How to Make a PDF Fillable (Create Fillable Forms Free)

The easiest free way to make a fillable PDF is Jotform — build the form, then export it as a fillable PDF. Google Forms can only be printed to a static (non-fillable) PDF. To add fillable fields to an existing PDF, use a free editor like Sejda or PDFescape. Only need to fill one out rather than create one? See how to type on a PDF.

Which method should you use?

Method 1: Google Forms → PDF (fastest for new forms)

1. Open Google Forms and build your form.
2. Click ⋮ (three dots) → Print (or Ctrl + P).
3. The form prints as a fillable layout — save it as a PDF.

Limit: Google Forms export is best for simple questionnaires. Fields aren’t “smart” (no dropdowns/checkboxes as PDF widgets), so for real interactive fields use Method 2.

Method 2: Jotform (real fillable fields, free)

1. Go to jotform.com and create a form with text fields, checkboxes, dropdowns, and signatures.
2. Publish → PDF to download a fillable PDF.
3. Recipients fill it in any PDF viewer and the answers can be collected back.

Jotform is the best free tool for creating genuinely interactive fillable forms.

Method 3: Sejda / PDFescape (add fields to an existing PDF)

1. Upload your PDF to Sejda or PDFescape.
2. Use the Form field tool to add text boxes, checkboxes, and dropdowns.
3. Save and download the fillable PDF.

This is the way to turn a paper form you already have into a fillable one.

How fillable fields work

Adding a signature field

Many forms need a signing area. In Jotform or Sejda:

1. Add a Signature field where the person should sign.
2. Recipients click it and draw (or type) their signature.
3. The signature is embedded when they save.

See how to sign a PDF for the recipient’s side.

Common problems and fixes

FAQ

Can I make a fillable PDF for free?

Yes. Jotform, Sejda, and PDFescape all create fillable PDFs free (with some limits). Google Forms works for simple forms.

Can I make a fillable PDF without Adobe Acrobat?

Yes — every method above avoids Acrobat entirely.

How do I make an existing PDF fillable?

Use Sejda or PDFescape’s form-field tools to add fields to your current PDF, then save. For other kinds of edits, see how to edit a PDF.

Do fillable PDFs work on phones?

Most modern PDF viewers (including Adobe Reader mobile) support filling text fields and checkboxes, but complex dropdowns may need a desktop viewer.

How do I know if a PDF is already fillable?

Open it and click where a field should be. If a blinking cursor appears, it’s fillable. If nothing happens, it isn’t.

Should I use Google Forms or Jotform?

Google Forms for simple questionnaires (and data collection). Jotform when you need a real fillable PDF with checkboxes, dropdowns, and signatures.