How do I make a PDF form fillable for people using Adobe Reader?

First, create your form in Acrobat. Then, go to File > Save as Other. Choose 'Reader Extended PDF'. Select 'Enable More Tools (includes form fill-in and save changes)'. This lets Reader users save their filled forms.

How do I make sure my PDF form is easy for everyone to use, including people with disabilities?

Start with an accessible source document, like a well-organized Word file. Give every form field a clear label and a 'Tooltip' (description for screen readers). Make sure the 'tab order' is correct so users can move through fields logically. Keep field fonts simple (like Arial or Times) and at least 11 points in size. Run the Accessibility Checker in Acrobat before sharing your form to find and fix issues.

Standardize Routine Orders in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

2 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Create a primary library containing template orders for routine uncontested matters so judges…+

Create a primary library containing template orders for routine uncontested matters so judges and clerks can reuse them.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

BImprove — “do it better”Build a library of template orders—dismissal, default, uncontested continuance—with approved…+

Build a library of template orders—dismissal, default, uncontested continuance—with approved language, fillable fields for case number and judge, and version control so clerks can insert a template and produce a compliant order in under five minutes.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open the PDF file that already contains the fillable form fields and layout you want to reuse.
2
Select the Prepare Form tool from the right-hand toolbar.
3
Review and finalize all form fields, ensuring names, types, and properties are set as needed for duplication.
Best practiceUse clear, consistent field names to simplify future data merging and automation.
4
Save this PDF as your template form.
5
For each target PDF with a similar layout, open the file in Acrobat.
6
Select the Prepare Form tool for the target PDF.
7
In the form editing mode, use the More menu and choose to import form fields from your template PDF by copying and pasting fields or using the duplicate fields functionality.
NoteAdobe does not support true batch form field import for multiple PDFs at once; this step must be repeated for each file.
8
Adjust the position of imported fields as needed to align with the target PDF's layout.
Best practiceHold Shift to select and move multiple fields at once for faster alignment.
9
Save the newly created fillable PDF form.
10
Repeat steps 5-9 for each additional PDF requiring the fillable form layout.
Best practiceIf you have many files, consider using Acrobat's Action Wizard to automate opening and saving, but field import still requires manual steps.

In the appWith the API

You can speed up repetitive edits by copying and pasting fields between open PDFs in Acrobat's form editing mode.

This runs in the Acrobat app - there is no separate API for this task.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

Create a primary library of template orders that judges and clerks can reuse for routine, uncontested matters.

FAQ

about this task

First, create your form in Acrobat.
Then, go to File > Save as Other.
Choose 'Reader Extended PDF'.
Select 'Enable More Tools (includes form fill-in and save changes)'. This lets Reader users save their filled forms.

Using Acrobat's 'Prepare a form' tool ensures that your PDF form fields are accessible and work correctly. Word's form tools do not export to accessible PDF fields, which means people using screen readers might not be able to use your form. Acrobat helps you create a form that everyone can use.

A 'Tooltip' is a short description for a form field. It matters because it helps people using screen readers understand what information they need to put into each field. This makes your form accessible and easy for everyone to use.

Yes, you can use Acrobat's 'Prepare a form' tool with a scanned document. Acrobat will try to detect form fields automatically. However, it's best to start with a well-structured digital document, like a Word file, if possible. This makes the form creation process smoother and the final form more reliable.

Start with an accessible source document, like a well-organized Word file.
Give every form field a clear label and a 'Tooltip' (description for screen readers).
Make sure the 'tab order' is correct so users can move through fields logically.
Keep field fonts simple (like Arial or Times) and at least 11 points in size.
Run the Accessibility Checker in Acrobat before sharing your form to find and fix issues.

Standardize Routine Orders

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help

Video

Other guides