How to Fill Out a PDF Form on Your Phone Without Printing

First, identify the type of form

There are two types of PDF forms, and the steps depend on which one you have:

• Form with fields (interactive): Tap a line to see a cursor or keyboard. These forms are designed to be filled out on screen.
• Flat form: The lines and boxes are just part of the page. Tapping them does nothing. This is common with older forms, rental agreements, and scanned documents.

To check, open the PDF in a full-featured reader and tap one of the blank lines.

Forms with fields: use your phone's PDF reader

• iPhone: Save the PDF in the Files app and open it there. Tap the fields to type. When you're done, tap OK or Done; your changes will be saved in the file.
• Android: Open the PDF in Google Drive or your device's PDF reader. Recent versions of Drive's PDF viewer let you fill in fields; look for the pencil icon or the option to fill out a form. The steps vary by device brand and version.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader (free, if you prefer an app): Includes a Fill & Sign feature.

Before sending the file, save a copy and reopen it to make sure your information was saved. Some viewers display your text on screen but don't save it.

Forms without fields: type over the page

If the PDF has no fields, add text over the page, placing it on top of each line.

1. Open Edit PDF in your phone's browser and select the form.
2. Choose the Text tool and tap just above the first line you need to fill in. Type your text.
3. Drag the text into place and adjust the size to fit. Zoom in on the browser to position it more precisely.
4. For checkboxes, type an X inside each one.
5. Use the arrows to move through the pages. When you're done, tap Save edited PDF.

On iPhone, you can also use the Markup feature in the Files app: open the PDF, tap the pen icon, then tap + and Text.

Add your signature and flatten the PDF

Almost every form ends with a signature. With Sign PDF, you can draw your signature with your finger, type it, or use a photo of it, then place it where it belongs. If you're submitting a form to a government agency, check whether it accepts an electronic signature or requires a specific type. See How to Sign a PDF Without Printing for your options.

Finally, run the file through Flatten PDF. This turns filled-in fields and annotations into part of the page. Your text will look the same in any PDF reader, and the recipient won't accidentally delete or change it.

Checklist before you send

• All required fields are filled in, including the date and location.
• Double-check all numbers, such as account or ID numbers, one digit at a time.
• No text overlaps the lines or gets cut off at the edges.
• Your signature is in the right place and on every page that requires one.
• The finished file opens on another device with everything visible.

Tips for making your form look polished

• Use the same size throughout: Choose a font size that fits the form's shortest line, then use it in every field. Mixing sizes can make the form look messy.
• Use simple, dark text: Black or dark blue without bold is easier to read if the form is printed or scanned again.
• Use the requested date format: If the form shows MM/DD/YYYY, follow that format exactly.
• For fields that don't apply: Instead of leaving them blank, write “N/A” or add a dash if the form's instructions allow it. This shows you didn't overlook the field.
• Turn your phone sideways: On a small screen, rotating your device and zooming in makes it easier to position text precisely.

Frequently asked questions