How to Make a PDF Fillable from Google Docs

Why Use Fillable PDFs?

Fillable PDFs offer numerous advantages over traditional paper forms or standard document formats. They save both time and money by streamlining data collection and reducing administrative overhead. For example, in employee onboarding, digital forms eliminate the need for printing, signing, and manually entering data, thereby speeding up the entire process. They also reduce errors. Digital forms can incorporate validation rules and required fields, minimizing the risk of incomplete or incorrect information. Let's explore other benefits.

• Saves time and money: Automate processes like employee onboarding and client feedback, reducing manual data entry.
• Reduces errors: Implement validation rules to ensure data accuracy and completeness.
• Improves customer experience: Provide clean, professional forms that are easy to complete.
• Protects the environment: Eliminate the need for printing, reducing paper consumption.
• Safeguards Information: Use password protection to control access to sensitive data. BreezePDF allows you to easily password protect your PDF.

The Limitations of Google Docs for Fillable Forms

Google Docs is a simple and free tool for creating and editing documents. It's excellent for collaborative writing and basic formatting, but it has significant limitations when it comes to creating advanced fillable forms. While Google Docs offers some basic form creation features, it lacks the sophistication and customization options needed for professional-looking, interactive forms. Let's explore the limitations of Google Docs in creating fillable forms.

• Limited survey design options: Google Docs lacks customizable templates, themes, and branding options that can give your surveys a professional and polished look.
• Limited question types: Google Docs lacks rating scales, matrix questions, and conditional logic to gather better data.
• Lack of analytical tools: Google Docs lacks real-time data visualization, cross-tabulation, sentiment analysis, and custom reporting features.
• Limited collaboration features: Google Docs lacks team collaboration in real-time, role-based permissions, comment threads on individual responses, and team dashboards.
• Limited integration capabilities: Google Docs does not integrate with other software, such as CRM.

Method 1: Basic Fillable Form Creation within Google Docs (Tables and Underscores)

One rudimentary approach to creating fillable forms in Google Docs involves using tables and underscores to simulate input fields. This method is limited in functionality but can be useful for simple forms. This approach primarily involves creating a visual structure that *looks* fillable, but lacks actual interactive form elements. Consider this method a last resort if you are unable to use a more robust solution. Let's explore the steps to create fillable areas using this method.

1. Open a new Google Doc: Start by opening a blank document in Google Docs.
2. Add title and introductory description: Provide a clear title and a brief description of the form's purpose.
3. Using tables to organize sections: Tables can help structure the form and create visual separation between fields.
   • Go to ‘Insert’ tab in the Google Doc toolbar and hover over ‘Table‘
   • Select the number of rows and columns you need
4. Customizing table properties: You can adjust cell background colors and border thickness to enhance readability and visual appeal.
5. Add checklists and dropdown menus:
   • Checklists: Go to the checklist button. After selecting the checklist and adding your choices, it’ll look something like this.
   • Dropdown List: Select ‘Insert’ and then drop down to open ‘Document Dropdown’ containing preexisting dropdown list templates. Select ‘New Dropdown’ to open ‘Dropdown Options’ to create a new list.

Method 2: Import PDF to create fillable Google Doc Form

Google Docs allows you to import PDFs, which can then be edited. However, simply importing a PDF doesn't automatically make it fillable. You'll need to manually add fillable fields using the methods described above (tables, underscores, etc.). Note that while you can now edit the document within Google Docs, you still haven't created interactive fillable fields. This is just a workaround to be able to edit it at all. Here's how to do it:

1. Visit ‘drive.google.com’, select ‘New’, and then click ‘File Upload’.
2. Select the path to your PDF file.
3. Click ‘Open’ to upload the PDF.
4. Once the upload is complete, select it to open the PDF.
5. Select the ‘Open with Google Docs’ option at the top of the window to open the PDF in an editable format.

After importing, edit and add fillable fields using tables/underscores to the imported PDF content. Consider this similar to Method 1, but starting with a PDF as the base.

Method 3: Google Forms + Autocrat Add-on (More Advanced, but Indirect)

Google Docs itself doesn't offer automated fillable PDF creation. A more complex approach involves using Google Forms and the Autocrat add-on. This method collects data through a Google Form and then populates a Google Doc template with the collected data. The populated Google Doc can then be exported as a PDF. Please note this is only needed for data collection and can't be done directly.

This method is more complex than the previous two. It requires setting up a Google Form, designing a Google Doc template, installing and configuring the Autocrat add-on, and mapping the form fields to the document template. While this method allows for more structured data collection and automated PDF generation, it's not a direct solution for creating fillable PDFs within Google Docs.

The Better Solution: Using BreezePDF to Create Fillable PDFs

BreezePDF offers a more efficient and feature-rich alternative to creating fillable PDFs, especially after exporting from Google Docs. With BreezePDF, you can quickly add interactive form fields, customize their appearance, and easily share the fillable PDF with others. Let's see why it's the better solution:

• Easy field creation: Simply click and drag to add text fields, checkboxes, radio buttons, and more.
• Advanced form field types: Supports various form field types beyond basic text input.
• Streamlined editing and sharing: Edit and share your forms easily.
• Integrations and advanced features: Offers integrations and features that go beyond Google Docs.
• Easy upload: Upload a PDF exported from Google Docs to BreezePDF.

Steps to Create a Fillable PDF with BreezePDF (After Exporting from Google Docs)

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to upload a Google Docs-created PDF into BreezePDF and add form fields. This will allow you to take advantage of BreezePDF's robust form creation capabilities.

1. Upload your PDF exported from Google Docs into BreezePDF.
2. How to add text fields: Click the input box icon, drag where you want. You can drag it around if needed.
3. How to add checkboxes: Select the checkbox tool and drag it onto the desired location in the PDF.
4. How to add signature fields: Click the scribble icon, draw signature, click "insert" and drag it to desired location.
5. Customization Options: Customize fonts, colors, and sizes to match your branding.
6. Finalize and download the fillable PDF from BreezePDF.

Benefits of Using BreezePDF Over Google Docs Alone

Using BreezePDF offers significant advantages over relying solely on Google Docs for creating fillable PDFs. BreezePDF provides true fillable fields, allowing users to interact with the form in a natural and intuitive way. With BreezePDF, your forms will have a professional look and feel. Take a look at the key advantages.

• True fillable fields: Add text boxes, checkboxes, radio buttons, and more.
• Professional-looking forms: Create polished forms with customizable branding options.
• More control over form design and data collection: Customize your forms and collect data in a structured way.
• Secure form sharing and data handling: Share forms securely and manage collected data effectively. Password protect your PDF to safeguard the information. See add fillable fields to pdf for more information.

Conclusion

While Google Docs offers some basic functionality for creating fillable forms, it's limited in its capabilities. Creating truly interactive and professional-looking fillable PDFs directly within Google Docs can be challenging and time-consuming. For a comprehensive solution that offers true fillable fields, customization options, and secure sharing, consider using BreezePDF. It offers an efficient and user-friendly way to create professional, interactive fillable PDFs, even starting from a document created in Google Docs. You can try it out today and create a professional PDF that is easy to share.