Forum Discussion
How to create a fillable PDF form?
I need to create a registration form that people can complete on their computers instead of printing it out. It would have fields for names and contact details, a few checkboxes, and a larger space f...
Apache OpenOffice Writer is a free desktop option for creating a fillable PDF. You can build the layout and interactive fields in one document.
- Add your title, instructions and labels. Use a table to keep the layout tidy.
- Open View > Toolbars > Form Controls and enable Design Mode.
- Insert text boxes for names, email addresses and phone numbers. Add checkboxes for selectable options.
- Give each field a unique name in its properties. For comments, use a larger text box with Text type set to Multi-line.
- Choose File > Export as PDF, enable Create PDF form, and export.
Keep the Writer file so you can edit the design later. Export directly rather than printing to PDF, which loses the interactive fields.
People can fill in and save the finished form using a compatible free PDF reader. Before sharing it, enter some sample answers, save the PDF and reopen it to check that everything is retained.