Creating fillable PDF forms made easy: Leading tools

Creating fillable PDF forms is easier when you use a form creator that lets you add text fields, checkboxes, radio buttons, dropdown menus, signatures, and field properties without coding. For teams that manage PDF documents, signatures, and repeatable document workflows, pdfFiller is a strong choice because it combines PDF editing, fillable form creation, sharing, eSignature, templates, integrations, and cloud access in one browser-based workspace.

TL;DR

• A fillable PDF form is an interactive PDF document that lets users enter text, select options, sign documents, and submit information digitally.
• The best PDF form creator depends on your workflow: pdfFiller is well-suited for PDF-first document workflows, Adobe Acrobat for advanced desktop PDF control, Jotform for online forms, Formstack for Salesforce-connected data capture, and Typeform for conversational form experiences.
• pdfFiller helps teams create fillable PDF forms from existing PDF documents, share forms by link, collect data and signatures, and manage completed files in the cloud.
• For SMBs, legal teams, healthcare offices, real estate teams, HR teams, and finance teams, the right tool should balance ease of use, field customization, security, integrations, mobile access, and pricing.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Review your own compliance, eSignature, and data security requirements before choosing a tool.

Key takeaways

• Choose a PDF form creator when you need to turn static documents, paper forms, or existing PDF files into editable PDFs with fillable fields.
• Choose an online form builder when your main goal is web-based data collection rather than preserving the layout of a PDF file.
• Use pdfFiller when your work starts with PDF files and often ends with completed documents, signatures, storage, or sharing.
• Use Adobe Acrobat when advanced PDF editing, desktop workflows, accessibility tagging, OCR, redaction, and precise control are higher priorities.
• Use Jotform, Formstack, or Typeform when the form itself is the main data collection channel and the PDF is mostly an output or record.
• Before buying, test how each tool handles existing forms, field types, required fields, mobile completion, signatures, security, integrations, and export options.

To learn more about pdfFiller’s capabilities as a form builder and comprehensive PDF document management platform, visit our Wikipedia page.

What is a fillable PDF form?

A fillable PDF form is a PDF file with interactive form fields. Instead of printing a static document, writing by hand, scanning it, and sending it back, users can fill the document online or on a mobile device.

Common fillable form fields include:

• Text fields for names, addresses, comments, and ID numbers
• Checkboxes for yes/no or multiple selections
• Radio buttons for one-choice answers
• Dropdown menus for standardized options
• Date fields for consistent date entry
• Signature fields for electronic signatures
• Initial fields for agreements or policy acknowledgments
• Image fields for supporting documents or IDs

A strong PDF form creator should also let you adjust field properties. These may include required fields, maximum character limits, font size, text alignment, default values, tooltip text, and field names. These settings help reduce incomplete submissions, data entry errors, and rework.

Fillable PDFs are useful when the document layout matters. Examples include onboarding forms, lease applications, intake forms, tax documents, consent forms, invoices, purchase requests, performance reviews, waivers, and internal approvals.

How did we choose the leading PDF form creators?

We evaluated the tools through a business document workflow lens, not only their design or form-building features. The main question was: how well does each tool help a team create, distribute, complete, sign, store, and reuse fillable PDF forms?

The selection criteria included:

• Ease of use: How quickly a nontechnical user can create a fillable form
• PDF-first functionality: Whether the tool works well with existing PDF documents
• Field options: Support for text boxes, checkboxes, radio buttons, dropdown menus, signatures, and field settings
• Workflow depth: Sharing, signing, reminders, storage, templates, and completed document management
• Integrations: Connections to cloud storage, CRM, spreadsheets, email, and business apps
• Security: Access controls, encryption, audit trails, compliance support, and document protection
• Mobile access: Ability to create, send, open, fill, and sign from mobile devices
• Pricing fit: Whether the tool gives SMBs and teams enough value without forcing a complex enterprise setup
• Support: Help resources, customer support, tutorials, and onboarding options

1. pdfFiller

pdfFiller is a browser-based PDF editor, form creator, eSignature tool, and document management platform. It’s designed for users who work with PDFs and need to create fillable forms, edit documents, add eSignatures, collect data, and store everything in one place.

pdfFiller’s main advantage is its focus on a complete document workflow. Users can upload a PDF, add fillable fields, send the form online, collect responses, and save the completed copy to the cloud. The platform also integrates with tools like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Box. This allows users to do things like turn documents into fillable forms, open Drive files for editing, and export Google Forms responses into templates.

The pdfFiller homepage highlights its all-in-one PDF editing, collaboration, and eSignature platform with a prominent document upload interface.

