How to Create PDF Forms on Mac (macOS 11 Included) 2024

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2024-09-19 14:12:38 • Filed to: Create PDFs on Mac • Proven solutions

Apple's Preview program has been equipped Preview with many PDF features: the ability to preview PDF files, mark up PDFs with tools, delete & merge PDF pages, and more. However, one feature it does not have is the ability to create PDF forms on Mac, including macOS 11 Big Sur, macOS 10.15 Catalina, and 10.14 Mojave. You might be wondering how to create a fillable PDF on Mac. To accomplish the task, you should never rely on Preview, but a professional PDF form creator for Mac. Read on to discover a great solution - PDFelement for Mac to help you create PDF forms on Mac.

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Steps for Creating Fillable PDF Forms on Mac

PDFelement for Mac is fully compatible with macOS 11 (Big Sur), macOS 10.15 (Catalina), and 10.14 (Mojave). Download and install the package for the PDF form creator for Mac. Follow the steps below to learn how to make PDF forms on Mac.

Step 1. Download a PDF Form Template

One way to make it efficient to create forms in Mac is to start with PDF form templates, rather than starting from scratch. You can download PDF form templates from our template page or online. Then launch the software and click "Open File" or "Open" to import the templates you downloaded.

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Step 2. Create a PDF Form from Template

After opening the form, you can click "Form" on the top toolbar and this will review the form toolbar. Click the last icon and choose "Form Field Recognition" in the drop-down menu. This will make all interactive fields editable. You can then fill in the content.

If you want to modify the items, you can click the tools to edit them or choose an option to add a new item to your form.

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Step 3. Build PDF Form from Scratch

If you'd rather start from scratch, you can go to "File > New > Blank Document" to open a blank page. Then click the "Form" button on the top menu to show all the form elements like checkboxes, radio buttons, text fields, and so on. Click one of the elements on the floating menu. Move the cursor to a blank area of the document to draw checkboxes, radio buttons, list boxes, etc.

  • Create Multiple Copies: You can create duplicates of all selected fields at once.
  • Show Tab Numbers: You'll be able to see the default field order when you use the Tab key to enter. This will be the same as the creation order and you can change the order manually if you'd like.
  • Form Field Recognition: This will help you create a fillable PDF form automatically. This prevents you from having to add fields or boxes manually one by one.

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how to create a fillable pdf on mac

Step 4. Edit Fields Properties

After adding an element, you can set the properties for the interactive field by double-clicking on it. To align added interactive fields, Click the "Align" button and select one of the alignment options. To modify an existing field, click on the field to select it, then press the Delete key to delete it, or move your cursor to adjust its size. After drawing forms, you can then type in the text.

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Double-click the field or box to open the Properties window. You can then set the appearance, actions, options, and calculations, etc.

create fillable form mac

PDFelement for Mac is an awesome PDF form maker for Mac. You can use it to create your own professional form from a selection of free form templates, or options to create forms on Mac from scratch using text fields, buttons, lists, and more. On top of being a form creator, this program is also a form filler and editor. You'll be able to fill out PDF forms on Mac and edit items as you want.

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PDFelement for Mac can convert all of your PDF editings, creating, and converting needs. You can make changes to PDF text, images, and pages, just like you would with a Word processor. The advanced OCR technology even lets you turn scanned PDF documents into editable text. You can also convert PDF from or to various other document formats. Moreover, it supports the new macOS 11, so you don't have to worry about compatibility issues.

Free Download or Buy PDFelement right now!

Free Download or Buy PDFelement right now!

Buy PDFelement right now!

Buy PDFelement right now!


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Audrey Goodwin

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Home > Create PDFs on Mac > How to Create PDF Forms on Mac (macOS 11 Included) 2024