How to fill out a non-fillable PDF

Fill out a flat PDF form with Quick PDF

1. Open the form in Quick PDF Sign in at quickpdfapp.com, open Add text to PDF and choose the form from your device.
2. Zoom in on the first field Pinch or use zoom so the first line or box is large enough to place text precisely.
3. Type each answer with Add text Tap just above each line and type. Keep one font and size for the whole form so it looks consistent.
4. Mark the checkboxes Use Add text to type a capital X in each box, or use Draw for a check mark. Shapes can circle an option instead.
5. Sign and date it Tap Sign to draw, type or upload your signature and place it on the signature line. Add the date next to it with Add text.
6. Download the completed form Check every page, then tap Download or Share to send it to whoever asked for it.

Open Add text to PDF

How to tell if a PDF is fillable

Click or tap into a blank. If a cursor appears inside a box, or fields light up blue or grey when the file opens, the form is fillable; use Fill PDF form and type into the fields. If nothing happens, the blanks are just printed lines and you need Add text.

Some forms are a mix: a few real fields and many plain lines. Fill the real fields first, then type on the rest.

One more clue: a form that came as a scan or a photo is always flat, even if it looks like an official fillable form, because the whole page is a picture.

Tips for a flat form that looks professional

• Size to the label. Match your text height to the printed labels; slightly smaller fits tight boxes.
• Sit text on the line, not through it. Leave a small gap above the line.
• Use capitals where the form asks ("PRINT NAME"). Many forms are read by people who expect block letters.
• Digits in boxes: for a social security or ZIP code split into boxes, Mono spacing lines up better, or place one character per box.
• N/A instead of blanks: if a question does not apply, typing N/A shows you did not skip it.
• Black or dark blue reads as official; avoid bright colours.

Correcting a mistake on a flat form

Before you download, you can simply tap your text and retype it. If the form already has wrong text printed on it, for example a form someone else started, cover the old answer with White-out and type the new one on top. See how to white out a PDF.

White-out hides the old answer visually, but the old text stays in the file underneath. If that answer was private, such as a previous applicant's details, use Redact so it is removed properly.

Other ways to fill a flat form

• Print, handwrite and scan: works anywhere, but the scan is larger and handwriting can be misread.
• Mac Preview or iPhone Markup: add text boxes one by one. Fine for short forms; precise alignment is harder, especially on a phone.
• Microsoft Edge: Add text works for typing on many forms on Windows.
• A PDF editor such as Quick PDF: same steps on every device, signature, date and white-out in one place, and the file stays on your device.

If you are filling a rental or job application, the guides for rental applications and job applications cover what those forms typically ask for.

Troubleshooting flat forms

• The text box keeps landing in the wrong spot. Zoom in further and tap directly above the line; then drag to adjust.
• Long answers do not fit. Use a smaller size, or add a second text box on the next line. If the form allows it, write "see attached" and add an extra page with Pages.
• The form is crooked because it was scanned. Rotate the page first if it is sideways, then place each text box by eye along the tilted lines.
• The recipient says the file is too large. Scanned forms can be big; compress it before sending.

Questions people ask