How to make a PDF fillable in 5 easy steps

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Sending a flat PDF file and asking someone to print, sign and scan it back feels like a relic from a different time. A fillable PDF, on the other hand, allows anyone to type directly into fields, check boxes and add a digital signature right from their computer or phone. This makes everything from contracts to registration forms faster and more professional.

This guide will show you exactly how to make a PDF fillable. You’ll learn how to add fields that are easy for anyone to use, so you can gather the information you need without the extra steps.

TL;DR: How to make a PDF fillable

Transforming a standard PDF into an interactive form is a simple process. Here’s a quick summary of the steps to get you started.

How to make a PDF fillable in 5 steps

Creating a fillable form is a fantastic way to streamline how you collect information as part of a graphic design or business project. Follow these five steps to understand how to build a user-friendly PDF that gets the job done.

1. Prepare your base document

2. Choose a PDF editor with form tools

3. Upload your PDF and enter form mode

4. Add and customize your fillable fields

5. Save your fillable PDF and test it

01. Prepare your base document

Create your document in any program you’re comfortable with—like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or a design tool like Wixel—and save it as a standard PDF. Make sure all the static text, like question prompts and instructions, is already in place.

Next you need to think about the layout of what will be your fillable PDF. Leave enough space next to each question for a text box or a checkbox. A clean, well-organized form design makes it much easier to add the fillable fields later and provides a better experience for the person filling it out.

02. Choose a PDF editor with form tools

Not all PDF editors are created equal. To add fillable fields, you need a program that has form creation capabilities. PDF editors like Wixel are the industry standard for this, offering a wide range of options for creating forms. A good form builder like Wixel will allow you to add various field types and customize their appearance to match your document’s style.

03. Upload your PDF and enter form mode

Once you have your PDF editor selected, open your base PDF file within the program. You’ll need to find the option to prepare or edit the form. In most software, this is labeled as Prepare Form, Add Form Fields or something similar.

When you activate this mode, the software will often try to automatically detect where fields should go. It looks for lines, boxes and text that suggest a place for user input. This can be a great starting point but you’ll also probably need to adjust or add fields manually.

04. Add and customize your fillable fields

This is where the magic happens. A toolbar will appear with different types of fields you can add. You can drag and drop text fields for names and addresses, checkboxes for multiple-choice questions, radio buttons for "yes/no" options, and even signature fields for legally binding documents.

Click and drag to draw a box where you want a field to appear. You can resize it and open its properties to customize it further. For example, you can set a character limit on a text field or make a specific checkbox required. Proper alignment and consistent sizing will give your form a clean, professional look.

05. Save your fillable PDF and test it

After you’ve placed all your fields, save your document. It’s crucial to save it as a new file to preserve your original, non-fillable version. Before you send it out, open the new file and test every single field.

Here's what you should do to fully test it:

• Click into each text box and type something.

• Check all the boxes.

• Try out the drop-down menus.

This quick quality check allows you to test that everything works as expected and that there are no frustrating glitches for your end-user. Once you’re confident it’s working perfectly, your fillable PDF is ready to be shared.

How to make a PDF fillable FAQ