Welcome > PDF Editing > Forms > Prepare forms for distribution

Prepare forms for distribution

To modify and distribute an active PDF form proceed with the preferred subset of the following steps:

  1. Open the PDF form.

  2. Edit object icon
    Use the Edit Object tool at Edit > Modify to modify static text or change its font or to modify a logo or picture on the form.

  3. Select icon
    Use the Select tool at the top of the Panel bar to add highlights or underlines.

  4. Typewriter
    Use the Typewriter tool at Edit > Modify if you need to add new static text to become an integral part of the form after it is next saved.

  5. Text Box icon
    Use the Text Box tool at Comment > Annotate if you need to add new static text to the form that remains an annotation.
  6. Add other comments and notes if you need to review the form with colleagues before distributing it.
  7. Select form controls if you need to move, resize or delete them. Add form controls as desired.
  8. Finish reviewing the form design, then remove all comments or notes not wanted on the final form.
  9. Save and distribute the form as described below.

Acquire a static PDF form

To acquire a static PDF form, proceed with any of the following steps.

  • Scan a paper form to PDF and open it.
  • Scan a paper form to an image file. Use PDF Create to make a PDF from it.
  • Design a form in another application. Save it to PDF or use PDF Create to make a PDF.
  • Open a downloaded or received static PDF form.
  • Download or receive a form in another format. Use PDF Create to make a PDF from it.

Activate a static PDF form


Form Typer icon
  1. Run Form Typer on the form to have its form elements auto-detected. Find this at Forms > Fillable Form.
  2. Examine the activated controls.
  3. Move or resize these controls as necessary.
  4. Add or delete controls as necessary.
  5. Modify the static text on the form with the Edit Object or Select tool.
  6. Use commenting tools if you need to agree on the form contents with others.

As an alternative, you can click Blank PDF and compile your own form manually, using tools at Forms > Form Elements: check boxes, radio buttons, text fields and signature fields and adding static texts and pictures.

Distribute the unfilled active PDF form you have created

  1. Save the PDF form.
  2. Use another application to link its fields to a database if desired.
  3. Post the form to a web site or distribute it by e-mail.

Make and distribute an unfilled active Word form

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

  1. Receive, scan or make a static PDF form.
  2. Open it in the program.
  3. Convert it to Word format using PDF Convert in form mode - this will activate the form controls.
  4. Post-edit the form as required in Microsoft Word.
  5. Use other applications to link its fields to a database if desired.
  6. Post the form to a web site or distribute it by e-mail.