Fillable PDFs can be used for application forms, surveys, invoices, contracts, or any document that requires user input with a consistent appearance.


Fillable PDF forms are documents that will allow users to enter data into specific fields (text boxes, checkboxes, drop-down menus, initials, signature lines, etc.).

Adobe Acrobat

  1. Open your document (scanned PDF, or word document converted to a PDF) with Adobe and click the Tools tab.
    Opening your document as a PDF in Adobe Acrobat and clicking on the Tools tab.
  2. Click on the Prepare Form option.
    Clicking on the prepare form option.
  3. Make sure form field auto detection is on (if it is not click change to turn it on), then click Start.
    Clicking Start after turning on Form Field Detection.

  4. Once the document has been converted with auto fillable fields, you can alter, add, or remove fields by using the Form Preparation Tool bar or sidebar.
    The PDF will be automatically turned into a fillable form.

  5. Save your fillable PDF.


  1. Open Adobe Acrobat Pro and click File > Create > Create Form.
    Opening Adobe Acrobat and creating a form.

  2. Click the Create New tab on the left.
    Selecting the create new option to create a new form.


  3. If you want to allow users to sign the document check This document requires signatures. Click Start to create the document.

    Clicking Start to begin creating the document.

    Adobe Acrobat Pro has many Form Preparation tools on the toolbar and right sidebar that can be used to add fields to your form.

    1. Insert Text boxes into the form by clicking the T icon.

    2. Click and drag the box onto the document.

    3. Fill with text. Once a text box is created, the right side bar will change to a text formatting window.


    Creating a box to format text.

    1. Click on the Text Field Icon (1). 
    2. Click and drag the box onto the document (2) and fill in the field name (not visible on the final document), who should have access to this field, and check whether the field should be required.
    Adding a fillable text field.

    3. To change the general settings, appearance, position, or other options for a field that has already been set up, double-click on the field.
    Changing the general settings for fillable text.


    4. Double-clicking on the field will open the Text Field Properties menu.
    Oepning the Text Field Properties dialog box.

    1. Click the checkbox icon to insert a checkbox.
    Click the checkbox Icon to insert a check box.

    1. Clicking the Preview button at the top right will open a preview of how your form will look to respondents.

    2. Click the Edit button to go back to editing mode, or click the Close button to save your fillable PDF.
    Editing More



Search Knowledge Base

Submit a Service Request