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How to Turn Word into Fillable PDF

April 30, 2025 15 min read

In today's digital age, the need to efficiently collect information is paramount. Fillable PDFs offer a user-friendly way to gather data, streamline processes, and reduce paperwork. Many users start with a Word document and need to convert it into a fillable PDF format. This article will guide you through the various methods for converting your Word documents into fillable PDFs, ensuring you can create forms that are easy to distribute and complete. BreezePDF provides a simple and private way to create these documents, without ever sending your files to a server.

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Why Use Fillable PDFs?

Fillable PDFs offer several advantages over traditional paper forms. By using fillable PDFs, organizations can experience significant gains in efficiency and accuracy while improving the experience for their customers or users.

  • Saves Time and Money: Automating data collection eliminates manual data entry, reducing labor costs and saving valuable time. Fillable PDFs also reduce printing costs associated with paper forms.
  • Reduces Errors: Digital forms minimize handwriting-related errors, ensuring more accurate data capture. With features like data validation, you can ensure users enter data in the correct format.
  • Improves Customer Experience: Fillable PDFs are easy to complete and submit, enhancing user satisfaction. Digital forms can be accessed from anywhere, anytime, on any device.
  • Protects the Environment: Reducing paper consumption contributes to environmental sustainability. By switching to digital forms, you are reducing waste and helping conserve resources.
  • Safeguards Information: Password protection and other security features can be implemented to protect sensitive data. This is extremely important when asking for personally identifiable information.
  • Perfect for sharing and easy to open: PDFs are a universal file format, ensuring compatibility across different devices and operating systems. Recipients can easily open and complete forms without needing special software, making PDFs a practical choice for document sharing.
  • Preserves the integrity of your document: PDFs ensure document formatting remains consistent across different devices and operating systems. This consistency prevents unwanted changes or distortions, maintaining the professional appearance and readability of your forms.

Methods for Creating Fillable PDFs from Word

There are several methods available for transforming a Word document into a fillable PDF. Each method has its own advantages and limitations. We will explore several methods, and highlight the benefits of using BreezePDF.

Method 1: Using Microsoft Word & Adobe Acrobat

This method combines the familiar interface of Microsoft Word with the advanced form creation capabilities of Adobe Acrobat. It requires both software programs and involves multiple steps, but provides a high degree of control over the final result. Here's how it works:

  1. Prepare your document: Type out the necessary details of your form in Word, including all questions and instructions.
  2. Open Word and locate the document: Open the Word document you want to convert into a fillable PDF.
  3. Create the form: Type out the necessary details of your form, including all questions and instructions.
  4. Add horizontal lines for fillable fields: Use underscores (_) to create visual placeholders for fillable fields.
  5. Save as PDF: Go to File > Save As, change the file format to PDF, and click Export.
  6. Open the PDF with Adobe Acrobat: Right-click the PDF file and select Open With Adobe Acrobat (install if needed).
  7. Prepare the form: Go to Tools > Prepare Form. Acrobat will attempt to automatically detect fillable fields.
  8. Save your form: Go to File > Save As to save the fillable PDF form.
  9. You can also create a form using the Developer tab:
    1. Start with a form template:
      1. Go to File > New.
      2. In Search online templates, type Forms or the type of form you would like and press Enter.
      3. Choose a form template, then choose Create or Download.
    2. Start with a blank document:
      1. Go to File > New.
      2. Choose Blank Document.
      3. From here, go to Developer, and select the controls you want to add to the document.
    3. Here’s how to insert a text control:
      1. Click where you want to insert the control.
      2. Choose Developer > Rich Text Content Control > or Plain Text Content Control.

