The PDF is the most common digital document format used worldwide. This is due to the evolution of the PDF from a simple document to a complex one with many functionalities such as fillable forms, password protection, digital forms, etc. This guide will focus on the fillable forms feature of PDF files and how to create a Microsoft Word fillable form..
Fillable Forms in PDF File Format are Valuable
The main reason why PDF fillable forms are important is because of their widespread ability to cross‐platform/interoperability – this means that when you open a PDF fillable form, it will always look the same, regardless of the operating system (Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, etc) that you are using to access the form. Additionally, most computers (and even some smartphones) can open and fill out the PDF fillable form through the use of free PDF reader software without having to download any expensive or cumbersome software for this purpose..
PDF fillable forms have many features that allow you to properly capture information in the way that it should appear. For example, PDF fillable forms allow you to create data fields, check boxes, radio buttons and dropdowns in order to collect data that should be in the specified format. In addition, you can establish the limits of how much you want to change your forms by protecting the layout of the form while still allowing individuals to fillout the form (thereby eliminating the chance of “redesigning” your forms unintentionally).
Since PDF fillable forms are lightweight, they are useful for emailing or uploading. PDF fillable forms can also be archived for long -term record retention and are capable of being retrieved and searched. Finally, PDF fillable forms seamlessly support both digital signatures and electronic signatures; therefore, PDF fillable forms are often used for contracts, applications and approvals.
Expert-Recommended Method To Create A Fillable Document In Word
Method 1 – Create A Fillable Form Using MS Word
- Open the Word program.
- Go to the File At The Top Left & Navigate To Options In The Left Panel
- After Accessing Options A New Box Will Open. Go To The Customized Ribbon Tab In The Left Panel
- Enable The Developer Box By Checking It Off. The Developer Option Will Now Come Up In The Ribbon Area Of The Program.
- Go To The Developer Tab > To Insert Controls Like A Text Box, Checkbox, Or Combo Box/Dropdown
- Use The Design Mode To Set Forth The Field Name & Properties
- Save As PDF
- Open Your PDF In Adobe Reader To Test The Fields.
Method 2 – Create A Fillable PDF Using MS Word & Adobe Acrobat
- Create Your PDF With Labels & Blank Lines (Ex. Name, Telephone, Or Using A Table Format)
- Go To File > Save As > Save As PDF.
- Open The PDF In Acrobat.
- Go To Tools > Prepare Form.
- Acrobat Will Analyze The Document & Suggest Fields. Click “Add” To Add Fields Or Add Manually From The Toolbar By Adding Text Box, Checkbox, Or Combo Box/Dropdowns.
- Save The Final Fillable PDF.
Method 3 – Create A Fillable PDF Using Systweak PDF Editor
Systweak PDF Editor is a far more economical PDF editing and management tool that allows users to create a PDF from scratch. With the new Form Creation module, users can create a fillable form and add text boxes, signature fields, radio buttons, check boxes, dropdown lists, etc and many more form fields. Systweak PDF Editor is an excellent option to create Fillable Forms and edit PDFs under one interface, rather than purchasing two different license keys for MS Word and Adobe Acrobat. Here are the steps to create a fillable form.
- Download and Install Systweak PDF Editor on your PC.
- Launch the software and create a PDF that you want to make fillable.
- Click on the Forms tab at the top, and you will find a lot of options that you can add.
Text Field. This includes a text box that can be filled.
Combo Box. This acts as a dropdown menu with multiple options.
List Box. This options list all the options visible as in a list.
Check Box. You can add multiple options and ask the user to check the boxes that fill the criteria.
Radio Button. You can provide multiple options to the user and he/she can tick any one.
- After you have designed your form with fillable items. You can click on the File Tab on the top and choose if you wish to overwrite the simple form or select Save As if you want to create a different PDF with fillable forms.
Conclusion – Can You Create A Fillable Document In Word?
We hope that the above methods have been useful in creating a fillable document using MS Word and other PDF editors. We recommend using Systweak PDF Editor as it is one of the best PDF editing and management software programs that has been tested by our team of experts with many possible test cases. Do share your thoughts and experience in the comments section below.
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