Create a PDF form.
Create fillable text fields and checkboxes in your PDF. Export an interactive form or a flattened copy.
Private cloud saving in the editorNo sign-up neededFree to use
- 1Choose files
- 2Adjust & preview
- 3Download
or drop your file here
PDF files · Up to 50 MBYour document will be saved privately when you open the editor.
THREE SIMPLE STEPS
Create a PDF form: step by step.
- 01
Open the PDF that will provide your form’s labels and layout, or start from a form template.
- 02
Place text fields and checkboxes over the answer areas. Give each a unique name and mark required fields where appropriate.
- 03
Export with fields fillable, then complete, save and reopen a test copy in the PDF reader your recipient uses.
A PRACTICAL EXAMPLE
Create a fillable PDF that recipients can type into
Turn an existing questionnaire into a reusable form by placing fields over the response areas.
Try with a practice file
Original, fictional samples. Download a file, then select it in the tool above.
- Text field name
- participant_name
- Checkbox name
- receive_notes
- Practice answer
- Sam Example; checkbox checked
Check the result
Compare the blank master, completed interactive copy, and flattened copy. The interactive copy has two fields; the flattened copy keeps the visible answer and has no interactive fields.
Compare a worked result
Folio-generated fictional examples. These checks apply to the supplied files and settings.
- Blank fillable workshop master
Blank participant_name and receive_notes fields; One page; no personal data.
- Completed interactive form
Sam Example; receive_notes checked; Fields remain editable.
- Completed flattened form
Sam Example retained visibly; Zero interactive form fields.
Fields need unique names unless shared values are intentional. Reader support varies. Flattening turns filled appearances into page content and removes editability.
A FEW HELPFUL DETAILSKnow your document.
Know your document.
Get a better result.
Use a text field for a name or written response and a checkbox for a yes/no choice. Give fields names such as customer_name and receive_updates so they are easy to identify in the form panel. This builder creates text fields and checkboxes; the editor can also fill supported dropdowns and radio groups already present in a PDF. Leave the new fields empty when making a reusable form, and keep an interactive master before flattening any completed copies.
Will fields work in other PDF readers?
Folio exports standard PDF form fields, but support and appearance vary across readers. Test the actual exported file: type a response, toggle a checkbox, save it and reopen it to confirm the values remain.
What does flattening do?
Flattening turns current field appearances into page content. The exported fields can no longer be filled. Use it for a finished copy, and keep an unflattened master if other people still need to complete the form.
Why should field names be unique?
Names identify form values. Reusing a name can cause fields to share a value or conflict during export. Use a separate meaningful name for each answer, such as applicant_name and contact_name.
Does a required field guarantee a complete response?
The required flag can be interpreted differently by PDF readers and does not check whether an answer is correct. Review the returned form for missing responses before using it.
Get more from Create a PDF form.
Fillable vs. Flattened PDFs: Which Should You Share? Understand editable PDF form fields, flattened exports, and visual signatures before sharing your completed document.How to Add Text to a PDF Online for Free Type a name, date, answer or note onto a PDF. Position and style your text, save a draft, and download your PDF for free without a Folio watermark.How to Sign a PDF: Draw, Type or Upload Your Signature Add a signature to a PDF using a mouse, touch screen, typed name, or image. Position it clearly and check the finished document before sharing.