PDF Editor

Fillable PDF Form Creator

Convert PDFs into fillable forms

Jotform’s Fillable PDF Form Creator helps you turn static PDF files into fillable forms that people can complete digitally. You can add text fields, dropdowns, signatures, and other inputs, then collect responses online or download completed PDFs.

Create a fillable PDF form
Already have a PDF?Convert PDF to fillable form

Trusted by 40 Million+ Users Worldwide

Jotform is used by over 40 million people worldwide to create and manage digital forms securely. It is ideal for teams that require professional PDF forms with digital completion and signature capabilities.

Fillable PDF Form Creator at a glance

Convert existing PDFs into fillable forms
Create new fillable PDFs from scratch
Works online and offline
Supports signatures and online submissions
Preserves original PDF layout

How to make a PDF fillable or create a fillable PDF in Jotform

You can either convert an existing PDF into a fillable form or create a new fillable PDF from scratch.

Convert an existing PDF into a fillable form

Convert an existing PDF into a fillable form

  • Upload your PDF to Jotform PDF Editor.
  • Add fillable fields such as text inputs, checkboxes, dropdowns, and signature fields.
  • Adjust field placement and layout to match the original PDF design.
  • Share the PDF for download or enable online submission to collect completed forms.
Convert PDF to fillable form

Supported PDF readers

Users can complete and save fillable PDFs on desktop and mobile devices with PDF reader support. Fillable PDFs created with Jotform work with standard PDF reader software, including:

Adobe Acrobat Reader
Foxit Reader
Preview and similar PDF viewers

Fillable PDF vs web forms

FEATURESFillable PDFWeb Form
Preserves PDF layout
Fillable PDF
Yes
Web Form
No
Can be filled offline
Fillable PDF
Yes
Web Form
No (unless using Mobile Forms offline mode)
Online submission
Fillable PDF
Yes
Web Form
Yes
Mobile-first experience
Fillable PDF
Mixed
(depends on PDF viewer)
Web Form
Yes
Logic and advanced form features
Fillable PDF
Limited
Web Form
Yes
Best use cases
Fillable PDF
Contracts, applications, offline workflows
Web Form
Surveys, registrations, data collection
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Jotform’s fillable PDF form creator offers unique tools to customize your fillable forms, optimize your workflow, and automate the gathering and sharing of information.Create a fillable PDF form

Common use cases for fillable PDFs

Fillable PDFs are used when teams need structured documents that keep a fixed layout while allowing people to enter information digitally. Below are common scenarios where fillable PDFs are a practical choice.

  • HUMAN RESOURCES

    Employee forms with consistent formatting

    Employee forms with consistent formatting

    Use fillable PDFs for onboarding documents, policy acknowledgments, and internal requests. They maintain consistent layouts, making it easier to collect completed files and signatures

  • HEALTHCARE

    Patient intake and consent documents

    Patient intake and consent documents

    Run engagement and pulse surveys to understand what’s working and what needs attention. Use consistent questions to compare results over time.

  • LEGAL

    Contracts and authorization forms

    Contracts and authorization forms

    Legal teams use fillable PDFs for documents that require a fixed structure. Users can complete the required fields and add signatures while maintaining consistent formatting.

  • EDUCATION

    Forms for students and parents

    Forms for students and parents

    Schools use fillable PDFs for registration, permission slips, and evaluations. These documents can be completed digitally, saved, and returned without the need for printing.

  • FINANCE

    Applications and approval requests

    Applications and approval requests

    Fillable PDFs help finance teams collect applications and internal approvals in a consistent format. Completed PDFs are easier to organize, share, and store.

  • OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION

    Standard internal documents

    Standard internal documents

    Operations teams use fillable PDFs for requests, checklists, and repeatable paperwork. A consistent PDF format helps people fill out forms correctly and supports accurate record-keeping.

See how to create a fillable PDF form

This short walkthrough shows how to upload a PDF, add fillable fields, and share the completed document. The video uses the same PDF Editor described above.

