Fillable PDF Form Creator

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?

How to create a fillable PDF form from scratch?

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?

Your password-protected PDF is ready to go! Share it however you like through the Publish tab.

How can fillable PDF forms be used?

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