Paper forms have been the norm for many years, but that all started to change with the shift towards working online. PDFs are the go-to format for sharing documents, and it was the obvious choice to add more features to PDFs instead of developing a new file format and document-sharing system.

Thus, fillable PDF forms were born, making it simple for doctors’ offices, legal firms, spas, retail businesses and more to share and receive vital information quickly.

The Benefits of Using Fillable PDFs

PDFs are compatible with almost every platform available. Whether you use Windows, iOS, Mac, Android, or Linux, you can interact with any PDF you receive. PDFs also protect the original document layout, no matter which device you use to view it.

Fillable PDFs are user friendly and can be opened and edited on any PDF reader, even if your customers don’t use PDF editing software. Once filled out, these PDF forms are easy to send as attachments or can be printed out, if necessary, without changing the layout.

Anyone who has worked with written intake forms knows how difficult it can be to read the various handwriting styles of dozens of people a day. Using fillable PDF forms for new customer information can simplify transferring information to your databases by simply copying and pasting.

The ease of copying and pasting also reduces the chances of typos and entry errors. Usually, a customer would have to juggle a clipboard and phone to copy down accurate information, which naturally leads to mistakes. These errors can be nullified by allowing customers to fill in the relevant forms at home on their computers.

Tips for Using Fillable PDFs

Ensure that your PDF forms are user friendly and accessible. Make your layout simple, use minimal fonts and colors, and avoid low-contrast text. You should also remove unnecessary fields to reduce visual clutter, making it easier for customers to understand the required information.

If your PDF has images or videos, make sure that they have alternative text to keep them accessible for people with disabilities. Testing your PDF on multiple devices can also help you determine if any aspects can’t be read clearly.

Tungsten Power PDF includes tools to help you set up document security, such as encryption, password protection, and e-signatures. Protecting customer data is essential, and in most countries, the law requires following standard procedures to keep information private.

How to Create Your Own Fillable PDF Forms With Power PDF

Power PDF has many compelling tools to help you create, manage, and share your PDFs. One of these tools is the Form Typer function, which automatically produces the correct form fields by recognizing existing static fields.

You can also manually create your form fields by selecting the area, setting the size, and choosing the appropriate field type. This feature is beneficial if you need to edit a PDF or add new fields to an existing fillable document.

What Types of Form Fields Can You Make With Power PDF?

• Digital signatures for official documents
• Fillable text boxes for names, numbers, email addresses, etc.
• Checkboxes for selecting options from lists

Maximize Your Efficiency With Fillable PDFs

Fillable PDFs are a powerful tool that can streamline your business processes, save time and money, and improve the overall customer experience. Implementing fillable forms can reduce errors, simplify data entry, and ensure a smooth workflow. If you want to learn more about how to create fillable PDF forms with Power PDF, see it in action with our how-to video.