Create a digital form from any PDF

Learn how to convert an existing document into a fillable, interactive PDF form.

Published December 22, 2025

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00:01

Introduction

In this video, learn how to use the Prepare a form tool to create interactive forms from existing PDF documents.

Hi everyone!

My name is Angelo Montilla from www.montilladesign.com.

I'm an Adobe Certified Designer, Trainer and YouTube Content Creator.

Let's jump in and learn more about the Prepare a form tool and how to create interactive forms in Adobe Acrobat.

00:26

Accessing the prepare a form tool

To access the Prepare a form tool, click the All tools tab in the upper left-hand corner, scroll down, choose View more and select Prepare a form.

You can see that selects the document I'm currently working on.

However, you have some other options when creating a form such as Scan a document, Start from blank page or Create a Web Form.

You also have the option to require signatures in this document, you can see that option here.

It's also important to have Auto-detect form field ON.

This way Acrobat can detect the form fields and checkboxes in a form.

Once you have these settings in place, go ahead and click Create form.

01:10

Creating and placing form fields

In the Prepare a form menu located on the left side of the screen, you can place additional form components by clicking an option, dragging and drawing the object on the form.

You can see I've placed an additional Text field on the form.

To delete the component, select the black arrow once from the Contextual Toolbar, click it once and press Delete on your keyboard.

To edit a text field,

01:34

Editing form field properties

you can simply right-click and choose Properties... or double-click the text field to bring up the Text Field Properties dialog.

In the General tab, you can rename the text field or tooltip, you're also able to set the form field visibility with options to make the form field Visible or Hidden when it's opened.

If you click the Appearance tab located at the top of the window, you have some other options for Font, Font Size and Text Color.

It's good practice to leave the Font Size set to Auto.

This way, Acrobat can automatically adjust the text size as it's being typed in the text field.

Once you're satisfied with your text field properties, you can go ahead and Close the dialog.

02:20

Previewing and testing the form

To preview the form in real-time, click the Preview button located in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen.

I can now test out the form fields and the radio buttons in the form.

For example, I can click on the First Name field and type in my name.

I can place my cursor in the Address field and add the address.

You can see that Acrobat automatically adjusts the size of the text in the text field.

I could test out the radio buttons by choosing a Membership then a Payment Method.

To exit the preview, click on the Exit preview button located in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.

One other thing I'd like to do

02:58

Adding and formatting date fields

is add a dedicated date field over the Date, so viewers can select the date from a pop-up calendar, rather than type it in to a text field.

To do this, let's double-click the Date field, and in the Text Field Properties dialog, let's click the Format tab.

Under Select format category, let's choose Date.

Here you can choose the format in which you want the date to appear.

I'll choose the second option from the list, and then click Close to return to the form.

Now if we go ahead and preview this version, I'll place my cursor in the Date field, and you'll notice a small arrowhead to the right.

I'll click that and now I have the option to select my date.

I'll choose a date from the calendar, and you'll notice that it'll appear in the Date field.

You should now have a better understanding of how to prepare a form to an existing PDF document.

Use this time saving tool to create and manage your digital form seamlessly.

Again, my name is Angelo Montilla, and I'll see you in the next video.

Note: Stock assets provided are for practice purposes only. See terms.

What you'll learn

Create a PDF form

With Adobe Acrobat's "Prepare a Form" tool you can create interactive PDF forms from existing documents. The appearance and functionality of different form fields such as text boxes, signature fields, and date selectors can be customized, and you can preview the form before sending it.

Instruction and design by: Angelo Montilla
Adobe Stock Contributors: Rawpixel.com; Fin House

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