How to Fill Out PDF Forms Online for Free

2026-02-20

You received a PDF form that needs to be filled out. Maybe it is a job application, a tax form, a registration document, or an insurance claim. The old way was to print it, fill it in by hand, scan it, and email it back. That process is slow, wasteful, and often produces hard-to-read results. Today, you can fill out PDF forms directly in your browser without printing a single page.

Two Types of PDF Forms

PDF forms come in two varieties. Interactive forms have built-in fillable fields: text boxes, checkboxes, radio buttons, and dropdown menus that you can click and type into directly. These are the easiest to fill out because the form creator already defined where each piece of information goes. Flat forms are regular PDFs that look like forms but have no interactive fields. They are essentially images of a form printed onto a PDF page. Filling these out requires a tool that lets you place text and checkmarks on top of the existing content.

How to Fill Interactive PDF Forms

If your PDF has interactive fields, most PDF viewers including web browsers can handle the basics. Open the file and click on each field to type your responses. However, saving the filled form can be tricky. Some PDFs restrict saving, and browser-based viewers may not preserve your entries. For reliable results, use a dedicated PDF form filler that ensures your entries are permanently embedded in the saved file.

How to Fill Flat PDF Forms

Flat forms require a PDF editor that lets you add text overlay. Open the form in Luleit's PDF editor, click where you need to type, enter your text, and adjust the font size to match the form's style. You can add checkmarks by typing a check character or using a checkmark tool. Position each element carefully to align with the form's printed fields. When finished, download the completed form as a new PDF with your entries permanently embedded.

Adding a Signature to Your Form

Many PDF forms require a signature. Rather than printing the form just to sign it, use an electronic signature tool. Draw your signature with a mouse or touchscreen, type your name in a script font, or upload an image of your signature. Place it in the signature field and save. Electronic signatures are legally valid in most jurisdictions under laws like the US ESIGN Act and the EU eIDAS regulation.

Tips for Professional-Looking Results

Match your text size and font to the form's existing text for a consistent, professional appearance. Use black text for maximum readability and compatibility with scanning. When filling checkboxes on flat forms, use a bold X or a checkmark character rather than filling the entire box. Align your text carefully within each field boundary. Before sending, zoom in and review every field to catch any missed entries or misaligned text. A well-filled PDF form looks just as professional as one completed by hand, often more so.