Create the PDF you want to fill (use a blank template or an existing document)
Open the PDF in a tool that supports form fields (Adobe Acrobat Pro, Adobe Acrobat online, Foxit PDF Editor, or similar)
Add form fields:
Select the form/prepare form option
Choose field types (text, checkbox, radio button, dropdown, signature, date)
Click and drag to place each field in the correct location
Set field properties for each field:
Label/name (unique and meaningful)
Field size and appearance
Default value (if needed)
Required/optional
Validation rules (email, number ranges, formatting)
Appearance settings (font, borders, read-only)
Configure dropdowns/radio buttons options (set the selectable values)
Add any instructional text using static text elements (optional)
Set document-level settings:
Ensure the form is set to be fillable
Enable/disable flattening behavior if supported
Test the form:
Fill out each field
Check tab order and field navigation
Verify dropdown/radio behavior and validation
Save the file as a form-enabled PDF (and keep a non-editable copy if needed)
Distribute the PDF:
Confirm recipients can fill and submit it using common PDF viewers
(Optional) Enable submission handling:
Add a submit button/action (if supported by your tool)
Configure where the filled data goes (email/upload/server) if required
(Optional) Lock fields you don’t want edited:
Set fields to read-only after completion or disable editing for specific areas
(Optional) Flatten fields for a final output copy after completion (if needed)