Key pdfFiller features for fillable PDF forms:

• Uploading or opening an existing PDF file
• Adding fillable fields to static documents
• Creating text fields, checkboxes, dropdown menus, date fields, and signature areas
• Editing text, adding images, annotating, and using sticky notes
• Sending documents for completion or eSignature
• Sharing forms with links for online completion
• Storing reusable templates in the cloud
• Converting and organizing PDF pages
• Accessing documents from a computer or mobile device
• Connecting document workflows to cloud storage and productivity tools

pdfFiller also enables data and signature collection via shareable links, online completion from any device, cloud document management, reusable templates, automated data transfers, PDF editing, eSignature, conversion, compression, page management, annotations, comments, and security alignment with standards such as HIPAA, SOC 2 Type II, PCI DSS, GDPR, and others.

Pricing and plans: pdfFiller offers subscription plans for individuals, SMBs, and organizations.

Best for: SMBs, legal teams, healthcare offices, real estate teams, HR teams, finance teams, and any business that often works with PDF files, forms, signatures, and document records.

Pros

• Strong PDF-first workflow for existing documents
• Useful for creating fillable PDF forms without coding
• Combines PDF editing, fillable fields, eSignature, templates, sharing, and storage
• Works in the browser, reducing the need for desktop software
• Useful integrations with cloud storage and Google tools
• Supports secure document workflows and compliance-conscious teams

Cons

• Teams that only need simple web surveys may prefer a dedicated online form builder
• Advanced enterprise automation may require a platform with a broader list of integrations
• Users should confirm plan limits and advanced feature availability before purchasing

Where pdfFiller excels: pdfFiller truly shines when form creation is integrated into a larger document workflow. The platform manages all document editing and preparation tasks and incorporates AI features, such as AI-generated documents, to simplify the entire process.

2. Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat is a well-established PDF editor renowned for its powerful suite of tools for form preparation, PDF editing, file conversion, document protection, and advanced PDF management. It is an ideal choice for teams requiring in-depth control over PDF structure, accessibility, OCR, redaction, and desktop-centric workflows.

Adobe Acrobat promotes its PDF editing and eSignature platform with integrated AI Assistant capabilities for document analysis, collaboration, and signing, alongside subscription pricing and free trial options.

For form creation, Acrobat enables users to prepare forms from scratch, add form fields, automatically detect fields in existing documents, and fine-tune field properties. It often serves as the go-to tool for organizations already integrated into the Adobe ecosystem. Acrobat is also well-suited for teams that handle complex PDF files, scanned documents, and other technical PDF requirements.

The current Adobe Acrobat lineup has expanded beyond basic PDF editing. The newer, AI-enhanced Acrobat workspace integrates PDF functionalities with Adobe Express and AI assistants. Industry comparisons of Acrobat Standard, Pro, and Studio evaluate features across PDF editing, conversion, form filling, e-signatures, password protection, OCR, redaction, version comparison, and the availability of AI assistance.

Best for: Teams that need advanced PDF editing, desktop PDF control, OCR, redaction, accessibility work, and strong compatibility across professional PDF workflows.

Pros

• Robust PDF editing and document preparation tools
• Strong fit for advanced PDF workflows
• Familiar choice for many enterprise teams
• Useful for OCR, redaction, and professional PDF controls, depending on plan

Cons

• May feel more complex for users who only need a simple fillable form workflow
• Some advanced features depend on the plan
• Teams focused on browser-first form completion and signature collection may prefer a tool like pdfFiller

Where pdfFiller may be a better fit: pdfFiller is more focused on everyday online form completion, fillable PDF workflows, document sharing, and eSignature collection from a browser. Adobe Acrobat is stronger when advanced PDF control matters more than speed and simplicity.

3. Jotform

Jotform is a popular online form builder with a PDF Editor that turns collected form responses into polished PDF documents. Its main strength is web-based data collection. Users can create online forms, collect responses, and automatically generate PDFs from that data. Jotform enables you to create an online form, design the resulting PDF, and then share, store, print, download, or edit the generated PDFs online.

Jotform promotes its online form builder platform with workflow automation, payment collection, reporting, and conditional logic features, alongside quick registration options for new users.

Jotform is useful when the form is the main experience and the PDF is the output. For example, a business can collect registration details, job applications, order details, inspection results, or client intake information through an online form, then generate a PDF record for each submission.

Feature set and integrations

Jotform also supports many integrations with software like marketing services, project management boards, CRMs, and cloud storage apps, including Microsoft Teams, PayPal, Slack, Google Sheets, Dropbox, Google Calendar, Salesforce, Canva, HubSpot, Zoho CRM, Pipedrive, Zendesk, Webhooks, Make, Zapier, IFTTT, ChatGPT, and others.

