How to Create a Fillable and Signable PDF

What is a Fillable and Signable PDF?

A fillable PDF form is a digital document containing interactive fields, allowing users to directly input information. These fields can include text boxes, checkboxes, radio buttons, and dropdown menus, making data entry straightforward and organized. A signable PDF goes a step further, enabling electronic signatures that hold legal validity, streamlining the process of obtaining approvals and agreements.

It's essential to understand the difference between interactive and flat PDF forms. Interactive forms are designed with selectable and fillable fields already in place, ready for immediate use. Flat forms, on the other hand, lack these built-in interactive elements but can be transformed into fillable forms using appropriate tools. This conversion allows for greater flexibility in adapting existing documents to meet digital form requirements. You can also make PDF editable after the conversion.

Using fillable and signable PDFs offers significant advantages over static PDFs. These include preventing recipients from adding text boxes in unintended locations, reducing the chance of missed fields during data entry, and eliminating the need to print, manually sign, and scan documents. Furthermore, fillable and signable PDFs provide a much more user-friendly experience compared to traditional methods, enhancing satisfaction and efficiency. You can also add data verification to your form to ensure accuracy and validity of information.

How to Create a Fillable and Signable PDF with BreezePDF

BreezePDF simplifies the process of creating fillable and signable PDFs, allowing you to quickly transform your documents. With BreezePDF, you can create fillable and signable PDFs for free, and your documents remain 100% private as they are never sent to a server. The magic happens right in your browser. No sign-up or download is required to use BreezePDF.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create a fillable PDF using BreezePDF:

1. Upload your document: Start by uploading your existing PDF, Word document, or begin with a blank document. BreezePDF supports various file formats, ensuring seamless conversion.
2. Automatic PDF conversion: BreezePDF automatically converts your uploaded document to PDF, making it ready for fillable field creation. This eliminates the need for manual conversion processes.
3. Adding form fields: Add input boxes by clicking the input box icon and dragging it to where you want it. You can drag it around if needed. There are various types of fields to choose from, including text fields, signature fields, checkboxes, radio buttons, dropdown menus, and date fields. Place the fields strategically on your document and customize them to match your desired layout and functionality.
4. Add signature fields: Designate the areas where signatures are required by adding signature fields. This ensures that recipients know exactly where to sign.
5. Using comments and customized tags: Add comments for more clarity and customize tags to help organize your forms.
6. Saving your PDF: Once you are satisfied with your fillable PDF, save it to your device or share it directly with recipients.

Adding a signature is just as easy. You can choose to type your name, draw your signature using your mouse or trackpad, or upload an image of your signature. Once you've created your signature, simply insert it into the designated signature field. Additionally, BreezePDF allows you to create and save templates for frequently used forms, saving you time and effort in the long run.

Designing Effective Fillable PDF Forms

To create truly effective fillable PDF forms, keep the layout simple and clean. A well-organized form is easier for recipients to understand and complete accurately. Use clear labels and instructions for each field to guide users through the form-filling process. Ambiguous or unclear labels can lead to errors and frustration.

Before distributing your form, thoroughly test it to ensure that all fields are working correctly and that the overall user experience is smooth. Identify and address any potential issues to prevent problems down the line. Thorough testing will lead to a better user experience and a more accurate completion rate.

Sharing and Collecting Signatures with BreezePDF

BreezePDF offers flexible options for sharing your fillable and signable forms with others. You can share the form via a direct link or send an email invitation directly through the platform. This makes it easy to distribute your forms to a wide audience.

Additionally, you can track the status of responses and send reminders to recipients who have not yet completed the form. This ensures that you receive all the necessary information in a timely manner. The ability to set up a signing order is another valuable feature, allowing you to specify the sequence in which recipients must sign the document, ensuring a streamlined workflow.

Advanced Features in BreezePDF for Enhanced eSignatures

BreezePDF includes several advanced features designed to enhance your eSignature processes. Audit trails provide a detailed record of all actions taken on a document, ensuring transparency and accountability. Data validation helps ensure the accuracy of the information collected by enforcing specific formats and rules for each field.

Furthermore, BreezePDF offers custom branding options, allowing you to incorporate your company's logo and colors into your forms, creating a professional and consistent brand image. Automated reminders help keep recipients on track and ensure timely completion of forms. Templates for reusable forms streamline the process of creating frequently used documents, saving you time and effort.

Bulk sending allows you to distribute forms to a large number of recipients simultaneously, making it ideal for mass mailings and large-scale data collection. BreezePDF is also equipped with a feature for collecting online payments, enabling you to seamlessly integrate payment processing into your forms, streamlining transactions and improving cash flow. You can also create fillable form sharepoint as well!

Filling and Signing PDF Forms Using Other Tools (Mention as Alternatives)

While BreezePDF provides a seamless and private experience, other tools are available for filling and signing PDF forms. Some of the popular alternatives include Adobe Acrobat, DocuSign eSignature, and Xodo PDF Editor/Sign. However, keep in mind that these alternatives may require subscriptions or lack the 100% privacy guarantee offered by BreezePDF.

Adobe Acrobat: involves opening Acrobat, preparing the form using the "Prepare Form" tool, adding new form fields using the top toolbar, and saving and distributing the fillable PDF. It can then be signed after filling out the text and radio option fields. You can also add fillable fields to PDF using this tool.

Docusign eSignature: Requires registering for a free trial, uploading a document (Word or PDF), converting fields to digital fillable fields, adding comments, tags, and signatures, and sending to recipients. You can also add comments, tags, and signatures.

Xodo PDF Editor/Sign: Can be used through a free online PDF editor, mobile app, or by using advanced online document signing.

BreezePDF for Mobile

BreezePDF offers cross-platform compatibility with both Android and iOS apps, allowing you to create and manage fillable and signable PDFs on the go. The BreezePDF mobile app provides all the features of the desktop version, ensuring a seamless experience across all your devices. You can effortlessly create signable PDFs on your mobile device using the BreezePDF app, enhancing your productivity and flexibility.

Security and Compliance

BreezePDF prioritizes the security of your personal information by implementing robust security measures, including SSL encryption and data encryption. These measures protect your data from unauthorized access and ensure confidentiality. BreezePDF is committed to complying with relevant security standards, including those established in the US, EU, and globally, providing you with peace of mind.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fillable and signable PDFs offer a multitude of benefits, including streamlined workflows, improved data accuracy, and enhanced user experiences. BreezePDF makes it easy to create fillable PDFs and it stands out as a user-friendly, secure, and feature-rich solution for creating and managing these essential documents. With its ease of use, robust security features, and advanced options, BreezePDF empowers you to create professional-looking fillable and signable PDFs quickly and efficiently. Try BreezePDF today and experience the difference.