How to Create and Fill PDF Forms
PDNob PDF Editor provides a powerful yet user-friendly set of tools to simplify creating and filling PDF forms efficiently. Whether you’re designing professional forms from scratch, completing interactive fields, or collecting data, PDNob offers all the features needed to build, customize, and finalize forms effortlessly. Let’s break down each function step by step to help you master PDF form creation and management.
1. Create a PDF Form
Follow this straightforward process to create professional, fillable PDF forms using PDNob.
Step 1: Open PDNob and go to the "Create PDF" section. Choose "Blank PDF" to start a new document.
Step 2: Add custom elements like titles or instructions by selecting the "Edit" tab. Use options such as "Add Text", "Add Image", or "Link" to insert and customize the form content.
Step 3: Switch to the "Form" tab to add interactive elements such as checkboxes, radio buttons, and text fields. Customize each element according to your needs.
2. Fill a PDF Form
PDF forms can be either interactive or non-interactive. Interactive PDFs allow direct input in designated fields, while non-interactive PDFs are static and cannot be edited digitally.
Filling interactive forms:
When opening an interactive PDF, a blue notice indicates available fillable fields.
- Click any field and enter the required information.
- Save your work via File > Save or the keyboard shortcut Command + S (Mac).
For non-interactive PDF fields, use the "Form" tab to fill them directly.
Next, we will guide you through each form function to make filling and managing your PDFs simple and efficient.
2.1 Add a Text field
Use the Text Field tool to create interactive areas for user input. Customize size, position, and properties to suit your form.
To add a fillable text field:
- Click the "Text Field" icon in the top toolbar.
- Position your cursor where you want the field.
- Click and drag to define the field size.
- Release the mouse to create the field.
To Customize the Field:
- Resize: Drag the blue handles around the field.
- Reposition: Click and drag the field to a new location.
- Edit Properties: Double-click to open the "Properties" panel to configure name, appearance, and actions.
Tooltip: Shows a hint when hovering over a field to indicate required information.
Field Settings:
- Read Only: Prevents editing.
- Required: Must be completed before submission.
- Visible: Displayed and fillable.
- Hidden: Not visible to users.
- Visible but does not print: On screen only.
- Hidden but printable: Hidden on screen but included in print.
Appearance: Customize fonts, colors, and borders to match your brand or form style.
2.2 Create a Check Box Field
In PDF forms, checkboxes enable users to select one or multiple options.
Step 1: Choose the "Create a check box field" button from the top toolbar and draw it onto the form. Double-click the checkbox to access its properties panel, where you can configure the Name, Tooltip, and Form Field settings.
Step 2: Customize the button style and define an export value. Enable "Checkbox is selected by default" to pre-select it.
2.3 Create a Radio Button Field
Radio buttons allow only one selection per group, ideal for single-answer questions like gender selection.
Step 1: Select the Radio Button tool and draw the required number of buttons. Assign the same name for grouped buttons but unique export values.
Step 2: Modify radio button styles and properties under the "Options" tab.
- RadioButton Style: Controls visual design (circle, square, etc.).
- Export Value: Data value transmitted when selected.
- Button is checked by default: Pre-select the button on form open.
- Select the button with the same name and option: Ensures only one selection per group.
2.4 Create a Combo Box Field
Insert a dropdown menu into your PDF form to provide a compact list of predefined options.
Step 1: Tap “Create a combo box field”, draw the dropdown, then double-click the field to add, reorder, or delete items in the Options tab.
Step 2: Exit Form Editing mode, then click the dropdown to see the list of items.
2.5 Create a List Box Field
List boxes show all options and allow single or multiple selections.
Input both display text and export values, then click "Add" to include all choices.
Operations:
- Sort Items: Alphabetical order by first character.
- Multiple Selections: Allow single or multiple selections.
- Enter the selected value immediately: Apply chosen values instantly.
2.6 Create a Push Button Field
Add action-triggering buttons to your PDF form.
Step 1: Click "Create a Push Button Field", draw the button, double-click it, and select the desired action in the “Actions” tab.
- Open a web link: Launch a URL.
- Open a file: Load a document from your device.
- Go to page view: Navigate to a page in the PDF.
- Show/hide fields: Toggle visibility based on interaction.
- Reset a form: Clear all data to initial state.
Step 2: Click "Select Trigger" to choose a trigger event.
Trigger Options:
Mouse Up: On release of mouse button.
Mouse Down: On pressing mouse button.
Mouse Enter: When pointer hovers over field.
Mouse Exit: When pointer leaves field area.
On Focus: When field becomes active.
On Blur: When field loses focus.
Step 3: Exit Form mode and click the button to trigger the action.
2.7 Create a Digital Signature Field
Digital Signatures establish authenticity for PDF documents.
Step 1: Click the Digital Signature icon, draw the signature area, and double-click to access properties for appearance and actions.
Step 2: Exit Form mode, click the field, tap ‘New ID’ to create a certificate, and enter your signature.
3. Extract Data From PDF Form Field
Click the “Extract Data” button, then save and open the resulting Excel file to access all extracted form data.
