How to Make a Fillable PDF Form for Free Without Acrobat (2024)

Creating fillable PDF forms is a vital skill for businesses, educators, and individuals seeking a user-friendly way to collect data, and create documents. While Adobe Acrobat is a popular choice for this task, it can be costly.

This article provides an insightful guide on crafting fillable PDF forms without the need for Adobe Acrobat, you’ll know how toadd a fillable text box in PDFas well.

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TopMethodsto Make Fillable PDFs

Before we delve into the detailed tutorials for creating fillable PDF forms, let’s take a moment to compare the three methods. The chart below outlines the pricing and key features of PDFgear, PDF Expert, and Microsoft Word.

Now that you’ve had a glimpse of the available options, let’s dive into each method, starting with how to create a fillable PDF form without Acrobat using PDFgear’s online editor.

How to Make a Fillable PDF Form Online

It’s essential to understand that PDFgear’s online editor is a method that requires no software installation, providing solutions for problems such as filling out PDFs on iPhones to making a fillable PDF form online.

You only need a stable internet connection. Check out the detailed steps:

Step 1: Open your web browser and go to PDFgear’s online PDF editor.

Step 2: Click the “Upload PDF files” button to upload the PDF form that you want to make fillable.

Step 3: Once your PDF is uploaded, select the “Add and Edit Form Fields” option. A toolbar will appear.

Step 4: Choose the field type and click where you want to add a form field (e.g., text field, checkbox). You can adjust the size and properties of each field as needed.

Step 5: To customize each form field, double-click on it and choose “Properties.” You can set the field’s name, default value, formatting, and validation. After confirming all properties, press ‘OK’.

Step 6: After adding and editing form fields, save your document by clicking the “Save” button.

Step 7: Click “Download” to get your newly created fillable PDF form.

How to Make a Fillable PDF Form on Mac

If you are a Mac user looking for a professional alternative to Adobe Acrobat to edit your PDF texts, PDF Expert is the way to go.

Do take note that this method is on the pricier end of the three methods but it offers unmatchable PDF editing capabilities. Here is how you do it:

Step 1: Download and install PDF Expert on your Mac.

Step 2: Launch PDF Expert and open the PDF form you want to make fillable.

Step 3: Click on the “Edit” button to enable editing mode.

Step 4: Select the “Form” option from the toolbar and choose the type of form field you want to add (e.g., text field, checkbox). Click where you want to place the form field.

Step 5: Double-click on each form field to customize its properties, including name, default value, and appearance.

Step 6: After adding and editing form fields, save your document by clicking “File” and then “Save.”

Make a Fillable PDF Form with Microsoft Word

This method is incredibly accessible, straightforward, and easy to get a hang of. If you have Microsoft Word on your device, you are ready to go.

Let us dive into the steps in creating fillable PDF forms using Word:

Step 1: Launch Microsoft Word on your computer.

Step 2: Start with a blank document or open the document you want to turn into a fillable form.

Step 3: To add form elements like text fields, checkboxes, and drop-down lists, go to the “Developer” tab.

If you don’t see the Developer tab, right-click on the ribbon to customize the ribbon, and tick on the ‘Developer’ check box. Remember to save it before exiting the bubble.

Step 4: Click on the “Developer” tab and choose the type of form control you want to insert. Click and drag to create the control on your document.

Step 5: Right-click on each form control to access properties. You can set properties like the name, tooltip, and default value.

Step 6: Once you’ve added and customized your form elements, save your document as a PDF. Click “File,” then “Save As,” and select the PDF format.

FAQs

How do I create a fillable PDF form from scratch?

To create a fillable PDF form from scratch, you can use PDFgear, PDF Expert, or Microsoft Word. Follow the respective tutorials mentioned earlier to get started.

Can I convert an existing paper form into a fillable PDF form?

Yes, you can. With the right software or online tool, you can scan your paper form and convert it into a fillable PDF form, preserving its structure and fields.

How to add text fields, checkboxes, and other form elements to PDF forms?

Each method mentioned in this article allows you to add text fields, checkboxes, and other form elements to your PDF forms. Simply follow the detailed steps provided for each method as mentioned prior.

Conclusion

In a world where digital forms have become the norm, knowing how to create fillable PDF forms without breaking the bank is a valuable skill. With PDFgear, PDF Expert, and Microsoft Word at your disposal, you have versatile tools to choose from, each catering to different needs and preferences.

Whether it’s the simplicity of online editing, the professionalism of dedicated software, or the accessibility of Word, you now have the knowledge to make informed decisions. Happy form-making!