How to Create Fillable PDF Form with Submit Button

Understanding Fillable PDF Forms

Fillable PDF forms are interactive documents that contain designated fields where users can input information directly. These fields can include text boxes, checkboxes, radio buttons, drop-down lists, and more, making it easy for users to complete the form electronically. The ability to fill out forms digitally saves time and resources compared to traditional paper-based methods. This is particularly beneficial for businesses and organizations that handle large volumes of data.

Fillable PDF forms find widespread use across numerous industries. In healthcare, they are used for patient intake forms and medical history questionnaires. The finance sector uses them for loan applications and tax forms. Human resources departments use fillable PDFs for employment applications and employee surveys. These forms help to streamline processes, reduce errors, and improve overall efficiency across different sectors.

The key difference between fillable and non-fillable PDF forms lies in their interactivity. Non-fillable PDFs are static documents that cannot be edited directly; users must print them, fill them out by hand, and then scan or mail them back. In contrast, fillable PDFs allow users to type directly into designated fields, select options from drop-down menus, and check boxes electronically. This interactive capability significantly enhances the user experience and simplifies the data collection process, making https://breezepdf.com/blog/create-pdf-form-online a preferable option.

Why Add a Submit Button to Your PDF Form?

A submit button is an essential component of any fillable PDF form, serving as the primary call to action for users. Its purpose is to provide a clear and intuitive way for users to submit their completed forms. When a user clicks the submit button, the form data is sent to the specified destination, such as an email address or a web server. This streamlines the submission process and ensures that the form data is received promptly and accurately.

The presence of a submit button significantly enhances the user experience. It provides a clear indication that the form is complete and ready to be sent. This eliminates any confusion about how to submit the form, reducing the likelihood of users abandoning the process. A well-designed submit button makes the entire form-filling experience more user-friendly and efficient, leading to higher completion rates. It makes the process simple and stress-free for both parties. This clear call-to-action will help users who want to https://breezepdf.com/blog/create-a-fillable-application-form.

A submit button streamlines the form submission process by automating the transfer of form data. It eliminates the need for users to manually save the completed form and email it as an attachment. By clicking the submit button, the form data is automatically extracted and sent to the designated recipient. This not only saves time but also reduces the risk of errors associated with manual data entry, making the overall process more efficient and reliable.

Methods to Create Fillable PDF Forms with Submit Buttons

There are several methods available for creating fillable PDF forms with submit buttons, each with its own set of features and capabilities. Some of the most common methods include using Adobe Acrobat Pro, Foxit PDF Editor, LibreOffice, and BreezePDF. These tools offer different approaches to form creation and submission, catering to a variety of user needs and preferences. While dedicated software like Adobe Acrobat Pro or Foxit PDF Editor are reliable options, they often come with a significant price tag.

Using Adobe Acrobat Pro

Adobe Acrobat Pro is a powerful PDF editor that offers a comprehensive set of features for creating and editing fillable PDF forms. It is widely regarded as an industry-standard tool for professionals who need advanced PDF capabilities. However, it comes with a subscription fee, which may not be suitable for users with limited budgets.

1. Open PDF form: Launch Adobe Acrobat Pro and open the PDF form you wish to make fillable.
2. Go to "Tools" > "Prepare Form.": Select the "Prepare Form" tool from the "Tools" menu.
3. Add a button: Use the button tool to insert a button onto your PDF form.
4. Access “All Properties”: Right-click the button and select “Properties” to access all available options.
5. Set button name/tooltip: In the “General” tab, set the button name and tooltip.
6. Options tab: Choose layout, label, and behavior for the button.
7. Actions Tab: Choose “Mouse Up” to trigger an action when the button is clicked.
8. Select action: Choose “Submit a form” as the action.
9. Enter "mailto:[email protected]" and export format: Enter the email address where the form data should be submitted and choose an appropriate export format.
10. Save the form: Save the completed form with the submit button functionality.

Using Foxit PDF Editor

Foxit PDF Editor is another robust PDF editor that provides a range of tools for creating and editing fillable PDF forms. It offers a similar set of features to Adobe Acrobat Pro but at a more affordable price point. Foxit PDF Editor is a popular choice for users who need a balance between functionality and cost.

1. Open PDF document: Open the PDF document you want to convert into a fillable form using Foxit PDF Editor.
2. Select "Push Button" from the "Form" tab: Navigate to the "Form" tab and select the "Push Button" option.
3. Open Properties popup window: Right-click the button and select "Properties" to open the settings window.
4. General Tab: Name the button and complete settings related to appearance and position.
5. Options Tab: Select “Label Only” and “Push” for the button's visual style.
6. Action Tab: Select “Mouse Up” and then choose “Submit a form” to specify the submit action.
7. Select the export format and select Submit to “E-mail”: Choose the desired export format and enter the email address for submission.

Using LibreOffice (Free Method)

LibreOffice is a free and open-source office suite that includes a PDF editor capable of creating fillable PDF forms. It is a great option for users who want to create forms without spending any money. While LibreOffice may not have all the advanced features of commercial PDF editors, it provides a sufficient set of tools for basic form creation.

1. Install LibreOffice and open the PDF: Install LibreOffice and open the PDF document you wish to edit.
2. Select "Form Controls": Access the "Form Controls" toolbar within LibreOffice.
3. Add a Push button: Add a push button to the PDF form for submission.
4. Enter button name in the General Tab Label and complete other settings: In the "General" tab, enter the button name and configure other settings as needed.
5. Select “Submit Form” in the “Action” drop-down menu: Choose “Submit Form” from the “Action” menu.
6. Enter mailto: (email address) in the URL bar: Input the email address where submissions should be sent.
7. Export as PDF: Export the document as a PDF to finalize the fillable form.

