Create PDF form - how it works
Related Videos: How to Create a Fillable PDF Form (May 2024).
A PDF form with interactive elements is easy to create. You can find out how to do this in this practical tip.
Create PDF form
Although you can create forms in Word, they cannot be converted to PDF files due to the lack of compatibility with conventional software, so that the interactive elements are preserved. However, the freeware OpenOffice offers the possibility to create PDF forms.
- First start OpenOffice and create a new "XML form document" in [File].
- OpenOffice offers various tools for creating forms. You can show this in [View] in the "Toolbars" category under "Form controls".
- Finally, activate the "Design mode" in the form tools to start creating the form.
Form elements at OpenOffice
With OpenOffice you can add various elements to your form.
- The user can later enter classic text in a "text field". Somewhat more practical is the "formatted field", where you can define certain rules beforehand. For example, the user should later only be able to enter positive numbers in the field.
- With a "check box" you can create classic check buttons, for example to tick off lists. Option fields are also very practical, in which only one group of boxes can be clicked at a time.
- For example, you can create drop-down lists with a "list box". A "combo box" looks similar, whereby the user can enter something in the dropdown list.
- However, OpenOffice offers many other elements with which you can build your form. For example, macros with "buttons" can also be linked to the form.
Export PDF form
Once you have completed your form in OpenOffice, you can now convert it into a PDF form.
- To do this, click on "Export as PDF" under [File]. The generated PDF file now also has interactive elements.
Create PDF forms with professional programs
Of course, OpenOffice is not the only program that can create PDF forms.
- You can also create forms in PDF form with Adobe Acrobat. In addition to the form assistant, you have included many other useful functions here.
- A practical alternative is Power PDF from Kofax: The software also offers many PDF functions, but this does not require a subscription, but only has to be paid once.
In the next practical tip, we will show you how to send a PDF file with FRITZ! Fax.