Create a Fillable PDF Form
Add fields people can fill in and save in their PDF reader.
Add real fillable text boxes, checkboxes, dropdowns and radio choices to a PDF. Recipients can enter answers and save them in a PDF reader. Existing ordinary fields and selectable page text are preserved.
Choose an unsigned, unlocked PDF up to 50 MB and 100 pages. Add up to 200 fields. Dynamic forms and certificate signatures need an unsigned standard PDF first.
Try the fictional workshop form: download the source, open the fillable example or see a saved answer.
Turn a standard PDF into a reusable form
Place text fields, checkboxes, dropdown lists or radio choices on your PDF. Give each field a unique name and helpful tooltip, set an optional default answer and choose whether an answer is required. Review the position and field order before saving.
The PDF keeps its original page content and existing ordinary form fields. Open the new file in the reader your recipients use, fill it in, save it and reopen it to check the answers. Readers can handle field order, required answers and fonts differently; required and read-only settings are not security controls.
Choose the font coverage your answers need. Complete fonts are included so later answers can use more characters than the defaults. Chinese coverage adds a larger font download and file size. Some readers replace fonts when saving, so check the saved appearance, especially non-Latin answers.
Best for: Creating reusable application forms, checklists and questionnaires from an unsigned standard PDF.
How to use Create PDF Form
- Choose an unlocked, unsigned PDF up to 50 MB and 100 pages.
- Add fields, name them, position them on each page and choose defaults, choices and font coverage.
- Create the fillable PDF, then test filling, keyboard navigation, saving and reopening in your intended reader.
Frequently asked questions
Which fillable fields can I add?
Text or multiline text, checkboxes, dropdown lists and radio groups. Set a unique name, tooltip, default value, position and required or read-only setting. You can add up to 200 fields.
Does this keep existing fields and PDF text?
Ordinary existing fields and page content are retained. This tool creates new fields; it does not edit existing field definitions. Signed PDFs and dynamic XFA forms are not supported. Start from an unsigned standard PDF.
Can people fill in Chinese or accented answers?
Choose the font coverage for the expected answers. The included fonts support many accented, Greek and Cyrillic characters, with an additional Chinese option. Unsupported characters produce an error. Readers can replace fonts during editing; test the saved copy in the reader you will use.
Will fields follow my chosen Tab order?
The saved form records your field order, but some readers use their own page position order. Test with the Tab key before sending the form.
How do I stop recipients from changing completed answers?
Read-only settings are reader behavior and are not secure protection. Keep the fillable original. Use Flatten PDF when you need a static copy of completed answers, or Protect PDF to set reader permissions.
Are my PDF or answers uploaded?
No. Fields are created in your browser. Font files are downloaded from AdaPDF when needed; your document and answers are not sent to a font provider.