How to create an interactive PDF: top tips and examples.
Find the tools you need to make your own interactive PDF in our handy guide.
PDFs are versatile documents that are used in all sorts of settings, from the classroom to the workplace. However, they rarely include interactive elements that readers can engage with, such as buttons, links and videos. Enter, interactive PDFs.
While interactive PDFs may take a little more time to create, the extra work can pay off as they can enhance user engagement and make your content more visually appealing. Read on to learn how to make an interactive PDF with Adobe Acrobat.
In this guide:
- What is an interactive PDF?
- How to make an interactive PDF with Adobe Acrobat.
- Benefits of interactive PDFs.
- When to use or create an interactive PDF.
- More useful resources.
What is an interactive PDF?
An interactive PDF is a digital document that features interactive elements, which users can click, watch or engage with. This can be useful for various scenarios, whether it’s a worksheet for students to complete or a business report filled with data, source material and visual examples for colleagues and clients.
There are lots of interactive elements you can use to create a fun and engaging interactive PDF, such as:
- Links. Your interactive PDFs can include hyperlinks that direct users to your website or social media channels.
- Buttons. You can add buttons into your interactive PDFs that perform specific actions, such as opening a new tab or taking you to a new page.
- Videos. These can be used to provide users with more information about your brand or products and services. Video content can also be used to help aid visual learning.
- GIFs. Add in one or two GIFs for a less educational and more light-hearted approach. This can be a great way to engage your reader with some humour.
- Fillable forms. This can help if you need the user to provide further details, answer questions or even sign your PDF.
So, how do you bring these interactive elements to life in your own PDFs?
How to make an interactive PDF with Adobe Acrobat.
It’s easy to create an interactive PDF with Adobe Acrobat. Just follow the eight steps below:
- Go to Adobe Acrobat – or a similar tool.
- Open your existing PDF or create a new one.
- Create the interactive elements you require, such as:
- Links: Go to Edit PDF > Link > Add/Edit Web or Document Link.
- Buttons: Repeat the process for adding links above, then select the Menu Button.
- Videos or GIFs: Click Tools > Rich Media > Add Video > Insert Video, then select your video or .GIF file.
- Fillable fields, such as signatures: Select Tools > Prepare Form.
- Checkboxes: Go to Prepare Form > Checkbox.
- Preview the final PDF by clicking on Tools > Print Production > Output Preview.
- Test each interactive feature to make sure it’s functioning correctly.
- Make any final tweaks then you’re ready to export your PDF.
- Navigate to File > Export, and choose the PDF or HTML format.
- Follow the instructions to save your file.
Benefits of interactive PDFs.
Interactive PDFs can offer several benefits.
- Increase user engagement. Interactive PDFs often include elements like clickable buttons and video content that can help capture your audience’s attention and encourage them to actively engage with your content.
- Enhance learning. Built-in links and videos can also create a fun and engaging learning experience. They can help cater to different learning styles and make complex information easier to understand.
- Increase visual appeal. Creative design elements can help bring your content to life and create a more visually appealing experience for readers.
When to use or create an interactive PDF.
You can use an interactive PDF in all sorts of contexts:
- e-Learning. Interactive PDFs can be used to create fun and engaging digital workbooks that feature lecture videos and other interactive visuals to keep students engaged.
- Sales and marketing. Incorporating interactive elements into your marketing documents such as a link to your website or product tutorial videos can encourage readers to find out more about your products and services.
- Business documents. Bring your everyday business documents and reports to life by adding interactive elements. This might include a link to larger data sets, or a testimonial video.
- Showcase your work. Interactive PDFs can be a great way for students and creatives to show off their work. Include your own videos for example, or links that take readers to your online portfolio.
More useful resources.
So now you know how to create an interactive PDF. But the learning doesn’t stop there. Check out more useful resources to level up your PDF expertise.
Acrobat online tools
Make your PDF interactive.