How to Create a Fillable PDF in Nuance

What You'll Need to Create Fillable PDF with Nuance

To create a fillable PDF using Nuance Power PDF, you will need access to the software. This may require purchasing a license or utilizing a trial version. Ensure that the software is properly installed and activated on your computer before proceeding.

Additionally, you'll need a source document that you want to convert into a fillable PDF. This can be in various formats, including a regular PDF, a Microsoft Word document, an Excel spreadsheet, or even a scanned image. Having the source document ready will allow you to start the conversion process smoothly.

Steps to Create a Fillable PDF in Nuance PDF

The process of creating fillable PDFs in Nuance Power PDF involves several steps, starting with opening the document and potentially converting it to an editable format. Then, you'll utilize the Form Typer tool to add and customize form fields. Lastly, you'll want to test and save your fillable PDF to ensure that it functions as intended.

Opening the PDF in Nuance Power PDF

Begin by launching Nuance Power PDF on your computer. Once the application is open, navigate to the 'File' menu and select 'Open'. Locate the PDF document you want to make fillable and select it to open it within the Nuance Power PDF interface.

Converting Existing PDF to Editable Format (If Necessary)

If your PDF is not already editable, you might need to convert it to a format that allows editing. The conversion process involves selecting the appropriate file type and performing the conversion within Nuance Power PDF.

1. Select the 'Convert' Tab at the top of the screen.
2. Choose the desired output format like 'To Word', 'To Excel', or 'To PowerPoint' depending on the document's content.
3. Edit the document in the application that opens.
4. Save the converted file.
5. After finishing editing, save the file in PDF format for the fillable form process.

Using Form Typer

The Form Typer feature in Nuance Power PDF automates the process of detecting and creating form fields. This tool analyzes the document and attempts to identify areas where input fields can be added. While it is a helpful starting point, you may need to manually adjust and customize the generated fields to achieve the desired result.

1. Select the 'Form' Ribbon Menu at the top of the Nuance Power PDF window.
2. Open the PDF document that you wish to make fillable in Nuance Power PDF.
3. Select the "FormTyper" tool from the "Forms" Menu Ribbon. This will initiate the automatic form field detection process.
4. Nuance PDF will attempt to automatically detect form fields. Review these fields to ensure accurate placement.

Adjust Form Fields (Adding, Subtracting, and Editing Input Type)

After the automatic detection, you'll need to fine-tune the form fields. This involves adding missing fields, removing incorrect ones, and adjusting the input type (e.g., text field, checkbox, radio button) for each field. Customizing the form fields ensures that the fillable PDF accurately captures the intended data.

• Adding a Text Field, Checkbox, Radio Button, Choice Field, List Field, or Submit Button can be done from the Form ribbon.
• Choose the form element you want to add from the Form ribbon menu.
• Click in the PDF document to add the selected element. Drag the corner handles of the element to adjust its size and shape. For precise positioning, use Inspector > Alignment.
• To customize element properties, go to Inspector > Form Element Properties.

Setting Form Element Properties

Each form element has properties that can be customized to control its behavior and appearance. This includes setting the field name, default value, character limit, and whether the field is required. Properly configuring these properties ensures that the form functions correctly and captures the necessary information.

• Name: Differentiate elements. Radio buttons need the same name with different Checked Values.
• Default value (Text Field): Set the default text that appears in the field. (Edit > Reset Form)
• Checked Value (Radio Button, Checkbox, Submit Button): The value that is saved when the element is checked.
• Character Limit (Text Field): Sets the maximum number of characters allowed in the text field.
• Required: Makes the field mandatory.
• Size to fit (Text Field): The field adjusts its size automatically to fit the text length.
• Multi-line (Text Field): Allows the text field to accept multiple lines of text.
• Scroll text (Text Field): Enables scrolling within a fixed-size text field.
• Check by default: Pre-selects a checkbox or radio button. (Edit > Reset Form)
• Name and Value (Choice Field, List Field): Define the options available in dropdowns or lists.
• Label, Submission Options (Submit Button): Set the title and submission options for the submit button.

