PDFs are very popular and convenient file formats for sharing digital documents. They allow you to preserve the formatting, fonts, images and links of the original document, regardless of the software or operating system used to read it. But PDFs also have a major drawback: they are often difficult to modify or fill out.
This is why it can be useful to convert your PDFs into fillable forms, i.e. interactive documents that allow users to enter information directly into the fields provided for this purpose.
What is a fillable PDF form and why should you adopt it?
A fillable PDF form is an interactive document used to collect information. It is created by adding signature fields, check boxes, text spaces to fill in or even options to select in the form of a drop-down menu to the document.
The PDF form to complete is very practical in many cases, such as:
- Purchase orders
- Expense reports
- Rental forms
- Subcontractor time sheets
- Receipts
- Surveys and studies
- The bills
By converting your PDFs into fillable forms, you can:
- Make data collection and processing easier : You no longer need to print, scan or return documents by mail or email. You can receive the answers directly on your computer or smartphone, and easily export them to other software.
- Improve the user experience : you offer your customers, partners or employees a quick and easy way to fill out your forms. You avoid entry errors, erasures or illegible documents. You thus increase the response rate and the satisfaction of your interlocutors.
- Optimize your brand image : you show that you are at the cutting edge of technology and that you care about the environment. You reduce your paper consumption and your carbon footprint. You strengthen your credibility and professionalism.
Here is a video tutorial for creating an interactive PDF form
How to convert your PDFs into fillable forms?
To convert your PDFs into forms to fill out, you have several possible options:
- Use specialized software : There is software dedicated to creating and converting PDF forms, such as Adobe Acrobat Pro , Foxit PhantomPDF or Nitro Pro. These software allow you to create text fields, check boxes, radio buttons, drop-down lists, etc. You can also customize the appearance and behavior of forms, and add advanced functions like data validation, automatic calculation or electronic signature.
- Use an online service : there are also web platforms that allow you to convert your PDFs into fillable forms without having to install software on your computer. For example, you can use PDFescape, JotForm or Smallpdf. These services are usually free or inexpensive, but they may have limitations in file size, number, or security.
- Use a mobile app : If you want to convert your PDFs into fillable forms on your smartphone or tablet, you can download a dedicated app like Adobe Fill & Sign, PDFelement or CamScanner. These apps allow you to scan your paper documents with your device's camera, or import your digital files from your internal memory or from a cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox. You can then add form fields and fill them in with your keyboard or pen.
The 5 benefits of converting your PDFs into fillable forms
- The guarantee of reliable and solid vision
PDF forms are a smart, relevant and reliable way to capture important data instantly. You can customize your forms based on the specific information you want to collect and make necessary adjustments as your needs change, to ensure the integrity and accuracy of your data.
- A gain in efficiency
Missing information, typos or even damaged documents: the paper file increases the probability of human error. By converting your PDFs into forms to complete and digitizing your documents, you minimize these risks. It’s a real saver of time and energy. The tedious and repetitive tasks generated by paper (printing, scanning, storing, finding forms, etc.) will quickly seem completely outdated.
- More security
Handling data requires being absolutely certain that your documents do not fall into the wrong hands – sometimes a real challenge when managing a multitude of physical files at the same time. Switching to the online form brings peace of mind, taking advantage of all the ways to increase security. The PDF form to be completed offers, for example, password protection, or even a legally binding electronic signature
- A simplified user experience
Providing forms that are easy and quick to complete is essential to increasing your response rates. In fact, your users can complete a PDF form from any device and browser, without having to download software or switch from one tool to another. Your document remains simple and consistent throughout the process, without compromising on the quality of the experience.
- A positive environmental impact
It's no secret that using forms results in a lot of paperwork and a lot of printing. By opting for digital to modernize your documents, you reduce your environmental footprint. And less paper, materials and supplies also saves on your costs!
Conclusion
In conclusion, converting your PDFs into fillable forms is an effective solution to simplify the management of your digital documents. You save time, money and space. You improve the quality and reliability of your data. You build loyalty among your users and enhance your image.
