Turn PDFs into fillable forms.
The PDF form creator breathes new life into old forms and paper documents by turning them into digital, fillable PDFs, editable fields, checkboxes, and e-signature-ready forms.
Whether it’s a scan or a simple form made with Microsoft Word, Excel, or any other application, Adobe Acrobat gives you a simple way to create fillable PDF forms with signature fields, calculations, and much more. Here’s how.
It’s smart.
Acrobat automatically recognises static form fields and converts them to fillable text fields when you convert your scanned paper forms or digital files, making PDF fillable quickly and easily.
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It’s dynamic.
Move text fields around. Change headings. Insert buttons. Add, delete and drag and drop form fields or enable fields for e-signatures. You can even add calculations and data validation rules to your form.
It’s convenient.
You can easily email forms with fillable fields using a shared link, track response status, so you can view the status of replies and send reminders to people who haven’t responded.
It’s interactive.
Use JavaScript to enhance your PDF documents even more by adding calculations, validations and assigned action buttons to your forms.
How to create fillable PDF files with Acrobat:
Follow these simple steps to create fillable PDF forms in Adobe Acrobat:
- Open Acrobat:
Click the “Tools” tab and select “Prepare Form.” This tool allows you to create fillable PDF forms from any digital file or scanned document. - Select a file or scan a document:
Choose an existing PDF, Word, Excel file, or scan a paper document. Acrobat will automatically analyse your file and detect potential form fields. - Add or adjust form fields:
Use the top toolbar to add new fields such as text boxes, checkboxes, etc. Adjust the layout and properties of each field using tools in the right pane to ensure your form is user-friendly. - Save and share your fillable PDF:
Once complete, save your form. You can share it via email or click Distribute to collect responses automatically and track who has completed the form."
How to make a fillable PDF on Mac
Types of fields you can add
When you create fillable PDF forms in Adobe Acrobat, you can add a variety of field types to make your documents more interactive and easier to complete:
- Text fields for entering names, addresses, or other details
- Checkboxes for simple yes/no or multi-select answers
- Radio buttons for single-choice responses
- Drop-down menus for lists such as locations or departments
- Date fields to standardise how users enter dates
- Signature fields for secure digital signing
Adding these options helps you design forms that are clear, accurate, and simple for users to complete.