How to Make a PDF You Can Type In

Efficiency and Workflow

Fillable PDF forms revolutionize efficiency and streamline workflows, especially when collaboration is required. They significantly accelerate turnaround times compared to traditional paper forms. With the ability to integrate digital signatures, forms can be signed and submitted from anywhere, at any time, making the entire signing process much faster.

Data Management

Switching to fillable PDFs transforms how data is managed within your organization. Fillable PDF forms offer centralized and secure data storage, streamlining information access. Sharing becomes effortless, as forms can be easily sent via email, facilitating instant and seamless distribution.

Customization

Fillable PDFs offer many customizable features, providing a tailored solution for various needs. Customize your forms with diverse templates and fonts to maintain branding consistency. With drag-and-drop text fields, users can arrange form elements as required, which gives them more freedom to format it the way they want to.

Fillable PDFs are compatible with both Mac and PC systems, so you never have to worry about operating systems.

Environmental Benefits

Embracing fillable PDFs significantly reduces paper consumption, contributing to sustainability efforts. By switching to digital forms, you actively participate in environmental conservation by decreasing the demand for paper.

Using BreezePDF

BreezePDF distinguishes itself with its user-friendly interface and unwavering commitment to user privacy, ensuring your documents remain secure on your device throughout the editing process. With a variety of features to create your own fillable PDF document and simple interface, it's hard to go wrong with BreezePDF. BreezePDF is free and doesn't require you to download anything to use. It is all done in your browser so you can begin creating fillable PDFs right away.

1. Uploading an existing PDF or starting from scratch: Begin by uploading your existing PDF or starting with a blank document.
2. Adding various form fields: Effortlessly add text boxes, checkboxes, radio buttons, dropdowns, and signature fields.
3. Customizing the look and feel of the form: Customize the form's appearance to match your brand or personal style.
4. Previewing and testing the form: Make sure everything works and looks correct before you save.
5. Saving and sharing the fillable PDF: Save the document and share it.

BreezePDF's drag-and-drop interface makes form creation easy, even for those without prior experience. In addition to the features listed above, BreezePDF has the ability to add images, merge PDFs, delete pages, add passwords, and more. It is 100% free to use all of these features!

Using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC (Paid)

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is a powerful tool for creating and editing PDFs, but it comes with a subscription cost. To create a fillable PDF from scratch, open Adobe Acrobat, select "Tools" -> "Prepare Form," and then create a new document or select an existing one. Add form fields from the toolbar, adjust their properties, and save the document as a PDF.

To create a fillable PDF from an existing document, open it in Adobe Acrobat, and select "Tools" -> "Prepare Form." Acrobat will attempt to detect form fields automatically, but you'll need to review and edit them. Add new fields as needed, adjust their properties, and save the document.

Acrobat DC also has OCR capabilities for scanned documents, but remember that it is a powerful, yet expensive, choice.

Using Microsoft Word (Limited Functionality)

Microsoft Word offers basic form field creation capabilities. You can create forms within Word and then save them as PDFs. However, the fillability may be lost when you save as PDF, and Word forms can have limited functionality compared to dedicated PDF editors.

Using a PDF editor like BreezePDF is recommended for better results and full control over fillable PDF features.

Using LibreOffice Draw (Free)

LibreOffice Draw is a free, open-source alternative that can be used to create fillable PDFs. However, it may have a steeper learning curve compared to more user-friendly options.

Jotform

Jotform is another service that allows you to create fillable PDFs. With Jotform, you must create a free account and then build your fillable PDF form from scratch, giving you full control over the document. When finished, you can customize it as well as automate email responses. You are able to download it and share with others when you're done.

Form Design

Good form design is crucial for usability. Consider factors like clear labeling, logical flow, and ample space for responses. Use page layout and graphic design principles to enhance the form's overall aesthetic appeal and functionality.

Ensure a logical tab order so that users can easily navigate the form using the Tab key.

Field Properties

Naming fields is essential for data extraction and organization. Set default values to streamline the filling process. Implement data validation to ensure that users enter the correct type of information, and specify which fields are required to prevent incomplete submissions.

Distribution

Distribute your forms via email, shared link, or embedding them on a website. Provide clear instructions on how to save filled forms digitally, ensuring that users can easily retain their completed information.

Collecting Responses

Collect data via email, integrate with an internal server, or leverage email integrations. Choose the option that best suits your data management needs and technical capabilities.

Security

Password-protect your fillable PDFs to restrict access to sensitive information. BreezePDF provides password protection as a feature. Consider encryption options for an added layer of security, ensuring that confidential data remains protected.

Accessibility & Compatibility

Ensure compatibility with various PDF readers to reach a wider audience. Test your forms on different mobile devices to ensure a seamless user experience across platforms. This ensures that everyone who needs to fill out the form can do so without any issues.