Editing the Tab Order

The tab order determines the sequence in which users navigate through the form fields using the 'Tab' key. Ensuring a logical tab order is crucial for user experience. You can adjust the tab order manually or reset it to follow the reading order of the document.

• Select Arrange > Show Tab Order to see the tab order within a page.
• Using the Arrange > Move options will move the selected form elements back or forward within the tab order.
• Arrange > Reset Tab Order will force the tab order of items in a page to reading order.

Testing and Saving Your Fillable PDF

After creating the fillable PDF, it's essential to test its functionality. This involves filling out the form fields, verifying that the data is captured correctly, and checking the tab order. Testing ensures that the form works as expected before it is distributed to users.

To test, switch to the Select Text Tool to test the functionality of the form. If changes need to be made to the appearance, switch back to the Edit Tool. Once the form has been reviewed, save the fillable PDF by selecting File > Save.

Alternative Method: Starting from a Blank PDF

In Nuance, you can also create a fillable PDF from scratch by starting with a blank document. This approach allows for greater control over the form's layout and design. It involves manually drawing form elements and adding static text to create the desired form structure.

Begin by choosing File > New > Blank PDF, or press CTRL+N to create a new blank PDF document. You can then draw form elements on the page using the form tools in the ribbon. Add any static texts by using text boxes. Finally, save the PDF file when the form is ready.

Beyond Basic Fields: Advanced Form Features in Nuance

Nuance Power PDF offers advanced form features beyond basic text fields and checkboxes. This includes the ability to add submit buttons, which allow users to submit the form data via email or web. These features provide greater flexibility and functionality for creating complex forms.

One of the more advanced features is the Submit Button. Setting up the submission options for the submit button allows you to set the title and submission options for the submit button. This enables the collection of data through different methods.

Troubleshooting and Limitations

When working with Nuance Power PDF, you may encounter certain limitations and issues. These can include challenges with scanned documents, the need for a specific edition of the software, and restrictions on editing forms with active XFA controls. Understanding these limitations is essential for troubleshooting potential problems.

If you have scanned documents, use OCR (Optical Character Recognition) by going to the "Edit" tab and selecting "OCR" to recognize text within images, allowing for editing. Editing forms is limited to the paid Nuance Power PDF Advanced Edition. Only one form per PDF document is supported, and it is not recommended to edit form controls or run Form Typer on a form with active XFA controls.

BreezePDF: A Simpler Alternative

BreezePDF offers a simpler, more user-friendly alternative to Nuance Power PDF for creating fillable PDFs. Our platform focuses on ease of use, allowing you to quickly add input boxes, text, signatures, and images to your documents. Plus, with BreezePDF, your documents are never sent to a server; they stay securely on your device.

Key features of BreezePDF include the ability to add input boxes with a simple drag-and-drop interface, type directly onto the PDF, sign documents with a scribble tool, and add images seamlessly. You can also password protect your PDFs and merge or delete pages, all within a 100% free and private environment. Check out our guide on how to create fillable PDF adobe to see the comparison in ease of use.

Using BreezePDF streamlines the process of creating fillable PDFs. Our intuitive interface and focus on core functionality make it easy for anyone to create professional-looking forms without the complexity of traditional software. Get started today and experience the simplicity of creating fillable PDFs with BreezePDF!

Conclusion

Creating fillable PDFs can greatly enhance your document management workflow. While Nuance Power PDF offers a range of features for creating these forms, the process can be somewhat complex. You can use this guide in conjunction with our article on how to create fillable form docusign, for a more comprehensive knowledge of fillable forms.

Fillable PDFs offer numerous benefits, including improved data collection, reduced paper consumption, and increased efficiency. Whether you choose to use Nuance or BreezePDF, mastering the creation of fillable PDFs is a valuable skill.

BreezePDF stands out as a worthwhile alternative due to its focus on simplicity, privacy, and ease of use. Experience the difference today and create your fillable PDFs effortlessly.