Jotform PDF Editor is available in every plan, supports templates, allows PDF documents or PDF forms from scratch, and can turn collected form response data into shareable, printable, and downloadable PDF documents.

Pricing and plans: Jotform has a Starter free plan, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Enterprise plans with custom pricing for large organizations. Storage and submission limits increase with each level.

Best for: Marketing teams, event teams, education teams, nonprofits, and SMBs that need online forms first and PDF output second.

Pros

• Strong online form builder
• Good template library and design customization
• Automates PDF generation from submissions
• Broad integration ecosystem
• Free plan available for basic use

Cons

• Some limits depend on plan level
• Advanced PDF form workflows may require extra setup
• According to Jotform’s PDF Editor FAQ, users can create one PDF form and unlimited PDF documents, and some advanced fields or third-party redirection integrations may not be available with PDF forms.

For a more detailed comparison with pdfFiller, see our blog: pdfFiller vs. Jotform.

4. Formstack

Formstack is a no-code forms, documents, and eSignature platform. It is built for teams that want to collect data, generate documents, and collect eSignatures through connected workflows. The platform is built around Forms, Documents, and Sign, with Salesforce-ready tools and integrations.

Formstack Documents highlights its AI-powered document automation platform with tools for template-based generation, file uploads, and workflow creation, supported by enterprise-focused productivity and automation features.

Formstack’s main advantage is workflow depth around data capture. It is useful for teams that need branded online forms, approvals, generated documents, and signatures. It may be especially attractive for organizations that rely on Salesforce, since Formstack offers Salesforce-focused products and pricing options.

Pricing and plans: Formstack offers several pricing plans. The Forms plan starts at $83 per month (billed annually), while the Suite plan (which includes Forms, Documents, and Sign) starts at $250 per month (billed annually). Custom pricing is available for their Salesforce and Enterprise tiers.

Best for: Operations teams, Salesforce-heavy teams, higher-volume data collection teams, and organizations that need forms connected to document generation and eSignature workflows.

Pros

• Strong no-code form and workflow capabilities
• Good fit for Salesforce-connected teams
• Combines forms, documents, and eSignature in its Suite
• Supports many integrations and business workflows
• Offers compliance-oriented options, including HIPAA-related solutions and advanced security options on higher tiers or add-ons

Cons

• Higher starting price than many SMB-focused form tools
• Some document generation and eSignature capabilities require Suite or higher-level plans
• Less focused on simple PDF editing than pdfFiller or Adobe Acrobat

Where pdfFiller may be a better fit: pdfFiller is likely simpler for teams that mainly need to create fillable PDF forms from existing PDFs, send them for completion, sign them, and keep the finished PDF documents organized.

5. Typeform

Typeform is an online form and survey platform known for conversational forms. Instead of presenting a long static form, Typeform often shows one question at a time. This can improve the experience for surveys, lead capture, quizzes, feedback forms, and customer intake flows where engagement matters.

Typeform promotes its AI-driven form and workflow platform with tools for lead generation, customer data analysis, and automated workflows designed to streamline data collection and engagement.

Typeform is less of a traditional PDF form creator and more of a digital data collection tool. It is useful when the goal is to collect responses through a polished online experience, then connect that data to other systems or export it. It is not the best fit when you need to preserve the exact layout of an existing PDF document or send a fillable PDF file for completion.

Best for: Marketing, surveys, lead generation, feedback, quizzes, customer research, and forms where user experience matters more than PDF layout.

Pros

• Strong user experience for online forms
• Good fit for surveys and lead capture
• Supports conversational form design
• Useful for teams that want polished, web-first forms

Cons

• Not a PDF-first form creator
• Less suitable for existing PDF documents, legal forms, or document records
• PDF editing, fillable PDF fields, and PDF workflow management are not its core strengths

Where pdfFiller may be a better fit: Use pdfFiller when the finished output must remain a PDF form, include signatures, support editable PDF fields, and fit into a document workflow.

PDF form creator comparison table

How do you choose the right PDF form builder?

Start with the document. If you already have a PDF file, paper form, contract, application, or static document, choose a PDF-first tool. If you mainly need to publish a form online and collect responses in a database, choose an online form builder.

Do you need to convert an existing PDF document?

Choose pdfFiller or Adobe Acrobat if your starting point is an existing PDF document. These tools are better suited for adding fillable form fields to static documents while preserving the original format.

pdfFiller is usually a better fit for fast online workflows. Adobe Acrobat is usually a better fit for advanced desktop PDF control, OCR, redaction, and accessibility work.

