PDF forms come in two kinds. Fillable forms have real fields you can click and type into. Flat forms only look like forms: the lines and boxes are part of the page, so there is nothing to click. Both can be completed online without printing.
Filling a fillable form
- Open the PDF in the SmartPDF editor. Existing fields are detected automatically.
- Click a field and type. Use Tab to move to the next field.
- Tick check boxes and choose options in drop-down lists and radio buttons.
- Press Download Edited PDF. The fields keep their values, so the recipient can still read them in any PDF reader.
Filling a flat (non-fillable) form
- Choose the Text tool and click just above the first line.
- Type your answer. Pick a font and size that match the form; 10 to 12 pt is typical.
- Drag the text box so it sits neatly on the line. Arrow keys nudge it precisely.
- For boxes, use the check mark or cross symbols, or add a small text “X”.
- Repeat for each line, then download.
Tip: if a form has many blank lines, try Forms → Detect fields. SmartPDF looks for underscores and empty boxes and turns them into real fields you can type into.
Adding a signature and date
Choose Sign, draw your signature with a mouse, trackpad or finger, then place and resize it on the signature line. Add the date with the Text tool. Our guide to signing a PDF explains what a drawn signature does and does not prove.
Before you send it
- Zoom in and check that every answer sits on its line.
- Give the file a clear name, such as application-jane-smith.pdf.
- Open the downloaded file once in another PDF reader to make sure everything shows as expected.