How to create a fillable PDF with text fields and checkboxes
A fillable PDF lets a recipient enter information without printing and handwriting it. PDFDesk creates a new form from a title, instructions and a short list of fields. It does not add fields over an existing uploaded layout.
Open Create fillable PDF ↗Step-by-step instructions
- Enter a form title and optional instructions.
- Add one field per line as label | text or label | checkbox.
- Generate the PDF and open it in a viewer that supports interactive forms.
A practical example
For a contact form, enter “Full name | text”, “Email | text” and “Please contact me | checkbox” on separate lines. Add clear instructions explaining which information you need. Up to 20 fields are supported, and the field types in this version are text and checkbox.
Limits and common mistakes
Keep labels short enough to understand at a glance and ask only for the information needed for the task. The generator creates interactive fields, but the recipient’s PDF viewer determines how those fields are displayed and saved.
Check your downloaded result
Open the generated PDF, type a sample name and check a box. Save a copy, close it and reopen it to confirm that the values were retained. Send a blank copy to the recipient rather than a test copy that still contains your example entries.
Where processing happens
This tool sends your submitted content over HTTPS to the PDFDesk server. Results are returned directly; temporary processing files are removed when the request finishes. There are no public document download links.
Frequently asked questions
Which field types can I create?
This version supports text fields and checkboxes, with up to 20 fields per form.
Can someone fill the downloaded PDF later?
Yes. The download contains interactive form fields. Saving completed values depends on the PDF viewer being used.
Can I add fields to an existing PDF?
This tool creates a new form from your labels. To complete an existing interactive form, use Fill PDF form fields. To add visible text to a flat PDF, use Fill & Sign.