How to Add Fillable Fields in PDFs?

July 24, 2025 |
4 min read

a blog post cover about how to add fillable fields in pdf If you’ve ever had to print, sign, scan, and send back a PDF, you know how frustrating that process can be.

Now imagine asking your clients or team to do the same.

You can create a fillable PDF instead of chasing people for paperwork. This PDF works on mobile devices. It auto-fills with their answers and lets them sign documents online.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to add fillable fields to any PDF using Formester, no technical skills needed.

What Is a Fillable PDF?

A fillable PDF is an editable PDF with interactive elements like:

  • Text fields

  • Images

  • Signature boxes

People can complete forms digitally, without printing. You can open a PDF online, fill it out, and save your file, all in just a few clicks.

This is ideal for:

  • Job applications

  • Registration forms

  • Consent documents

  • Feedback surveys

  • Contracts or agreements

Why Use Formester?

With Formester, you get much more than a basic PDF editor. You can:

  • Create a fillable PDF using a simple drag and drop form builder

  • Upload any existing image file or Word document and turn it into a form

  • Add different field types like name, email, date, or eSignature

  • Collect responses from mobile devices or desktops

  • Automatically generate filled PDFs after each submission

  • Share the form online or embed it on your website

This approach can save you time, reduce errors, and give you a professional, automated workflow.

How to Add Fillable Fields to a PDF in Formester

Here’s how to turn any document into a smart, fillable PDF form in minutes.

1. Create Your Form

a screenshot of formester's form builder

Start by building your form in Formester.

  • Log in to your dashboard

  • Click Create New Form

  • Add the questions or fields you want

  • Drag and drop options like name, email, text box, dropdown, or signature

  • Then connect this form to PDF editor under advanced tab

Ensure the form includes all the field types you want in the final PDF. This includes text fields, dates, and multiple choice options.

2. Upload a Blank PDF or Image File

a screenshot of formester's pdf editor

  • Now, go to the PDF Settings tab.

  • Upload a blank PDF, Word document, or even an image file like JPG or PNG

  • This will act as your form layout, the final document that gets auto-filled

Tip: Make sure the PDF has space for each answer, or clear boxes where fields should go.

3. Add Fillable Form Fields to the PDF

a screenshot of formester's pdf editor

Here’s where you connect your form to the PDF layout.

  • Use the drag-and-drop PDF editor to place boxes on top of your document

  • Choose the right field type: text field, checkbox, dropdown, signature, etc.

  • Use the @ sign to map each field to your form

Example: @name, @email, @feedback, @signature

This ensures that when someone fills out your form, their answers go exactly where they should in the final PDF.

4. Save Your Document and Publish

a screenshot of formester's publish ui Once all fields are mapped:

  • Click Save Your Document

  • Publish the form

  • Share the form link or embed it on your website

  • Now your fillable PDF form is live and ready.

5. Complete Forms and Auto-Fill PDFs

a screenshot of formester's results tab

When someone submits your form:

  • Their answers instantly fill the correct spots in your PDF

  • The completed form is ready to save your file, download, or send by email

  • You can even sign documents online using the signature field

  • All of this works smoothly across desktops and mobile devices

No more printing, scanning, or back-and-forth emails.

Why Fillable PDFs Matter Today

In a world where everything is digital, no one wants to print and fill out paperwork.

Using editable PDFs helps you:

  • Collect information faster

  • Eliminate manual data entry

  • Look more professional

  • Make it easy for people to complete forms from their phones

  • Save your time and keep everything organized

Whether you’re in HR, education, consulting, or sales, this simple method can make your workflow smarter.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to hire a designer or buy complex software. With Formester, you can create a fillable PDF, connect it to an online form, and collect clean, structured responses, all in one place.

Ready to give it a try? Start with Formester’s Fillable PDF Form Creator

Ready to build your perfect form?

Formester is the easiest way to create forms, collect data and automate your workflow