Do you need online forms or fillable PDFs?

Online forms and fillable PDFs solve different problems.

Use online forms when you need:

• Landing-page forms
• Surveys
• Lead capture
• Event registration
• Payment forms
• Long-running response databases
• Website embeds

Use fillable PDFs when you need:

• A document users can save, sign, or archive
• A form that keeps its layout
• A completed PDF record
• A document that can be printed if needed
• A workflow tied to contracts, applications, waivers, or compliance records

pdfFiller fits the second group especially well because it keeps the PDF document at the center of the workflow.

Which field types do you need?

Basic forms may only need text fields and signature fields. More structured workflows may need checkboxes, radio buttons, dropdown menus, required fields, date fields, and field validation.

Before selecting a tool, test whether it supports:

• Required fields
• Multi-line text boxes
• Dropdown menus
• Radio buttons
• Checkboxes
• Signature fields
• Date formatting
• Field naming
• Tab order
• Mobile-friendly completion
• Exportable completed documents

How important are signatures?

If users need to sign documents, choose a tool with integrated eSignature workflows. pdfFiller, Adobe Acrobat, Jotform, and Formstack all offer signature-related capabilities, though the workflow and available features vary by product and plan.

pdfFiller works well when signatures belong inside a PDF document workflow. Formstack is strong when signatures are part of a broader form-to-document process. Adobe fits users already working in the Acrobat ecosystem. Jotform fits online forms and generated PDFs.

For compliance-sensitive workflows, review eSignature laws and standards that may apply, such as the ESIGN Act, UETA, or eIDAS. Also, confirm whether the tool provides audit trails, signer authentication options, tamper-evident records, and access controls. This article is general information, not legal advice.

To learn more about secure eSignature workflows, check our blog post.

What security requirements apply?

A freelancer sending invoices may need basic document protection, while HIPAA-conscious workflows are usually required for healthcare practices.

Knowing about your workflow needs, review whether the tool supports:

• Password protection
• Encrypted document storage
• Access permissions
• Audit trails
• Secure sharing links
• Role-based access
• HIPAA, GDPR, SOC 2, PCI DSS, or other relevant standards
• Admin controls for teams

pdfFiller lists security and compliance measures, including SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, encryption, audit logs, and access controls. Users should still confirm whether their specific workflow, plan, and document type meet applicable compliance requirements. Formstack offers compliance-oriented options for certain workflows and plans, including Salesforce-related use cases. Review its current pricing and compliance pages before choosing it for regulated data. Jotform offers HIPAA-related features on specific paid plans. Review Jotform’s current HIPAA and pricing information before using it for protected health information.

Do you need integrations?

Integrations matter when form data should move into other systems. For example, a completed form may need to go to Google Drive, Dropbox, Salesforce, Google Sheets, a CRM, or a project management tool.

pdfFiller is useful when teams want to open, edit, sign, and store PDF documents across cloud tools such as Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Dropbox, Box, and OneDrive. Jotform is useful when teams need broad online form integrations, including CRMs, cloud storage, payment tools, automations, and productivity apps. Formstack is useful for organizations that need forms, documents, and eSignature workflows connected to Salesforce and other business systems.

Which PDF form creator should each team choose?

Choose pdfFiller if your team works with PDFs daily

pdfFiller is a great choice if your workflow revolves around completing, signing, storing, or sharing PDFs. It’s ideal for teams handling applications, intake forms, agreements, invoices, and other client or employee paperwork.

Choose Adobe Acrobat if you need advanced PDF control

Adobe Acrobat is best for teams needing advanced PDF editing, OCR, redaction, and detailed file control. While powerful, it might be more than what some teams need for everyday forms.

Choose Jotform if you prioritize online data collection

Jotform is a strong option for teams that want to build online forms and generate PDFs from submissions. It is less PDF-focused than pdfFiller but stronger for web-first forms and managing responses.

Choose Formstack if your workflows are tied to Salesforce

Formstack is a good choice for operations teams needing no-code forms, document generation, eSignatures, and Salesforce-connected workflows. It is best suited for teams with larger or more structured process needs.

Choose Typeform if form experience is your top priority

Typeform is ideal for customer feedback, surveys, lead generation, and conversational forms. It is not the best option for creating fillable PDFs from existing documents.

Final thoughts

The best PDF form creator is the one that fits how your documents already move through your business. If your team works with PDF files, signatures, templates, and completed document records, pdfFiller offers a practical way to create fillable PDF forms online, send them for completion, collect data and signatures, and manage documents in one place.

Start your free trial with pdfFiller today and see how it can streamline form creation and improve your document management.