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PDFelement Fillable Form: Mastering Forms & BreezePDF Alternative

April 30, 2025 8 min read

Fillable PDF forms have revolutionized the way we collect and share information, offering a convenient and efficient means to gather data, streamline processes, and reduce paperwork. PDFelement is a popular PDF editor that allows users to create, edit, and manage fillable forms. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on mastering fillable forms in PDFelement, covering everything from creation to troubleshooting, while also introducing BreezePDF as a simpler, more accessible alternative.

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However, PDFelement may not be the perfect solution for everyone. Some users may find it expensive, while others may struggle with its complex interface and steep learning curve. This is where BreezePDF comes in, offering a user-friendly and affordable alternative for creating and filling fillable PDF forms. This article will help you decide which option best suits your needs.

Understanding Fillable PDF Forms

A fillable PDF form is an interactive document containing fields that users can complete electronically. These forms eliminate the need for printing, manual completion, and scanning, making data collection and processing much faster and more efficient. Fillable forms are widely used for applications, surveys, contracts, and various other purposes where data input is required.

Types of Fillable Form Fields

  • Text Fields: Allow users to enter text, such as names, addresses, and descriptions.
  • Checkboxes: Enable users to select one or more options from a list.
  • Radio Buttons: Allow users to select only one option from a group.
  • Drop-down Lists: Present users with a list of options to choose from in a compact format.
  • Digital Signatures: Enable users to electronically sign the form, ensuring authenticity and integrity. Learn more about adding signatures to PDFs at https://breezepdf.com/blog/add-signature-to-fillable-pdf.
  • Date Fields: Facilitate the entry of dates in a standardized format.
  • Image Fields: Allow users to insert images into the form.

Benefits of Using Fillable PDF Forms

  • Streamlined Data Collection: Simplifies the process of gathering information from users.
  • Improved Accuracy: Reduces errors associated with manual data entry.
  • Reduced Paperwork: Eliminates the need for printing and physical storage.
  • Enhanced User Experience: Provides a more convenient and user-friendly way to complete forms.

Creating Fillable Forms with PDFelement: A Step-by-Step Guide

PDFelement provides multiple methods for creating fillable forms, catering to different user needs and scenarios. Whether you're starting from scratch or using an existing document, PDFelement offers the tools and features to create professional-looking fillable forms efficiently.

Method 1: Creating a Form from Scratch

  1. Open PDFelement: Launch PDFelement and create a new blank document.
  2. Access the "Form" Tab: Navigate to the "Form" tab in the PDFelement toolbar.
  3. Add Form Fields: Use the form field tools (text fields, checkboxes, etc.) to add the desired elements to your form.
  4. Customize Field Properties: Adjust the properties of each field, such as name, appearance, and validation rules, to suit your specific requirements.
  5. Save the Fillable PDF Form: Save your newly created fillable PDF form to your desired location.

Method 2: Creating a Form from an Existing Document

  1. Open PDFelement: Open PDFelement and load the existing PDF document you wish to convert into a fillable form.
  2. Access the "Form" Tab: Go to the "Form" tab in the PDFelement toolbar.
  3. Enable Form Recognition (if applicable): Use the form recognition feature to automatically detect and convert existing fields into fillable elements.
  4. Manually Add/Adjust Form Fields: Manually add or adjust any remaining form fields as needed.
  5. Customize Field Properties: Customize the properties of each field to ensure proper functionality and appearance.
  6. Save the Fillable PDF Form: Save your fillable PDF form with the added fields.

Best Practices for Designing Fillable Forms

To ensure that your fillable forms are user-friendly and effective, consider the following best practices:

  • Clear Instructions: Provide clear and concise instructions for completing the form.
  • Logical Layout: Design a logical and intuitive layout that guides users through the form seamlessly.
  • Appropriate Field Sizes: Use appropriate field sizes to accommodate the expected length of the input data.
  • Using Validation Rules: Implement validation rules to ensure data accuracy and consistency.

Filling Out Fillable Forms with PDFelement

Filling out fillable forms in PDFelement is a straightforward process. The program provides a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to enter data into the various form fields.

