Fillable PDF Form Creator
With Jotform’s fillable PDF form creator, you can create customized PDF forms that users can easily fill out and submit from their digital devices.
Already have a PDF form?
In just minutes, create a fillable PDF form that can be used anywhere — regardless of device type or internet access.
Jotform’s fillable PDF form creator allows you to
Add fillable form fields such as text boxes, checkboxes, and multiple-choice questions.
Email your form or embed it in your website so users can fill it out on their computer, smartphone, or tablet.
Insert a signature field so users can sign their name with ease.
How to make a PDF fillable
Open Jotform
Create a free Jotform account and build your fillable PDF form from scratch — or upload an existing PDF form to convert it into a fillable PDF in a single click.
Customize your form
Add page numbers, brand images, or your business logo for a polished, professional look.
Automate email responses
Automatically send copies of completed PDF forms to respondents after they fill out your form.
Download and share
Save a copy of your fillable PDF or send it as an email attachment.
Works best with
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Creating a Fillable PDF with Adobe Acrobat:
How to Create from Scratch?
Open Adobe Acrobat
Launch Adobe Acrobat on your computer.
Create a new document
Click on “File” and select “Create” > “Blank Document.”
Add form fields
Click on “Tools” > “Prepare Form.”
Choose the form field types (text, checkbox, radio button, etc.).
Click on the document to place the form fields.
Adjust field properties
Right-click on each form field to set properties like name, size, and validation.
Save your document
Save your file by clicking “File” > “Save As” and choose PDF as the format.
How to Create from Existing PDF?
Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat
Launch Adobe Acrobat and open the existing PDF document.
Add form fields
Click on “Tools” > “Prepare Form.”
Acrobat will detect form fields automatically; if it doesn’t, click “Auto Detect Form Fields.”
Review and edit form fields
Adjust the automatically detected form fields as needed.
Add new fields if necessary by selecting the appropriate tool.
Adjust field properties
Right-click on form fields to set properties like name, size, and validation.
Save your document
Save the file by clicking “File” > “Save As” and choose PDF as the format.
Jotform’s fillable PDF form creator has unique tools to customize your fillable forms, optimize your workflow, and automate how information is gathered and shared.
Learn how to create your own fillable PDF forms
Fillable PDF Forms FAQ
What is a fillable PDF?
A fillable PDF is an interactive PDF document that allows users to enter text in form fields without the need for PDF editing software. Fillable PDFs are also referred to as interactive PDFs, editable PDFs, writable PDFs, or automated PDFs. Fillable PDFs offer a fast and easy way to complete forms, sign documents, and collect data. Fillable PDFs are useful for a wide variety of purposes. You can use a fillable PDF to gather applications, collect e-signatures, conduct performance reviews or surveys, and so much more. And in contrast to messy paper forms, fillable PDFs can be stored online and are accessible to many people at once — allowing you to cast a wider net and gather more responses more efficiently. Additionally, you can create a fillable PDF in minutes, then share it with your target audience to collect responses or e-signatures quickly and efficiently — perfect for a growing small business, an established company, or any organization in between.
What’s the difference between fillable forms and PDF documents?
While fillable forms and PDF documents are both online documents that are used for similar purposes, there are quite a few differences between them. It’s key to understand those differences so you can choose the type of online document that works best for your specific needs. Generally speaking, a PDF is a static electronic file format that’s usually uneditable without special software. Most PDFs can only be opened with a PDF viewer and cannot be edited or filled in once they have been created. The only way to edit a PDF that has been sent to you is to download it and edit it in another software program, or by printing it out and filling it in by hand — which isn’t the most efficient way to use an online document. You generally can’t add extra features to PDFs or integrate them with other programs to enhance user experience either. On the other hand, fillable PDFs are great tools to collect data from users through a web browser — no intermediary software required. Fillable PDF forms are easy to access and can be filled out directly online, without having to print them out or use additional software to edit them. Also, fillable PDF forms can integrate with other tools and widgets online to enhance the user experience. If you’re looking for an advanced fillable PDF form tool, with a variety of customization options, we recommend Jotform’s fillable PDF forms.
How do I convert an existing PDF into a fillable form?
- To start, log in to your Jotform account and navigate to the Jotform Smart PDF Editor.
- Next, either upload your desired PDF form or drag and drop it into the Smart PDF Form editor.
- The Smart PDF editor will then detect all the form fields in your PDF file and convert them into fillable fields.
- Customize your PDF form however you see fit by adding widgets, additional fields, and more.
- Once you’re satisfied with the look of your form, simply click Publish at the top of the builder.
- Share your fillable PDF form through a link, email, QR code, or social media.
How to create a fillable PDF form from scratch?
- Log in to your Jotform account.
- Navigate to the PDF Editor and choose the New PDF Form option on the left side
- Now, you’ll be able to design and customize your PDF with our easy-to-use PDF Form Builder. Add the form fields you need, change up colors and fonts, upload tables, and more, depending on your needs.
- Once you’re finished designing, click on Settings. Here you can create autoresponder or notification emails to be automatically sent when someone completes your form. You can also change your form’s title and status or integrate it with helpful third-party apps.
- When you’ve finalized your PDF, select Publish. Here you can download, share, or embed your fillable PDF for easy access.
What software is needed to create a fillable PDF?
While there are tons of great software tools out there for creating a fillable PDF, Jotform provides an easy, intuitive way to do it. With Jotform, not only can you create your own fillable PDF from scratch, but you can also upload and repurpose PDFs that you’ve used in the past. With Jotform’s easy-to-use PDF editor, you can integrate with helpful apps and widgets, change fonts and colors, upload images, set up autoresponder emails, directly embed your PDFs in websites, and more!
Can fillable PDFs be password-protected?
- After you import or create your PDF, click on the Settings tab.
- In the Form Settings section, click on Show More Options at the bottom.
- Under Password Protection, click Enable password protection.
- Enter the password for your form.
Your password-protected PDF is ready to go! Share it however you like through the Publish tab.
How can fillable PDF forms be used?
- Collecting data: Fillable PDFs are a great resource when it comes to gathering data from customers, clients, employees, or others. With Jotform, you can create surveys, review forms, applications, contracts, and more. Streamline your data collection with fillable PDFs.
- Collecting e-signatures: Whether you’re collecting e-signatures for onboarding documents, legal contracts and agreements, proof-of-purchase documents, or other purposes, fillable PDF forms are the way to go. Not only do online fillable PDFs make it easier to organize signatures, they’re also an environmentally friendly option and can save you time so you can focus on more important things.
- Engaging with your users: Fillable PDFs are not only functionally superior to paper forms, but they can also help your company better engage with your audience. Add buttons, images or videos, dropdown menus, and more to your forms to give your users an easy, enjoyable way to fill out their information.
- Reaching people on all devices: Engage more users and collect data from a wider variety of people with fillable PDFs that work on all desktop and mobile devices. Jotform’s fillable PDF forms work on every type of device — iOS and Android devices included — so you’ll never have to worry about someone not being able to complete your fillable PDF form.
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