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Create PDF forms

The program includes Form tools to insert form fields onto PDF pages manually or automatically. You can post PDF forms you create on a web page, in order to receive filled form data directly to a database.

The automatic detection is performed by the Form Typer, called with the following tool in the Forms tab:

Form Typer icon There are two basic ways to prepare forms:

  • Create a form in an external application, bring it into the program, and activate the form controls automatically or manually.
  • Start a new, blank PDF inside the program and add your form elements manually.

Create a form in another application

  1. Create the layout of your form in an external application (such as Microsoft Word).
  2. Convert the file to PDF using the facilities provided.
  3. Click the Form Typer tool in the Forms tab if you want form elements auto-detected and displayed.
  4. Use the form tools if you want to add or modify controls. See Form Controls.
  5. When the form is ready, save the PDF file.
  6. Select the Hand tool at the top of the Panel bar if you want to fill the form you have created.

Note

  • You can export a static PDF form from the program to Microsoft Word using Form mode in PDF Convert. This will activate the form controls in the Word form providing you requested this service in the Forms options panel. Avoid exporting active PDF forms in this way, since the existing active controls will be overwritten.

  • The Auto Form Typer functionality is provided by the PDF Convert component. If you chose at installation time not to install this component, Form Typer will not be available.

Create a form inside Power PDF

Important Do not edit form controls or run Form Typer on a form with active XFA controls.

  1. Select File > New > Blank PDF, or press Ctrl + N.
  2. Draw form elements on the page with the form tools.
  3. Add static texts using text boxes.
  4. When the form is ready, save the PDF file.
  5. Select the Hand tool if you want to fill the form you have created.