  1. Open the Fillable PDF Form: Open the fillable PDF form in PDFelement.
  2. Click on the Form Fields to Enter Data: Simply click on each form field to enter the required information.
  3. Select Options from Dropdown Lists and Checkboxes: Choose the appropriate options from dropdown lists and checkboxes.
  4. Add Digital Signatures (if required): Add your digital signature to the form if required.
  5. Saving the Filled-Out Form: Choose whether to save the filled-out form as a flattened copy or preserve the fillable fields for future use.

Editing and Managing Fillable Forms in PDFelement

PDFelement allows you to edit and manage existing fillable forms. You can modify form fields, export data, and perform various other tasks to maintain and update your forms.

  • Modifying Existing Form Fields: Adjust the size, position, and properties of existing form fields.
  • Adding or Deleting Form Fields: Add new form fields or delete unnecessary ones.
  • Exporting Form Data to a Spreadsheet: Export form data to a spreadsheet (CSV, Excel) for analysis and reporting.
  • Importing Form Data from a Spreadsheet: Import data from a spreadsheet to pre-populate form fields.
  • Resetting Form Fields: Reset all form fields to their default values.

Common PDFelement Fillable Form Issues and Troubleshooting

While PDFelement is a powerful tool, users may encounter some issues when working with fillable forms. Here are some common problems and troubleshooting tips:

  • Form Fields Not Working Correctly: Check field properties and ensure they are properly configured.
  • Issues with Form Field Recognition: Manually adjust or add form fields if automatic recognition fails.
  • Problems with Digital Signatures: Ensure your digital signature is valid and properly configured.
  • Compatibility Issues with Different PDF Readers: Test your form with different PDF readers to ensure compatibility.
  • Troubleshooting Steps and Resources: Consult PDFelement's documentation or online resources for further assistance.

Introducing BreezePDF: A Simple & Powerful Alternative for Fillable Forms

BreezePDF offers a streamlined, user-friendly alternative for creating and filling fillable forms. It is designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind, making it an excellent choice for users who want a hassle-free experience.

Benefits of BreezePDF for Fillable Forms

  • Intuitive Interface: BreezePDF features an easy-to-navigate interface.
  • Cloud-Based Accessibility: Access your forms from anywhere with an internet connection.
  • Collaboration Features: Collaborate with others on forms in real-time.
  • Competitive Pricing: BreezePDF offers affordable pricing plans to suit different budgets.
  • Streamlined Fillable Form Creation and Filling Process: BreezePDF simplifies the entire fillable form workflow. Create input boxes, type on the PDF, sign the PDF or add images, all 100% free!

Comparison Table

A brief, objective comparison between PDFelement and BreezePDF:

Feature PDFelement BreezePDF
Ease of Use Moderate High
Price Paid Free
Collaboration Yes Yes
Platform Desktop Browser-based

How to Create and Fill Fillable Forms with BreezePDF

BreezePDF simplifies the process of creating and filling fillable forms with its intuitive drag-and-drop interface.

Creating a Fillable Form in BreezePDF

  1. Upload the PDF Document: Start by uploading your PDF document to BreezePDF.
  2. Use the Drag-and-Drop Interface to Add Form Fields: Drag and drop various form fields onto your document. See more on adding fillable boxes to PDFs on https://breezepdf.com/blog/add-fillable-boxes-to-pdf.
  3. Customize Field Properties: Adjust the properties of each field as needed.
  4. Share the Form with Others: Share the form with others for collaboration and data collection.

Filling a Fillable Form in BreezePDF

  1. Open the Form in BreezePDF: Open the fillable form directly in BreezePDF.
  2. Fill in the Fields: Easily fill in all the required fields.
  3. Submit or Download the Completed Form: Submit the form or download it for your records.

Conclusion

PDFelement is a robust tool for creating, editing, and managing fillable forms, offering a wide range of features and customization options. However, its complexity and cost may not be suitable for all users. BreezePDF provides a user-friendly and affordable alternative for creating and filling fillable forms, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a simpler, more accessible solution. It is also the only PDF editor that is 100% private, meaning your documents are never sent to a server. They stay on your device. All the magic happens in your browser!

For a streamlined and intuitive experience, give BreezePDF a try for your fillable form needs. Its ease of use and accessibility make it a great alternative to PDFelement, especially if you are looking for a quick and easy way to create a PDF form online. The process to make a PDF form has never been easier.

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