Two Types of PDF Forms
Before diving in, it helps to know there are two types of PDF forms. AcroForm PDFs have interactive fields built in — text boxes you can click, checkboxes you can toggle, and dropdown menus. Flat or scanned forms are just images of paper forms with no interactive layer. For AcroForms, our Form Fill tool detects and fills all fields automatically. For flat forms, you can overlay text using the Annotate tool.
How to Fill an AcroForm PDF
If your PDF has fillable fields, filling it takes under a minute:
- Open the Fill PDF Form tool and drop in your form
- The tool scans the PDF and highlights all detected fields
- Click any field to activate it — type in text fields, click checkboxes and radio buttons, choose from dropdowns
- When complete, click Save to download the filled form
How to Fill a Flat (Non-Interactive) Form
If a form has no clickable fields — it's just a scanned or printed-to-PDF document — you can still fill it by overlaying text. Use the Annotate tool to add text boxes on top of each line or box on the form. Position the text so it aligns with the blank area. This method works for most simple forms and is commonly used for scanned government documents.
Flattening the Form After Filling
Once you've filled in all the fields, consider flattening the PDF before sharing it. Flattening converts the interactive fields into static content — preventing recipients from accidentally (or deliberately) changing the filled values. Use the Flatten PDF tool after downloading your filled form.
Signing After Filling
Many forms require a signature after filling. Use the Sign tool to draw, type, or upload an image of your signature, then place it in the signature field. Download the signed, filled form — it's ready to email or print.
What About XFA Forms?
Some PDFs — particularly from certain government agencies and financial institutions — use Adobe's proprietary XFA format instead of standard AcroForms. XFA forms require Adobe Reader or Adobe Acrobat to fill. If a form doesn't detect any fields in our tool, it may be XFA-based. In that case, use Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) or ask the issuer for a standard AcroForm version.