How to use Fill PDF Forms
- 1Add the PDF form. The tool finds every text field, checkbox, radio button and dropdown.
- 2Type straight into the fields on the page, or use the All fields list next to it, which shows each field with its label, grouped by page.
- 3Turn on Flatten form if the answers should no longer be editable, for example for a final submission.
- 4Click Download filled PDF to save yourfile-filled.pdf.
Two ways to fill the same form
On a large screen you see the page with every field highlighted, and you can type, tick and choose right where the answer appears. Next to it, the All fields list shows the same fields as a simple form with readable labels, which is much easier on a phone or for long forms. Both stay in sync, and clicking a field name jumps to its page. Required fields are marked with an asterisk, and read-only fields are shown but locked.
Supported field types are text (single and multi-line, including character limits), checkboxes, radio buttons, dropdowns and list boxes. Signature fields are listed so you know they exist; use Sign PDF afterwards to sign.
Flatten or keep editable
By default the answers are saved into the form fields, so you or the recipient can still change them in any PDF reader. Flatten form turns the answers into regular page content and removes the fields, which prevents later edits and makes the form look the same everywhere. Only the fields you changed get new appearances, so prefilled values keep their original look.
Forms without fields, and limits
Many forms are just printed pages saved as PDF. When no fields are found, the tool switches to text mode: pick Text, click where an answer goes and type, and use Check, Cross or Dot for boxes. Whiteout lets you cover a printed placeholder.
XFA forms made with Adobe LiveCycle are a separate format that browsers cannot fill. If a file has both XFA and regular fields, the regular fields are filled and the XFA part is removed; a pure XFA form opens in text mode instead. Form answers use the standard PDF form font, which covers English and Western European languages. Other scripts are saved and shown by most readers but cannot be flattened.
Frequently asked questions
How do I fill out a PDF form online for free?
Add the PDF here, type your answers into the highlighted fields or the field list, and click Download filled PDF. There is no sign-up and no watermark.
What if my PDF is not fillable?
The tool switches to text mode automatically. Click anywhere on the page to type an answer and use the check mark or cross for boxes.
What does flatten mean?
Flattening turns form fields into ordinary page content. The answers look the same but can no longer be edited, and the file looks identical in every viewer.
Is my information uploaded?
No. The form is read and filled entirely in your browser, which matters for tax, medical and HR forms.
Can I undo a change?
Yes. Use the undo and redo buttons above the form, or Ctrl+Z and Ctrl+Y when you are not typing in a field. Clear all empties every editable field.