A fillable PDF is an interactive PDF document that includes several types of editable fields, and particularly convenient to view and fill out without any PDF editor. But what if you want to create fillable PDF from a word document? Is there any workable way to achieve it? Absolutely yes, here are 3 methods to get this job done perfectly, including Cisdem PDFMaster, DocFly(free solution) and Adobe Acrobat.
If a word form is saved as PDF directly, it will become flat and not save fillable fields. Visually, it may look like a form but with no interactive form fields. Fortunately, a professional PDF editor like Cisdem PDFMaster can help you out.
Cisdem PDFMaster is a dedicated PDF form creator and filler for all kinds of forms, making it much easier than ever to create fillable and interactive PDF forms by adding text field, checkbox field, radio button field, list box field, combo box field, OK button and signature field. It also allows you to fill out and sign any PDF form, then you can download, print, or email to another recipient.
To create a fillable PDF from a word document, convert the word document to PDF first, then add editable fields in PDF. You can either open the word file directly in MS Word and click File > export as PDF, or click Print and select Cisdem PDFMaster as printer from the printer drop-down menu. Alternatively, you can also convert an existing word to PDF in Cisdem PDFMaster using the steps below.
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Looking for a free way to create a fillable PDF from word? DocFly is your ticket. It is a full-fledged web PDF app that enables you to convert Word, Excel, PowerPoint to PDF while fully retaining the document's original formatting, also, convert PDF to Word and image. With its online PDF editor, you'll be able to create and export your PDF forms in no time.
But the bad news is that you can export up to 3 free documents per month for free with no sign-up necessary. Otherwise, sign up for a monthly or annual subscription for unlimited downloads and editing.
If you have installed Adobe Acrobat Pro on your computer, it is an efficient option for creating a fillable PDF from an existing word document.
Make sure horizontal lines are placed wherever you want to add fillable fields in your word document, so Adobe can automatically detect them and create form fields in the corresponding position. But it is not perfect, you'll probably have to manually add or remove a few fields, and edit their positions, type, appearances, etc.
You can also watch the video to learn how to create a fillable PDF from Word:
Unfortunately, fillable PDF cannot be created in Microsoft Word, because Word will not save the interactive form fields when exporting word as PDF, it becomes flat. However, if you happen to want to prevent recipients from editing or filling out your PDF form, such as sending a resume to a company, then using MS Word to create a fillable form and then export as a PDF file is perfect for your needs.
Streamline Workflow
A fillable PDF consists of various interactive elements like text field or check box and can be filled easily. It is a quick way to share fillable PDFs to collect data rather than printing out the form, filling it out by hand, and then collecting all the copies back.
Reduce Errors
Unlike word documents, PDF can not be edited at will without professional PDF editors, avoiding deleting or altering the contents of a document accidentally. In addition, fillable PDF forms place text fields where the information needs to be filled in and prevent the form fillers from missing or forgetting anything.
Data Handling
One of the features that makes fillable PDF form so special is the ability to efficiently process and manage raw data. The submitted forms allow data to be accessed in real-time, stored in the Cloud instantly and imported to corporate databases.
This article has covered both free and paid methods to create fillable PDF from word, and all are worth a try. But considering price, features and ease of use, Cisdem PDFMaster is definitely your top priority. Download Cisdem PDFMaster and dive in to explore more features other than making interactive PDF.
Connie has been writing for Mac productivity and utility apps since 2009. Each review and solution is based on her practical tests, she is aways energetic and trustworthy in this field.
