At the end of 2017, when Google stopped supporting searches by file type, it had more than 2.4 billion PDF files in its index.
The PDF file format is one of the most widely-supported document types, with support on virtually every computing platform. That wide-ranging support is why so many people use it to distribute information.
One of its more powerful features is the ability to create forms that people can fill out on their computer or mobile device. Sometimes a web-based form is easier to deal with though.
Let’s look at how you can convert web forms into PDF documents for maximum compatibility.
How to Convert Web Pages into PDF Documents
The simplest way to convert web pages into PDF documents is by printing them to PDF. All major browsers, including Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, have this feature built-in.
This process creates a PDF version of the web page but it’s no different than if you printed it on paper. The PDF only shows what’s on the web page — it doesn’t convert any form fields into fillable fields in the PDF document.
Do You Need a Fillable PDF Form?
Fillable form fields are one of the best features of the PDF format. You can create a form that only lets the user enter information in specific areas on the page. This stops them from making changes to the content of the page itself.
Printing a web form to PDF doesn’t maintain those fillable fields for you. You’ll see the form fields in the PDF but you can’t click on them and enter text.
To create fillable fields, you’ll need extra software.
Software for Creating Fillable PDF Forms
There are lots of PDF creation and editing applications on the market. You can easily turn pdf into fillable form with the help of such software. Adobe created the PDF format and their Acrobat software is still one of the most powerful options.
But it’s also one of the most costly.
To help make PDF an industry-standard, Adobe let other companies use the format without having to pay any license fees. This led to many alternative PDF tools from other companies that are often much less expensive.
These tools let you convert form fields in the PDF version of your web form into fillable form fields in the PDF. Some applications can do this automatically by detecting the fields while others need you to go through the document and identify them.
Once you convert the fields, you can save the PDF as a fillable form and distribute it to anyone who needs to complete it. They don’t have to have the same application you used to create it — any PDF reader will work.
Applications for Windows
Besides Adobe Acrobat, there are several PDF applications for Windows that we recommend.
- Nitro Pro: The most complete competitor to Acrobat
- PDF Forge: The best budget solution
- Sedja: The best free solution
Most of the paid applications offer free trial periods so if you’re not sure which one is best for your needs, try a few before you settle on one.
Applications for macOS
Adobe Acrobat is also available on macOS but similar to Windows, there are several other less expensive alternatives:
- PDFpen/PDFpenPro: The closest competitors to Acrobat
- PDF Expert: Another good option but it requires a subscription
- PDFescape: Best free solution for macOS
As with their Windows counterparts, most of these apps provide free trial periods so you can test them out. Try a couple of options and see which one clicks for you.
How to Convert Web Forms into PDF Forms
There are several steps required to convert a web form to a PDF form, including:
- Print the web form to PDF
- Add fillable fields to the PDF document
- Save the form as a new document
- Distribute the form
Step 1: Print the Web Form to PDF
The process to print a web form is slightly different from one browser to another. For example, on Chrome and Edge, you click on the “three-dot” icon in the top right corner and then click Print. In Safari and Firefox, click File > Print.
When the print dialog opens, look for the option to print to PDF. When you choose this instead of a printer, the browser will ask you where to save it and what to name it.
Step 2: Add Fillable Fields
Once you have the PDF version of your web form, open it in whichever PDF application you settled on. From here, the instructions vary considerably between apps so you’ll need to refer to your app’s documentation for details.
Look for information about creating fillable forms or detecting form fields automatically.
Step 3: Save the Form
Once you’ve added the form fields to your PDF, save the file as a new document. PDF files have security features that will limit what people can do with the document when they open it so make sure you allow form editing.
Most applications give you a list of security options when you save the PDF document.
Step 4: Distribute Your Form
Once you save the form, it’s ready to distribute to whomever you want to complete it. You can email it, create a download link on your website, send it through Facebook or Twitter, or distribute it anywhere else online.
Creating PDF Documents From Web Form Submissions
If you want people to submit their information through a web form and then convert those web form submissions to PDF-based results, these methods explain how you can do that.
This lets you collect information on your website and collate the results into a PDF document for later review.
Combining Web Forms With PDF Gives You the Widest Compatibility
Web forms work on any device that’s connected to the internet and PDF forms work on almost as many. If you convert web forms to PDF, you’ll be able to offer a simple solution to all of your customers and website visitors, whatever their preferred format might be.
Browse through our Technology section for more helpful articles about how to get the most out of your tech gear.