Creating fillable forms with BreezePDF

BreezePDF offers a user-friendly and efficient solution for creating fillable PDF forms with submit buttons. Unlike other tools, BreezePDF operates entirely within your browser, ensuring that your documents remain private and never leave your device. BreezePDF is a straightforward option for users looking to create fillable forms quickly and securely without any hidden costs or subscriptions. You can https://breezepdf.com/blog/add-fillable-fields-to-pdf-online to begin the form creation process.

BreezePDF simplifies the process of adding input boxes and other interactive elements to your PDFs. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, you can easily place fillable fields, text boxes, checkboxes, and more, precisely where you need them. BreezePDF also offers features for typing on the PDF, signing documents, adding images, password protection, merging PDFs, and deleting pages, all within a single, free platform. This streamlined approach saves time and effort, making form creation accessible to users of all skill levels. Plus, all features are 100% free.

1. Uploading your PDF or starting from scratch: Begin by uploading your existing PDF or starting with a blank document.
2. Adding fillable fields (text boxes, checkboxes, etc.): Use the input box icon to add fillable fields to your form. You can drag these around as needed.
3. Inserting a "Submit" button: Add a button element and configure it to act as a submit button.
4. Configuring the submit button action (email submission, URL submission): Configure the button to send the form data to a specified email address.
5. Customizing the appearance of the form and the submit button: Customize the appearance of the form, including the submit button, to match your branding or aesthetic preferences.
6. Previewing and publishing the form: Preview the form to ensure that all elements are working correctly, and then publish it for distribution.

Alternative Tools to Create Fillable PDF Forms

Besides the methods mentioned above, several other tools are available for creating fillable PDF forms. These alternatives offer varying features, pricing structures, and ease of use. Some popular options include EaseUS PDF Editor, JotForm, and Sejda. EaseUS PDF Editor offers a comprehensive set of editing tools and form creation capabilities. JotForm provides a form builder platform with various templates and integrations, allowing users to create and embed forms on their websites. Sejda offers a range of online PDF tools, including form creation features, with options for both free and paid use.

Step-by-step Process - Adding a Submit Button with BreezePDF

Adding a submit button with BreezePDF is a simple and straightforward process. The user-friendly interface allows you to quickly create interactive forms without requiring any specialized skills. With BreezePDF, you can easily customize the button's appearance and behavior to match your specific needs.

1. Open form editing panel: Upload your PDF to BreezePDF to open the editing panel and begin customizing.
2. Add a submit button: Select the button icon and place it on your document where you want the submit button to appear.
3. Add a submission link or connect to email: Configure the button to send the form data to a specified email address.
4. Edit Button design: Customize the appearance of the submit button to match your form's design.
5. Save: Save your changes to finalize the fillable PDF form with the submit button.

FAQs

How do I auto-fill fillable PDF?

Auto-filling a fillable PDF typically involves using a PDF editor that supports data import from a file (e.g., CSV or XML). The editor can then populate the fields in the PDF with the data from the imported file, automating the filling process. Using a well structured PDF can help auto-fill the document. It is helpful to https://breezepdf.com/blog/create-a-pdf-form-from-scratch.

How do I create a fillable form in Word with an email button?

While Microsoft Word allows you to create forms, it doesn't directly offer an email submit button feature. However, you can create a form in Word, save it as a PDF, and then use a PDF editor like BreezePDF to add a submit button that sends the form data via email.

How can I email a fillable PDF form?

To email a fillable PDF form, you need to add a submit button to the form that sends the data to a specified email address. With BreezePDF, you can easily add a submit button and configure it to send the form data to your email address. Once the user fills out the form and clicks the submit button, the data will be sent to your specified email address.

Tips for Designing Effective Fillable PDF Forms

Designing an effective fillable PDF form requires careful planning and attention to detail. A well-designed form should be easy to use, visually appealing, and efficient in collecting the required information. By following these tips, you can create fillable PDF forms that are both user-friendly and effective.

• Keep it simple: Avoid cluttering the form with unnecessary elements. Use a clean and simple layout that is easy to navigate.
• Clear Instructions: Provide clear and concise instructions for each field. Use tooltips or placeholder text to guide users on how to fill out the form correctly.
• Highlight required field: Clearly indicate which fields are required. Use visual cues such as asterisks or bold text to highlight these fields. This ensures that users do not miss any essential information.
• Test the form: Before distributing the form, test it thoroughly. Fill out the form yourself and ask others to test it as well. This helps identify any errors or usability issues.

Conclusion

Fillable PDF forms with submit buttons are essential tools for streamlining data collection and improving efficiency. They offer a user-friendly way to gather information and simplify the submission process. By choosing the right method and following best practices for form design, you can create fillable PDF forms that meet your specific needs and enhance the user experience.

We discussed several methods for creating fillable PDF forms with submit buttons, including using Adobe Acrobat Pro, Foxit PDF Editor, LibreOffice, and BreezePDF. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, catering to different user needs and preferences. https://breezepdf.com/blog/add-fillable-boxes-to-pdf for your specific use case.

BreezePDF stands out as a user-friendly and efficient solution for creating and managing PDF forms. Its intuitive interface, privacy-focused approach, and range of features make it an excellent choice for users who want to create fillable PDF forms with submit buttons quickly and easily. BreezePDF requires no sign-up or download, meaning creating, typing, signing, password protecting, merging, and deleting PDFs has never been easier. Start creating your forms with BreezePDF today!