How to Convert PDF to Fillable Form in 2024

PDF has become a universal format for contracts, surveys, invoices, and similar other types of documents that require user input. In fact, it has now become easier than ever before to create fillable PDF forms from scratch. However, what if you want to convert an existing PDF to a fillable form? Luckily, there are now multiple ways to convert PDF to fillable form. That's what we intend to cover today. This guide presents 3 best ways to turn PDF into fillable forms. So, let's head right to it!

Part 1. How Do I Convert a PDF to Fillable Form? 3 Methods Explained

To convert PDF to fillable form file and then share it with others to fill out, you require a tool that can either detect those fillable fields intelligently or allow you to insert form fields in those areas. In this perspective, below are the three quick methods you can use:

1. Convert in Word

Everyone is aware of Microsoft Word and its dominance in the document world. But what if we tell you that you can use it to create a fillable form from a PDF? The "Developer" mode in MS Word allows you to detect fillable fields or insert them in the document and create a full-fledged fillable form.

Here's how to convert PDF to fillable form free with Microsoft Word:

Step 1. The first step is to convert the PDF into a DOCX file. Click the "Export PDF" tool from the right sidebar and select "Microsoft Word" as the export format.

Alternatively, you can use any online converter such as Adobe Acrobat to convert PDF to DOCX file format.

Note: The PDF to DOCX conversion may alert the document formatting.

Step 2. Open the converted DOCX file in Word.

Step 3. Now, you have to detect the existing form fields and insert text boxes, drop-down lists, checkboxes, and similar elements in the right places in the form.

To do that, first enable "Developer" mode in MS Word. Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon and enable the "Developer" option.

Now click the "Developer" tab and tap "Design Mode". You will notice that Word automatically detects the existing form fields.

If Word is missing a few fields, click where you want to insert a form field and then use the radio text, plain text, checkbox, drop-down list, or other options from the top bar.

Continue to do so until you have inserted all the form fields in the right places. Once done, save and share the file with others.

2. Convert in Google Docs

Google Docs is another useful and free way to turn PDF into fillable forms. To use Google Docs, you first have to upload the PDF to your Google Drive and then open it with Google Docs. However, doing so often leads to a loss of formatting and an extra effort to first fix the format and then customize the form fields.

Follow the below steps to convert PDF to fillable form free with Google Docs:

Step 1. Go to Google Drive, click New > File Upload, and upload the PDF.

Step 2. Once uploaded, open the PDF with Google Docs.

Step 3. Fix any changes in the format. Afterward, check if Google Docs recognize all the form fields. If not, follow the below steps to add form fields.

Step 4. To add a text box field, click where you want to insert a text box field and then tap Insert > Drawing > New. In the pop-up Drawing window:

• Click the "Text box" icon.
• Draw the text box in the drawing canvas.
• Click "Save and Close".

You will notice a text box is inserted in the specific location in the form.

Step 5. To add a dropdown, click where you want to insert it and then tap Insert > Dropdown > New dropdown. Customize the details and insert the dropdown.

Step 6. Similarly, you can insert checkboxes and other form fields where required. Once done, save and share the file with others.

So, that's how you can easily convert PDF to fillable form with Google Docs.

3. Convert to Fillable Form Easily Without Losing Formatting

Although Microsoft Word and Google Docs can help convert PDF to fillable form for free, they aren't a reliable solution. There are chances of formatting loss during PDF conversion, and they also don't intelligently detect all fillable form fields.

In contrast, there is another tool that can accurately convert PDF to fillable form easily without losing formatting. This tool is known as UPDF.

UPDF is a powerful PDF editor tool that provides a one-stop platform to create, edit, annotate, and convert PDFs. With UPDF, you can read/edit/annotate PDF or convert PDF to other formats. Furthermore, you even get UPDF AI online service where you can use a PDF AI assistant to get an AI-powered PDF summary, translation, or explanation.

Talking specifically about its PDF fillable form feature, UPDF has a dedicated "Form Field Recognition" feature that can intelligently detect all form fields in a PDF and convert them into a fillable form file. Simply put, you can convert PDF to fillable form with simple clicks and without losing the formatting.

Here's how to turn PDF into fillable form with UPDF:

Step 1. Install and launch UPDF on your Windows/Mac computer. Open the PDF you want to convert.

Step 2. Click the "Prepare Form" icon from the left sidebar.

Step 3. Click the "Settings" icon from the top and tap "Form Field Recognition. You will notice that all the form fields have now become fillable fields.

That's it So, this is how easy it is to convert PDF to fillable form with UPDF.

Part 2. How to Convert a PDF Without Form Fields into Fillable Forms

If your PDF does not have form fields, you must manually create form fields to turn it into a fillable form file. Here again, UPDF offers an intuitive solution, as follows:

Step 1. Launch UPDF and open the PDF file.

Step 2. Click the "Prepare Form" icon from the left sidebar. Select the form field you want to insert, such as text, checkboxes, radio buttons, etc. Add it in the right place in the PDF and continue to do so until all form fields are added.

Step 3. Once all form fields are added, you can customize their properties. Double click the form field and then change its name, style, color, action, etc.

Step 4. Now that the form fields are added, you can convert the PDF into fillable form using the methods discussed in Part 1. Alternatively, you can fill it out directly with UPDF. For that, go to the "Reader" mode from the left sidebar and fill out the fields.

That's all In short, UPDF offers a seamless way to convert a PDF without form fields into fillable forms.

Part 3. FAQs About Converting PDF to Fillable Form

Q1. Does Windows have a free PDF editor?

No, Windows does not have a free built-in PDF editor. However, you can use any third-party free PDF editor either directly on your desktop or online.

Q2. What is the Microsoft app to fill out PDF forms?

Microsoft does not have a built-in app to fill out PDF forms. However, you can explore the Microsoft Store and install any PDF form-filling app of your choice.

Q3. How do I make a fillable PDF in Windows 10? Introduce UPDF

You can use UPDF to make a fillable PDF in Windows 10. UPDF is a powerful PDF tool that allows you to make a fillable PDF from scratch or insert fillable form fields in an existing PDF.

Conclusion

A PDF converted into a fillable form makes it easy for others to fill out the form fields quickly. In this guide, we have learned 3 ways to convert PDF to fillable form. Now, you can choose any one of the methods and turn the PDF into a fillable form. However, if your priority is a simple, easy, and efficient approach, then UPDF is the best pick. Its auto form field recognition and the support to easily insert a wide range of form fields make it the top pick. So, take your decision and convert PDF to fillable form right away.