Fill Out Forms Faster: The Electric Way

how to electrically fill out a document

Filling out documents electronically is a convenient and efficient way to manage forms. There are several methods and tools available to fill out PDFs, Word documents, and other file formats. One option is to use online platforms, such as DocFly, Adobe Acrobat, or Docusign eSignature, which offer free or paid plans with features like text fields, checkboxes, and electronic signatures. Alternatively, Microsoft Word allows users to create fillable forms by adding content controls such as checkboxes, text boxes, and drop-down lists. These forms can then be filled out and saved or printed by others. Whether using online tools or software, filling out documents electronically streamlines the process, eliminating the need for printing, scanning, and manual data entry.

Characteristics Values
Software Microsoft Word, DocFly, Adobe Acrobat, Google Drive, DocuSign eSignature
Platform Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Web
Features Fill text fields, checkboxes, dropdowns, add signatures, create fillable forms, add timestamps, convert files, collect digital signatures, etc.
Cost Free, Paid

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Using Microsoft Word

To electronically fill out a document in Microsoft Word, you can create a form that others can fill out and save or print. You can start with a blank document or a form template.

Firstly, ensure that the Developer tab is displayed in the ribbon. If it isn't, go to File, then New, and in the Search for online templates field, type 'Forms' and press enter. Right-click on any item and select 'Create'. You can then go to File and select 'New' and 'Blank document'.

Next, you can add content controls for elements such as checkboxes, text boxes, date pickers, and drop-down lists. To do this, go to the Developer tab Controls section and choose the controls you want to add. You can also link these content controls to database information.

Once you have added your content controls, you can fill out the form as the user would and then save a copy.

If you want to protect the entire form or specific sections from being edited, you can use the Restrict Editing feature. To protect the whole form, go to the inspector/sidebar and, in the second section, check 'Allow only this type of editing in the document'. Then, choose 'Filling in forms' in the drop-down list and press 'Yes, start enforcing protection'. You can set a password to ensure that only someone with the password can change what you entered.

To protect only specific sections of the form, separate the document into sections by inserting section breaks. Then, under Developer, click on 'Select Sections' in the 'Restrict Editing' panel and select the desired sections.

If you want to electronically sign a Word document on a Mac, you can use the Signature Line feature by clicking on 'Insert' on the top menu bar and selecting 'Signature Line' from the drop-down menu. If this option is unavailable, you can draw your signature using the drawing tools in Word or insert an image of your signature.

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Uploading to DocFly

DocFly is an online service that enables users to create, edit, convert, and secure PDFs. It is accessible from any device connected to the internet, and you can access your files from anywhere. The first three files are completely free, and free users receive 3 credits every month. Paid users have unrestricted access to the service.

To upload a document to DocFly, you can either drag your PDF file onto the document dropzone or click 'Upload' to choose a file from your computer. Once your file has been uploaded, you will be redirected to the online PDF filler app. Here, you can fill in text fields, checkboxes, and dropdowns. You can also add your signature by drawing, writing, or uploading a photo of your signature.

DocFly offers an easy-to-use online PDF editor with a wide range of features. You can create a PDF file from scratch or upload an existing PDF to edit. The editor allows you to add and erase text, add images and signatures, highlight text, and more. You can also merge, split, lock, unlock, rotate, watermark, and compress PDF files.

DocFly takes your privacy and security seriously. All communications to and from the service are encrypted by default, and your files are stored securely in world-class datacenters operated by Amazon. As a Swiss company, DocFly adheres to stringent data protection regulations.

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Adobe Acrobat

To fill out an interactive form, open the form in Acrobat and select "E-Sign" from the global bar, or select "All Tools" and then "Fill & Sign". The form fields will be displayed in the left pane, and you can fill them in using the toolbar. You can also use the Auto-Complete feature, which stores entries you type and suggests or automatically enters matching responses in other form fields.

To fill out a flat form, you can use the ""Fill & Sign" tool to add text and other symbols anywhere on the form. You can enable this tool by going to the hamburger menu (File menu on macOS) and choosing "Save As Other" > "Acrobat Reader Extended PDF" > "Enable More Tools". This will enable the tool for the current form only, so you'll need to redo this step for each new form.

Once you have filled out your form, you can save it by choosing "Save As" from the hamburger menu (File > Save As on macOS) and renaming the file. You can then share the form with others to view or comment, or create a link to share. You can also invite others to sign the form.

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Google Drive

To use DocHub, simply drag and drop the PDF form into Google Drive, open the document, and click the 'Open with' option. You will then be prompted to install DocHub, which will open the document within its own interface and convert all form fields into editable fields. You can then use the toolbar to modify the document, adding text, annotations, and even your custom signature. Once you are done, you can save the document to DocHub and download it to Google Drive, where you can share or send it.

Another option is to use Google Docs to create fillable documents and forms by importing PDFs. To do this, open a new Google Doc, add a title, and insert a table to keep everything divided into neat sections. You can then transform the PDF into a fillable form by following the steps to create a form using a table. Once you have created the form, you can download it as a PDF file and share it with recipients, who can then fill it out and send it back to you.

While Google Docs does not inherently support the creation of fillable PDF forms, this can be done using a dedicated fillable PDF maker like PDFgear. Simply create a document in Google Docs, download it as a PDF file, and then open it in PDFgear, where you can choose the needed fillable form fields and insert them into the document. Finally, download the fillable PDF and share it with recipients, who can then fill it out and send it back to you.

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Docusign eSignature

With Docusign eSignature, you can sign documents for free on any device of your choice, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. The platform supports various document formats, including Microsoft Word, PDF, and other common formats. You can upload documents from your computer or popular file-sharing sites like Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive.

The Docusign eSignature platform offers a seamless and intuitive signing experience. Users are guided through the signing process with simple instructions and tabs. Additionally, Docusign eSignature provides dynamic document generation, collaborative commenting, shared templates, and configurable workflows to streamline agreement processes.

Frequently asked questions

There are several ways to fill out a document electronically. You can use a free online tool such as DocFly, Adobe Acrobat, or DocuSign eSignature. These tools allow you to fill in text fields, checkboxes, and dropdowns. You can also add your signature by drawing it, typing it, or uploading an image.

PDF documents are the most common type of document that can be filled out electronically. However, it is also possible to create fillable forms in Microsoft Word.

Yes, there are several free options available for filling out PDF forms, including DocFly, Adobe Acrobat Pro free trial, Google Drive, and DocuSign eSignature free trial.

Most electronic signature tools allow you to add your signature by drawing it, typing it, or uploading an image of your handwritten signature. You can then drag your signature to anywhere on the PDF document.

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