How to fill in a PDF form
- Drop a fillable PDF form on the box. Its text boxes, checkboxes, drop-down lists and radio buttons are listed as a simple web form.
- Type your answers and tick the boxes. Field names come from the PDF, so they match the labels on the form in most cases.
- Tick Flatten if the answers should become a permanent part of the page, so nobody can change them and they print reliably everywhere.
- Press Save filled PDF and check the downloaded file.
Fillable vs flat forms
Many government, tax, school and HR forms are "fillable" PDFs (AcroForms) with interactive fields. Filling them here works on any device, including phones and Chromebooks where PDF apps are limited, and keeps personal details such as tax numbers and medical information on your device.
If the tool finds no fields, the form is a flat scan or printout. Use the Sign / Add Text tool to type your answers onto the page instead. Some forms built with Adobe LiveCycle (XFA) cannot be filled outside Adobe Reader.
Why flatten a PDF?
Flattening converts form fields and their values into ordinary page content. The result looks the same but cannot be edited, which some institutions require, and it prevents answers from disappearing in viewers that handle forms poorly. Keep an unflattened copy if you may need to edit your answers later.
Why can I not type special characters?
Standard PDF form fonts support Western European letters only. Emoji and many non-Latin scripts cannot be saved into fields with these fonts.
Is my information sent anywhere?
No. The form is read and filled entirely in your browser.
What does flattening a PDF do?
It turns fillable fields into fixed text and graphics, so answers can no longer be changed and display the same in every viewer.