Fill PDF with DocFly: How It Works & Best Alternatives

To fill a PDF with DocFly, upload your file at docfly.com, open it in the online editor, click any form field to type your answer, then download the finished PDF. DocFly works in any browser with no installation, but free users get a limited number of exports per month (currently officially stated as 3 times/month) and the tool requires an internet connection.

In this guide, we test DocFly’s form-filling workflow step by step, explain its free limits and what it can’t do, and show an offline alternative - UPDF - with unlimited free form filling and stronger privacy.

Part 1. What Is DocFly PDF Filler?

DocFly is a browser-based PDF form filler. You can upload a PDF and work with existing form fields, or add elements such as text, checkboxes, dropdowns, and signatures when a document does not already contain fillable fields.

What Can You Do with DocFly?

• Fill out PDF forms quickly online, saving loads of time.

• Online PDF editor that helps to edit PDF documents for free online.

• Because DocFly is browser-based, your PDF is uploaded to an online service while you work on it. DocFly states that files are transferred over 256-bit SSL and that guest files are automatically deleted from its servers within 24 hours.

• DocFly works in a browser, so you can use it on supported desktop devices without installing a dedicated PDF application. The trade-off is that the workflow depends on an internet connection.

The caveat to these benefits however is that DocFly is an online tool and this can be a limitation to those who want to access the website offline or from areas with lower connectivity.

Part 2. How to Fill PDF Forms with DocFly

Now, let us learn how you can start filling out a form with DocFly.

First and foremost access its homepage and follow these steps.

Step 1. Upload Your PDF

Go to DocFly and upload the PDF you want to fill. You can drag and drop the file or choose it from your device.

Step 2. Open the PDF Filler

After uploading the document, DocFly opens it in its browser-based editor. From there, you can work with existing form fields or add text and other form elements where needed.

Can You Fill a PDF That Has No Form Fields?

Yes. DocFly supports both interactive PDFs with built-in fields and flat PDFs without pre-existing fields. On a flat PDF, you can place text, checkboxes, and an e-signature directly on the page.

Editor allows you to edit your existing PDF form by selecting fields, and text, adding signatures, links, and so on.

Form Creator: If the PDF does not contain the fields you need, DocFly also provides form-creation tools for adding text fields, checkboxes, dropdowns, date fields, and signature fields.

However, some users report that when adding form fields, text direction rotates 90 degrees — from bottom to top instead of left to right. One user reported: "You can only see the first letter, then you can not see anything." If you encounter this, the only workaround is to rotate the field manually or use a different tool.

Step 3. Download or Share the Completed PDF

DocFly currently allows three free exports per month for visitors. This means you can download, email, print, or save to cloud storage only three times per month. If you exceed that limit, the form you just spent 20 minutes filling out cannot be exported until your account resets or you upgrade to a paid plan.

The Pro plan unlocks unlimited exports for users who need more. But even paid users report concerns about value for money — some feel "the subscription is expensive compared to competitors".

Part 3. DocFly PDF Filler Review: Ease of Use and Limitations

Ease of Use

DocFly's biggest strength is simplicity. The basic workflow is straightforward: upload the PDF, open it in the browser-based editor, fill in the required information, add a signature when needed, and export the completed document.

This makes it a practical option for occasional PDF forms and users who do not want to install desktop software.

Where It Works Well

DocFly is particularly convenient for simple forms, job applications, registrations, and other documents that mainly require text input, checkboxes, dropdowns, or signatures.

Where It Falls Short

The limitations become more noticeable for repeated or offline workflows. Users who frequently reuse the same form, work without a stable internet connection, or need more extensive PDF management may benefit from a desktop application.

Reusing the Same PDF Form

UPDF provides a Clear Form function that can remove entered form data in one action, which is useful for reusable form templates.

One consideration for repeated workflows is how easily you can clear previously entered information and reuse the same template. This matters when the same form needs to be completed for multiple people or cases.

DocFly Pros and Cons

Current free usage: 3 exports per month for visitors; Pro unlocks unlimited exports.

Part 4. DocFly Alternative: Filling PDF Forms with UPDF

UPDF is a desktop alternative for users who need more control over PDF form workflows, particularly when working offline or reusing the same form repeatedly.

It supports filling existing fields, adding form fields, signing documents, and clearing entered form data.

How to Fill a PDF with UPDF

Open the PDF in UPDF and choose the Form tools. If the document already contains form fields, you can enter information directly. You can also add or manage form fields when needed.

For repeated forms, UPDF's Clear Form feature can remove entered data so the same template can be reused.

This will instantly clear all the data on your PDF form and make it look brand new to fill out again.

DocFly vs UPDF: Which PDF Filler Fits You?

Which PDF Filler Should You Choose?

Choose DocFly if:

You want to fill a PDF quickly in a browser, do not want to install software, and mainly work with occasional forms.

Consider UPDF if:

You frequently fill or reuse PDF forms, prefer a desktop workflow, or need additional PDF management features.

DocFly is a convenient choice for quick browser-based PDF form filling. UPDF is a stronger fit for users who need a desktop workflow and more control over repeated PDF form tasks.

FAQ

Conclusion

DocFly is a convenient tool for quick browser-based filling. UPDF is a more capable, more private, and more cost-effective solution for regular PDF work. If you want unlimited form filling, offline access, and full control over your documents, UPDF is the smarter choice.