To create a fillable PDF, the general process involves these steps:
- Start with an existing PDF document or create a new blank PDF.
- Use PDF form editing software like Adobe Acrobat, Jotform, Foxit PDF Editor, or online tools such as Sejda or PDFgear.
- Open the PDF in the tool and activate the form editing or "Prepare Form" mode.
- Add fillable form fields such as text fields, checkboxes, radio buttons, dropdown lists, and signature fields by clicking on the locations where you want to place them.
- Customize the properties of each form field, such as field name, size, colors, and special validation options.
- Save the PDF as a fillable form.
Popular tools and options to create fillable PDFs:
- Adobe Acrobat Pro: Open the PDF, use "Prepare Form" under Tools, add fields manually or let Acrobat auto-detect fields, then save.
- Jotform: Upload existing PDF or create from scratch, drag and drop form fields, customize and publish or download the fillable form.
- Sejda (online): Upload PDF, add text fields, checkboxes, dropdowns, signature boxes, customize, and download.
- Foxit PDF Editor: Use form field recognition or manually add various form fields, then save.
- Nitro PDF Pro (alternative to Adobe): Open PDF, go to Forms tab, add text fields and other elements, customize and save.
All these methods allow you to produce PDFs that can be filled electronically without printing, ideal for forms, surveys, or signature collection.
If a specific tool or a step-by-step guide for one method is preferred, that can be provided as well.
