lines or boxes for the form fields.

This method has limited formatting options and does not support checkboxes or dropdowns. It’s suitable for simple forms where basic text input is sufficient. Save the file after making your changes by going to File > Save.

Converting Existing PDFs into Fillable Forms

You can convert existing PDFs into fillable forms using various tools, including BreezePDF. This can save you time and effort if you already have a PDF document that you want to make interactive.

Using BreezePDF

To convert an existing PDF into a fillable form using BreezePDF, simply upload the PDF to the platform. Then, use the form field tools (text boxes, checkboxes, etc.) to add interactive elements to the document. You can easily customize the properties of each field, such as the font, size, and alignment.

Smallpdf PDF Editor:

Smallpdf PDF Editor is an online tool that can be used to convert existing PDFs into fillable forms. To get started, drag and drop the PDF file onto the Smallpdf PDF Editor. After the file is uploaded, navigate to the "Annotate" tab and select the "Add text box" option. Position the text box where you want the fillable field to appear, and add any necessary underline or box to visually represent the input area. Once the field is set up, you can use the duplicate function to copy and paste the field to other locations in the document, ensuring consistency and saving time.

Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat provides a more comprehensive set of tools for converting existing PDFs into fillable forms. Go to the Tools tab and select Prepare Form. Select the file you want to convert, whether it’s a Word document, Excel sheet, or scanned image. Acrobat will automatically detect and add fields to the form. Add new fields as needed and name each field appropriately. Use the top toolbar to adjust the layout and formatting, and then save the converted form.

Jotform's Smart PDF Editor

Jotform's Smart PDF Editor is a tool that can automatically detect and convert existing PDF form fields into fillable fields. To use it, log in to your Jotform account and navigate to the Jotform Smart PDF Editor. Upload or drag and drop the PDF form you want to convert. The Smart PDF Editor will analyze the PDF and convert all detectable form fields into fillable fields.

Once the conversion is complete, you can further customize your PDF form by adding widgets, additional fields, and more, depending on your specific needs. When you're satisfied with the design, click "Publish" at the top of the builder to make the form accessible. You can share the form through a link, email, QR code, or social media, making it easy for recipients to access and fill out the form online.

Filling out PDF Forms Online for Free

After creating a fillable PDF, you can fill it out online for free using various tools. These tools allow you to easily input data into the form fields and save or share the completed document.

Using BreezePDF

BreezePDF provides a simple and straightforward way to fill out PDF forms online. Simply upload the PDF file to BreezePDF and fill in the form fields directly in your browser. Once you’ve completed the form, you can export it to share with others or download it for your records.

Smallpdf PDF Editor

The Smallpdf PDF Editor also allows you to fill out PDF forms online for free. Upload the file to the PDF Editor and go to Annotate > Add Text Box. Add your responses to the fillable fields. You can adjust the fonts and sizes as needed and even add an e-signature. Export the completed form to save it.

Using Google Docs/Microsoft Word

While primarily document editing tools, Google Docs and Microsoft Word can also be used to fill out PDF forms. You can import a PDF into Google Docs or Microsoft Word for editing. Keep in mind that the conversion to DOC/DOCX format may alter the formatting of the original PDF. After filling out the form, you can save it back as a PDF.

Tips for Formatting Fillable PDFs

Proper formatting is essential for creating user-friendly and effective fillable PDFs. Here are some tips to help you format your forms:

• Underlines: Use Shift + '-' (hyphen) to create underlines for short input fields.
• Text boxes (longer inputs): Use a 1x1 table (Insert > Table > 1x1) to create text boxes for longer input fields.
• Multiple columns: Use a 2x1 table and remove the border to create multiple columns in your form.
• Keep formatting simple: Avoid overly complex formatting to ensure the form is easy to read and fill out.

Advanced Features (If Applicable in BreezePDF)

BreezePDF offers several advanced features to enhance the security and functionality of your fillable PDFs.

Password protection

To add password protection to your PDF with BreezePDF, first, import or create your PDF in the editor. Then, click on the "Lock" icon. Next, insert your desired password. The PDF will be automatically password protected when you download it. If you decide you don't want to password protect it, simply click lock icon again to remove password from pdf.

eSignatures

BreezePDF includes the option to sign the PDF (how to use: click scribble icon, draw signature, click "insert" and drag it to desired location).

Conclusion

Creating fillable PDFs for free is entirely possible with the variety of methods and tools available. Whether you choose to use online PDF editors, document processors like Google Docs and Microsoft Word, or dedicated PDF tools, there’s a solution that fits your specific needs. By using fillable PDFs, you can streamline data collection, reduce paper waste, and improve overall efficiency. For an easy, intuitive, and 100% private solution, consider using BreezePDF, which allows you to create and edit fillable PDFs directly in your browser.