How to Fill Out an Application in PDF Format
Completing a PDF application form is usually easy if the form is accessible. An accessible PDF form comes with such features as fillable fields, radio buttons and check boxes. But sometimes, a form does not have these interactive features, making it impossible to fill it out on a computer. Luckily, if you do not want to print a PDF application form and then fill it out by hand, you can simulate typewriting on the form.
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Instructions
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Fillable Forms
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Open the PDF application form with Adobe Reader or your browser. Click on a field to start filling out the form.
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Press the "Tab" key to move on to the next field, or click on it with your mouse. Click on a check box or radio button to select it, or press the "Enter" key.
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Save the PDF application form. Or print the form if saving is disabled.
Typewriter Enabled
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Open the PDF application form in Adobe Reader.
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Look for a message at the top that tells you the form can be filled out with the Typewriter Tool. If there is one, you can use the Typewriter feature. (If not, you can enable it in Adobe Acrobat if you have it.)
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Select "Tools" > "Typewriter." Turn on the Typewriter Tool (the one with an icon) to enable it.
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Click on the PDF form to start typewriting.
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Save or print the application form when you are done.
Non-Fillable Forms.
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Download and install a PDF-to-image converter such as the free Office Convert PDF to JPG.
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Run the PDF-to-image converter. Add the PDF application form.
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Convert the PDF to an image format. Choose a high resolution to preserve the quality of the original PDF.
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Open the new image file in an image editor. Use the Text tool to type anywhere on the PDF form, as if using a typewriter. Adjust the font size and style as necessary.
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Save and print the form when you are done.
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Tips & Warnings
Some forms have saving disabled. These do not allow you to save your work. You must complete the form in one session and then print it out.
If you want to make changes to the default font size, style, color, etc., on a PDF form, you will need Acrobat or a PDF typewriting program.
Even if a PDF form is fillable, you might still want to convert it to an image file. One advantage of converting a PDF form to an image file is that you can adjust the font size if you need to. This is handy when you need to input data that won't fit in a field (e.g., a home address).
Do not forget to sign documents by hand after printing.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit medical consent form image by Keith Frith from Fotolia.com
