Create a Free Fillable PDF Form in Minutes!

Create a Free Fillable PDF Form in Minutes!

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Step 1: Creating Your Form or Worksheet in Canva
3. Step 2: Downloading Your Form as a PDF
4. Step 3: Using DocFly to Make the PDF Fillable
5. Step 4: Adding Text Fields
6. Step 5: Adding Check Boxes
7. Step 6: Adding Dropdown Fields
8. Step 7: Saving and Exporting Your Fillable PDF Form
9. Conclusion
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to Make a Fillable PDF Form: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Introduction

Making a fillable PDF form is a great way to collect information from your students, customers, or clients. With just a few simple steps, you can create a form that allows users to enter text, select check boxes, and choose options from dropdown menus. In this guide, we will show you how to create a fillable PDF form using two free tools: Canva and DocFly. Let's get started!

2. Step 1: Creating Your Form or Worksheet in Canva

The first step in creating a fillable PDF form is to design your form or worksheet. Canva is an excellent tool for this task, offering a wide range of templates and customization options. You can start from scratch or choose from pre-designed templates specifically for forms or worksheets. Canva provides a user-friendly interface that allows you to easily add questions or prompts and customize the layout and design of your form.

3. Step 2: Downloading Your Form as a PDF

Once you have created your form or worksheet in Canva, it's time to download it as a PDF. Canva allows you to choose the size of your document, such as typical US Letter or A4 size. After selecting the desired size, simply click on the "Download" button and choose the "PDF Standard" option. Select the pages you want to save, and Canva will generate the PDF file for you to download.

4. Step 3: Using DocFly to Make the PDF Fillable

To make your PDF form fillable, we will use a website called DocFly. This tool allows you to transform your regular PDF file into a fillable PDF form easily and without the need for any additional software or sign-up. Simply drag and drop your downloaded PDF file onto the DocFly website, and it will automatically process the file for you.

5. Step 4: Adding Text Fields

In the "Form Creator" mode of DocFly, you can start adding fillable fields to your PDF form. The first type of field we will cover is a text field. Text fields allow users to enter one line or multiple lines of text depending on your requirements. You can position and resize the text field as needed, change the text color, and even adjust the background color of the field.

6. Step 5: Adding Check Boxes

Check boxes are another useful element you can include in your fillable PDF form. With check boxes, users can select one or multiple options from a list. DocFly provides options to customize the check mark symbol, change the color of both the check mark and the text, and even choose alternative symbols like crosses or squares.

7. Step 6: Adding Dropdown Fields

Dropdown fields are ideal for presenting users with a list of options from which they can select one. In the "Form Creator" mode of DocFly, you can easily add dropdown fields to your PDF form. Simply position the field on the form, and on the right side, you can add the available choices. Users can either select an option from the dropdown list or type their own if enabled.

8. Step 7: Saving and Exporting Your Fillable PDF Form

Once you have added all the necessary fillable fields to your PDF form, it's time to save and export the final version. Click on the "Save" button in the DocFly interface to ensure your progress is saved. Afterward, you can click on the "Export" button and choose the "Download" option. The fillable version of your PDF form is now ready to be shared with your students, customers, or clients.

9. Conclusion

Creating a fillable PDF form doesn't have to be a complicated task. With the help of Canva and DocFly, you can quickly and easily design and transform your form into a fillable PDF. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you'll be able to collect information and feedback from your users efficiently.

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need a Canva Pro account to create a fillable PDF form? A: No, you do not need a Canva Pro account. Canva offers a 30-day trial of Canva Pro, but the free version is sufficient for creating and designing your form.

Q: Are there any limitations to the number of fillable forms I can export with DocFly? A: DocFly's free version allows you to export up to three fillable forms. If you need to export more forms or access additional features, you may need to upgrade to a paid plan.

Q: Can I add additional text or make changes to my fillable PDF form after exporting it? A: Yes, you can make changes to your fillable PDF form in Canva or using other PDF editing tools. It's best to make any necessary edits before exporting and sharing the form with your users.

Q: Can I customize the appearance of the fillable fields in my PDF form? A: Yes, DocFly provides options to customize the appearance of fillable fields, including text color, background color, and symbol choices for checkboxes.

Q: Can users fill out the PDF form on their computer or mobile device? A: Yes, users can fill out the PDF form on any device that supports PDF viewing and form filling, such as computers, tablets, or smartphones.

Q: Is it possible to collect data submitted through the fillable PDF form? A: Yes, once users fill out and submit the PDF form, you can collect and analyze the data using various methods, such as exporting form submissions to a spreadsheet or integrating the form with a data management system.

Q: Can I password protect my fillable PDF form to restrict access? A: Yes, you can add password protection to your fillable PDF form using PDF editing tools or online services. This can help ensure that only authorized individuals can access and fill out the form.