5 Professional Ways to Create Fillable PDFs on Windows and Mac

January 18, 2024Gerald Christian

You might need to create a fillable PDF for interactive projects, such as allowing people to change their answers or edit the content. This is a desirable skill, especially if you are commencing a survey online. If you are not familiar with making editable PDFs, you are in the right place to find the best tools. You can also follow the instructions to achieve the fillable PDFs quickly. Without further ado, here are the recommended solutions.

Make a PDF Fillable

Part 1. How to Create a Fillable PDF with Acrobat

Adobe is known for its professional tools, including Acrobat, which is amazing for creating various document types. With this tool, you can turn a simple Microsoft Word or Excel into fillable forms. It can detect static form fields from scanned or digital files and input fillable text fields for answering. Of course, it is not for free, but Acrobat still offers a free trial.

Step 1.
Run the software to your computer and access the tools menu. Scroll through its list until you find the Prepare Form option. Click on it, and you will be prompted to upload a file from your folder or scan a physical copy.
Acrobat Upload File Create Editable PDF
Step 2.
When the document is uploaded, click the Start button. Allow Acrobat to recognize it. Once the process is done, you will see highlighted fields, indicating that they are changeable. click the Save button to export and save the PDF file.

Part 2. How to Make a Fillable PDF without Acrobat

While Acrobat is a great way to make editable PDFs, not everyone can afford to use it, especially if you only need it a few times. Still, more solutions can help you with fillable PDFs. Check and try the best ones in the following list.

Way 1. Aiseesoft PDF Converter Ultimate

Use Aiseesoft PDF Converter Ultimate on Windows and Mac. Not only is it important for making fillable PDFs, but you can also use it to edit files, such as Word, Excel, PPT, and more. The tool is designed with OCR technology to accurately recognize every word in a document. Furthermore, it supports over 190 languages, so you can convert German, French, English, Chinese, and other languages without a problem. If you are looking for a fast-speed PDF conversion, Aiseesoft is the best download option.

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Step 1.
Download Aiseesoft PDF Converter from the official website and follow the instructions for the installation. Run the program on your PC and click Add Files from the top left corner of the interface. Add more files by choosing the Add Folder option from the dropdown menu.
Aiseesoft Download Add Files
Step 2.
Enter the page number you want to turn to fillable PDFs or convert to another format from the Page Range field. Then, choose the desired output format and adjust the output settings according to your needs.
PDF Converter Page Range
Step 3.
You can also choose the quality mode and layout optimization from the Preference window. Click OK to confirm the changes. Click the Start button to initiate the file conversion.
Preference Advanced Settings Start

Way 2. Jotform PDF Editor

This online PDF editor is dedicated to creating fillable PDFs within minutes. It has a user-friendly webpage where you can upload the document and add fillable text boxes, checkboxes, and other options. It also provides a loadable section to seal the forms with a signature. Other Jotform features include:

Step 1.
Visit the Jotform website and upload the document from your folder. You can also create one from scratch.
Jotform Create Film PDF Forms
Step 2.
Once done, customize the form by adding page numbers, watermarks, and others. Click the Export button to generate the editable PDF.

Way 3. Sejda- Create Fillable PDF Online

Sometimes, you will need to create more PDFs; thankfully, this alternative allows you to create up to 200 pages. While there are functions to add fillable text boxes, Sejda can also insert dropdown functions for every page. You can access the online PDF editor on any popular browser.

Step 1.
Upload an existing file from your local folder or press the Create button to start a new one. Choose the fillable boxes per page.
Sejda Make Editable PDF
Step 2.
You can also add other options, such as textarea, checkbox, radio, etc. Preview the final result and hit the Export button to save the editable documents.

Way 4. DocFly

DocFly is an online program that freely generates editable PDFs on any browser. It has more details in its interface, which are tools to help you edit documents comprehensively. It is also a trustworthy program as it secures the uploaded files.

Step 1.
Drag and drop the document from your folder to the DocFly’s interface. You can also click the Create button to start a new document.
DocFly Create PDF forms Upload
Step 2.
Use the platform’s functions to create fillable forms. Check the final result, then click the Export button to save the fillable PDF. You can use DocFly for free, but it only allows three downloads unless you subscribe to premium.

Part 3. More Tips about PDF to Editable PDF

If you are unsure how to add fillable fields in PDFs for a resume, there are templates to choose from. But where can you get them? Some templates are free to get online, and here are some recommended online platforms to try:

But if fillable PDFs are easy, can you create one using Google Docs? Although adding fillable fields in Google Docs is possible, it does not support editing the forms. You can only add tables to make fillable fields and export or share them with the respondents. Or, create mcqs quotations with the checklist opinion. Still, it is a great platform to start with fillable PDFs with simple forms. But if you need to make editable ones, you might need other tools.

Part 4. FAQs about Making a PDF Fillable

Can I make a PDF fillable in Word?

Yes. To do this, open Microsoft Word on your computer and Select the New Document option from the File menu. Input the necessary details, such as horizontal lines as the fillable fields. Save the document as a PDF file. Open the Acrobat Reader and upload the file. Choose the Prepare Form option from the Tools menu. Then, Acrobat will automatically turn the horizontal lines into fillable fields. Save the document once done.

Is there any free PDF tool that has OCR?

Try free Windows and Mac programs that support PDF OCR, like WPS, Adobe Acrobat, Foxit PDF Editor, Nitro Pro, and Soda PDF. Some of these tools offer free trials, but you can unlock more functions with a premium subscription.

How can I edit a PDF without Acrobat?

You can use an online PDF editor like PDF Candy. Just click the Add File button and upload the file from your folder or Google Drive. Then, use the tools to make presentable and informative pages. Click the Export button to save the new PDF file.

What is the primary purpose of an editable PDF?

It is mainly used for easy editing in electric format. It can be a Word format, but it makes it easier to enter data. Mostly, you can use a fillable PDF for product reviews, surveys, contracts, parcel transfers, and so on.

What format should I use for editable PDFs?

It is better to stick to the PDF format to preserve the document's integrity. It will also create a better form for respondents to fill in the details and for you to easily collect information.

Conclusion

At last, there are many options to create editable PDFs on Windows and macOS. Adobe Acrobat is a genuine tool for PDF edits, but not anyone can afford its plan subscription. Moreover, some online tools might have limited functions that can restrict your workflow. That’s why Aiseesoft PDF Converter Ultimate is recommended for a better work experience. Try it now on Windows and Mac to professionally edit and convert PDF files.

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