PDFs or Portable Document Formats are the most widely used file formats used for sharing essential documents. They help you to maintain the document’s format and style while sending it to others. However, filling out a non-fillable PDF can be a daunting task; in such times, a fillable form comes in handy. A fillable PDF form allows you to enter text, digitally sign documents, add checkmarks, and even insert pictures. In this blog post, we will explore how to convert a non-fillable PDF to a fillable PDF form.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Converting a Non-Fillable PDF
Most people believe that filling out a PDF form is easy, unfortunately; it is not always the case. A non-fillable PDF form is just like an ordinary document, which means you can’t make any changes to it. That includes adding or deleting text, inserting checkmarks, and even typing in the fields.
Converting a non-fillable PDF to a fillable one may seem like a lot of work, but the good news is that it is not as complicated as it seems. It’s a matter of using the right tools and following a few simple steps.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we dive into the process of converting a non-fillable PDF to a fillable one, you will need the following things:
1. PDF Editing Software
You will need software that can edit PDFs. There are a lot of options available online, including Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, Nitro Pro 11, Foxit Phantom PDF, and more. Some of these options are free, while others require a subscription.
2. Internet Connection
You will also need an active and stable Internet connection to download and install the PDF editing software on your computer.
3. Non-Fillable PDF Document
The non-fillable PDF document that you need to convert is also essential.
4. Basic Know-how of PDF Editing
Finally, you need to have some basic knowledge of how to edit PDF documents.
4 Methods of Converting a Non-Fillable PDF to a Fillable PDF
Method 1: Converting a PDF to Fillable PDF Using Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat is the most common and popular software used for editing PDF documents. The following steps will guide you on how to convert a non-fillable PDF to a fillable PDF using Adobe Acrobat.
Steps:
1. Open Adobe Acrobat
2. Click on the "File" tab located on the upper-left side of your screen
3. Select "Create PDF" followed by "From File"
4. Choose the non-fillable PDF file that you want to convert and click on "Open"
5. Acrobat will start the conversion process, and after it’s complete, you will see the PDF file on the screen
6. Click on "Tools" located on the top left-hand side of your screen
7. Select "Prepare Form" from the drop-down menu
8. Acrobat will process the document and display some form fields automatically
9. Edit the form fields by adding the required text, checkmarks, and other elements you want
10. Save your work and test out the PDF to see if everything works as expected.
Pros:
– Adobe Acrobat is the industry-standard for PDF editing
– You can check your work and ensure that it conforms to quality standards
Cons:
– Adobe Acrobat is quite expensive, and not everyone can afford it
– May be overwhelming for new users.
Method 2: Converting a Non-Fillable PDF Using Google Forms
Another easy and economical way to convert a non-fillable PDF to a fillable one is by using Google Forms. Google forms allow you to create a form from scratch or import a PDF file and turn it into a fillable PDF form.
Steps:
1. Log in to your Google Drive account
2. Click on the "New" button in the top left corner of the screen
3. From the drop-down menu, click on "Google Forms"
4. Click on "Blank Form"
5. Click on "Import questions" on the upper-right side of the screen
6. Choose the non-fillable PDF file you want to convert. The upload process will be initiated
7. Once the PDF is uploaded, you will see it on the screen, Click the Text box from the toolbar to add placeholder text and a text for the field name
8. Add the rest of the fields you need
9. Click on "Send" located on the upper-right side of your screen to share the fillable PDF form with those who may need access to it.
Pros:
– Google Forms are free to use.
– Easy to create and share.
Cons:
– Google forms aren’t the most professional, and they may not suit all business needs
– The process of editing forms with Google Forms is limited.
Method 3: Converting a Non-Fillable PDF to Fillable PDF Using Microsoft Word
Another way to convert a non-fillable PDF to a fillable one is by using Microsoft Word. The process is quite simple, but it only works for certain types of non-fillable PDF files.
Steps:
1. Open Microsoft Word and go to "File" and "Open"
2. Choose the non-fillable PDF file you want to convert
3. Once the PDF file is open, go to the "File" menu and click on "Save as".
4. In the Save As menu, select ".docx" as the file format.
5. Make changes to the document, including adding text boxes, tables, or any other fillable forms that you require.
6. Once you’re done, save the file, and it will be a fillable PDF document.
Pros:
– Most people already have Microsoft Word installed on their computers
– The process of creating fillable PDFs through this method is quite straightforward.
Cons:
– It only works for certain types of non-fillable PDF files.
– May be overwhelmed by too many templates.
Method 4: Using the Online PDF Filler
Online PDF fillers are online tools that allow you to create fillable PDF forms from non-fillable PDF files. Most online PDF fillers are free and require no installation. You only need to upload the non-fillable PDF file and follow the prompts.
Steps:
1. Search for a PDF filler tool online
2. Upload your non-fillable PDF file
3. The online tool will then convert the PDF to a fillable PDF for you.
4. Edit the form as required
5. Download the file once you are done.
Pros:
– Doesn’t require installation.
– Saves time
Cons:
– You cannot work offline
– Limited options for customizing and editing document.
Why Can’t I Convert a Non-Fillable PDF to a Fillable One?
1. Limited Editing Capabilities in the Software Used
Some PDF editing tools will only allow you to view and edit certain content. Therefore, converting a non-fillable PDF to a fillable PDF becomes impossible.
2. PDF is Image-Based
If the non-fillable PDF is image-based, then it’s impossible to convert to a fillable PDF form.
3. Complex Forms
Converting some non-fillable PDFs to fillable forms might be challenging because of the complex forms and the software limitations.
4. Rights Management Restrictions on the PDF
If the PDF has rights management restrictions limiting editing, then you cannot convert it to a fillable PDF form.
Fixes:
– Use Adobe Acrobat Pro DC as the editing tool
– Convert the PDF image-based to text-based
– Simplify the forms or use a different software
– Remove the restriction on the non-fillable PDF file.
Additional Tips
1. Always choose the right software to convert the non-fillable PDF.
2. Ensure you test the document before sharing it with others.
3. Always save a copy of the PDF document before converting and editing it.
5 FAQs about Converting a Non-Fillable PDF to Fillable PDF
Q1: Can I convert scanned images to fillable PDF forms?
A1: Yes, but you need optical character recognition (OCR) software to convert the images into editable text.
Q2: Can I convert multiple PDFs into one fillable PDF file?
A2: Yes. You can use the Merge PDF action in the software to combine multiple PDFs into one file and then convert it into a fillable PDF.
Q3: Can I convert a fillable PDF to a non-fillable PDF?
A3: Yes. You can use Adobe Acrobat to remove the fillable elements or print the document and rescan as a non-fillable PDF.
Q4: Where can I find good online PDF fillers?
A4: You can search for online PDF fillers on Google, and some popular ones include PDFescape, DocHub, and JotForm.
Q5: How can I password-protect my fillable PDF form?
A5: You can use Adobe Acrobat, go to Edit > Protection > Encrypt > Encrypt with Password and follow the prompts to protect the PDF with a password.
Conclusion
Converting a non-fillable PDF to a fillable PDF form may seem daunting, but it’s not complicated. All you need is the right tool and a few easy-to-follow steps. The four methods mentioned above offer different and effective ways to convert non-fillable PDFs to fillable ones. Use them, and you will never have a problem turning any of your PDF forms into fillable ones. Remember to always test your file before sharing it with others to ensure that everything works as expected.