Create Fillable PDF Forms With PDF Editor
Video walkthrough highlights

Note: Exact timing may vary slightly depending on playback.

  • Upload a PDF(00:20)
  • Create new PDF form(01:00)
  • Adjust layout and formatting(02:25)
  • Share or collect responses(03:15)

Fillable PDF basics

Can I create a fillable PDF online?

Yes. You can upload an existing PDF or start from scratch using Jotform’s browser-based PDF Editor.

Can fillable PDFs include signatures?

Yes. You can add electronic signature fields directly to the PDF.

Do fillable PDFs work offline?

Yes. Users can complete the PDF offline and submit it online when connected

Can I convert a scanned PDF into a fillable form?

You can upload scanned PDFs, but the quality of the document affects text recognition.

In just minutes, create a fillable PDF or convert a PDF into a fillable form that can be used anywhere, regardless of device type or internet access.Try a demo fillable PDF form

In-Depth Guide to Fillable PDF

What is a fillable PDF and why use one?

A fillable PDF is a PDF document that includes interactive fields, allowing users to complete it on a computer, tablet, or phone. These fields can consist of text inputs, checkboxes, dropdown menus, date fields, and signature fields. Fillable PDFs are commonly used for applications, contracts, intake forms, and other documents where consistency in layout and formatting is essential.

Unlike printable PDFs that require handwriting, scanning, and manual storage, fillable PDFs enable users to enter information digitally while preserving the original document design. This makes forms easier to complete, helps reduce errors caused by handwriting, and facilitates storage and record-keeping. When configured for online submission, completed PDFs are collected directly in your Jotform account. Fillable PDFs are best suited for documents that require a fixed layout and consistent formatting, as they may not support the same level of dynamic logic as fully online forms.

What are the basics of designing effective fillable PDFs?

  • Place fields close to their labels
  • Avoid overcrowded pages
  • Use required fields only when needed
  • Group related fields together
  • Test the PDF on desktop and mobile devices

What happens after someone fills out a fillable PDF?

Once a fillable PDF is completed, there are several ways to handle it, depending on how you intend to share it.

If the PDF is shared for offline use, users can fill it out and save the completed file on their device. The file can then be emailed or uploaded back to you.

If online submission is enabled, completed PDFs are submitted directly to your Jotform account. You can view submissions, download completed PDFs, share them with teammates, or store them in connected services such as cloud storage tools.

What fields can you add to a fillable PDF?

Fillable PDFs created with Jotform support:

  • Short and long text fields
  • Checkboxes, radio buttons, and dropdown menus
  • Date fields
  • Electronic signature fields

Some advanced features available in online forms may not behave the same way in fillable PDFs.

FAQ

  • What’s the difference between fillable forms and PDF documents?

    While fillable forms and PDF documents are both online documents that are used for similar purposes, there are quite a few differences between them. It’s key to understand those differences so you can choose the type of online document that works best for your specific needs.

    Generally speaking, a PDF is a static electronic file format that’s usually uneditable without special software. Most PDFs can only be opened with a PDF viewer and cannot be edited or filled in once they have been created. The only way to edit a PDF that has been sent to you is to download it and edit it in another software program, or by printing it out and filling it in by hand — which isn’t the most efficient way to use an online document. You generally can’t add extra features to PDFs or integrate them with other programs to enhance user experience either.

    On the other hand, fillable PDFs are great tools to collect data from users through a web browser — no intermediary software required. Fillable PDF forms are easy to access and can be filled out directly online, without having to print them out or use additional software to edit them. Also, fillable PDF forms can integrate with other tools and widgets online to enhance the user experience.

    If you’re looking for an advanced fillable PDF form tool, with a variety of customization options, we recommend Jotform’s fillable PDF forms.

  • How do I convert an existing PDF into a fillable form?

  • How to create a fillable PDF form from scratch?

  • What software is needed to create a fillable PDF?

  • Can fillable PDFs be password-protected?