Practical guides · Windows 10 & 11

Create and fill an AcroForm PDF form

A PDF form can contain actual fields for its recipient to complete. 3PDF Pro creates and fills AcroForm forms. Adding a text annotation to a page does not produce the same result.

Steps in 3PDF

  1. Prepare the document

    Open the PDF that will hold the form. Identify where answers belong and which information is needed. When filling an existing form, first check whether it already contains interactive fields.

  2. Create or complete the fields

    Use the form tools to place the required text fields, checkboxes or lists. Choose a multiline field for a longer answer. In an existing form, enter values in the available fields.

  3. Save and reopen

    Save a copy, reopen it and verify that fields remain fillable and values are retained. If the form will circulate, test it in the PDF reader your recipient will use as well.

Actual 3PDF interface — Create and fill an AcroForm PDF form
Screenshot of the 3PDF application. Click to view the full-size interface.

The result and what to check

AcroForm keeps interactive fields in the PDF. A scanned document without fields needs input areas to be created. OCR recognizes text; it does not replace designing the form.

Is a drawn signature a certified signature?

No. 3PDF’s visual signature adds the appearance of a signature. It does not provide a certified cryptographic signature or proof of identity.

This feature is part of 3PDF Pro

The reader is free, with no account. Pro tools cost €3.99 / month, for two computers per account. PDF processing stays local; your account, payment and access renewal use the Internet.

You can subscribe during your trial. The paid monthly period starts at payment. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the period already paid for.