Recognise an interactive PDF form
A true fillable PDF contains form fields such as text boxes and checkboxes. You can click or tab between them in a compatible viewer. A scanned sheet may look identical, but it contains only pixels, with no interactive controls. Recognising this distinction helps explain why some forms open with editable fields and others do not.
Fill existing PDF fields in your browser
Choose the Fill PDF Forms tool and select the document. If supported interactive fields exist, they appear for editing; complete text fields and tick the relevant checkboxes. Review each answer against the source question. Avoid forcing long answers into very short fields, because display and printing can vary by viewer.
Handle scanned forms differently
When a form is an image-only scan, the tool cannot automatically detect editable AcroForm fields. You might annotate the page with text using a PDF editor, or obtain an original fillable version from the issuing organisation. OCR can extract printed text, but OCR alone does not create legally valid, correctly positioned form controls.
Save, verify and sign when appropriate
Export a completed copy and reopen it in a separate PDF viewer. Check that every response remains visible, that checkbox states are retained, and that no pages were lost. If a signature is required, verify whether a visual signature image is acceptable or whether the organisation requires a certified digital signature.
Steps you can follow
- Open the PDF and check whether its fields are truly interactive.
- Use Fill PDF Forms to enter answers and tick checkboxes, if supported.
- Save a new copy and review fields and any required signatures before submitting.
Frequently asked questions
Why are no fields detected in my PDF?
The document may be a scanned or flattened form without interactive AcroForm fields.
Can the tool create new form fields?
No. It fills existing supported fields; it is not a PDF form designer.
Check before sharing: Keep your original file and review each download.