Method 2: Using Google Docs (Limited Functionality)

Google Docs offers a basic way to create fillable forms, although its functionality is limited compared to dedicated PDF editors. This method is suitable for simple forms where you only need basic text input fields. Here's how to create fillable forms using Google Docs:

  1. Open Google Docs and choose a template from Google Docs or search Google to find a different one.
  2. If pulling one from a Google search, be sure to make a copy and save it to your Google Drive folder.
  3. Use the underscore on your keyboard by pressing Shift+Hyphen to enter blank lines to show the viewers where you would like them to type information.
  4. Another option is to insert a blank table for lists of information required for your document.
  5. You can also draw a box using the Drawing tool. Both of these options can be found in the Insert menu.
  6. Download as PDF

Method 3: Using BreezePDF

BreezePDF offers a streamlined and user-friendly approach to creating fillable PDFs. It is also 100% private, meaning your documents never leave your device. The entire process happens in your browser with no sign up or download required! Here's how to convert your Word document and add fillable fields:

  1. Convert Word to PDF: Use the BreezePDF DOC to PDF converter.
  2. Open the converted PDF in BreezePDF Editor tool.
  3. Add fillable fields: Utilize the "Text Field" feature. BreezePDF gives you a lot of options!
    • Signatures— Create fields that a recipient can sign by drawing with their cursor.
    • Text Field— Create a text box field that a recipient can enter text in.
    • Free Text— A text field that isn’t constrained to a box; you can enter text in here yourself, but the recipient cannot.
    • Checkbox— A field that a recipient can check/uncheck as they fill out your PDF.
    • Radio Button— A button, commonly used in groups, where either one or more options can be selected at a time; usually used for multiple-choice questions.
    • List Box Field— A list box in which you can add multiple options that a person can select. The best example of list box fields would be for multiple choice answers to opinion survey questions.
    • Combo Box Field— A box that can contain information from a preset group of values. For example, in an application, you could have this combo box contain preset values of the 50 U.S. states.
  4. Adjust field properties: Name the field, mark as required, and adjust the size.
  5. Preview and download.
  6. Take a moment to discover everything you can do with BreezePDF to make it easier than ever to send and receive forms, redact sensitive information, and keep those important documents moving.

Filling in a PDF Form

Once you've created a fillable PDF, it's essential to understand how users will interact with it. Various tools and platforms allow users to fill in PDF forms, each with its own interface and features.

  • Using Mac Preview: Preview, the default PDF viewer on macOS, allows users to fill in basic form fields. Simply open the PDF and click on the fields to enter information.
  • Using Microsoft Edge: Microsoft Edge, the built-in browser in Windows, also supports filling in PDF forms. Open the PDF in Edge and use the form fields to enter the required data.
  • Using an online editor: A variety of online PDF editors allow users to fill in forms directly in their web browser. These editors often offer additional features like signing and saving.

What if there are no fillable fields? In this case, the form creator can add the fillable field utilizing https://breezepdf.com/blog/add-fillable-fields-to-pdf.

Tips and Considerations

Creating effective fillable PDFs requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following these tips and considerations, you can design forms that are user-friendly, efficient, and secure.

  • Use clear labels for fillable fields: Ensure that each field has a descriptive label, so users know exactly what information to enter.
  • Choose appropriate field types (text, checkbox, dropdown): Select the correct field type for each question to ensure accurate data capture.
  • Test the form thoroughly: Before distributing the form, test it yourself to ensure that all fields are working correctly.
  • Data security with Online Tools: Always prioritize data security when using online tools to create and distribute fillable PDFs. Ensure that the platform uses encryption and other security measures to protect sensitive information.

Common Uses for Fillable Forms

Fillable forms have a wide range of applications across various industries and organizations. Their versatility and ease of use make them an ideal solution for collecting data, streamlining processes, and improving communication.

  • Survey responses
  • Client intake forms
  • Nondisclosure agreements
  • Job applications
  • Rental applications
  • Maintenance requests
  • Event signups/registrations
  • Volunteer signups
  • Membership applications
  • Purchase orders and invoices

Conclusion

Creating fillable PDFs from Word documents is essential for streamlining data collection and improving user experience. By converting your Word documents into fillable PDFs, you can create forms that are easy to distribute, complete, and manage. With BreezePDF, you can now create fillable PDFs easily and privately, since all actions happen in your browser!

From this article, you have now learned several methods discussed and how to use them. This includes using Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat, Google Docs, and BreezePDF.

Ready to get started? Try BreezePDF today and experience the benefits of creating fillable PDFs!