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How to Autofill PDF Forms Effortlessly? Tried and Tested Methods

Tired of manually entering data into your PDF forms? In an era where efficiency is key, filling out countless tax forms, work documents, or medical questionnaires can be a tiresome and time-consuming task. But what if you could wave goodbye to the tedium of repeatedly typing in the same information? Actually, you can - by using autofill tools. Many PDF editors remember the previous information of similar questions and can fill your forms easily.

Whether it's a straightforward single-page document or a complex multi-page form, you're good to go as long as it boasts interactive form fields. But which autofill pdf form tool is the best? Read on to learn about the best tools for auto-filling PDF forms.

Part 1. The Best Way to Autofill PDF Forms Effortlessly and Fast

No matter which type of form you want to fill, be that an office document, medical questionaries, or any other form, the tedium of typing the same information repeatedly is annoying. Fortunately, there's a solution to make this process a breeze: "UPDF". UPDF is your ultimate PDF companion. With UPDF, you can bid farewell to the hassle of manual data entry. And fill those long forms within seconds.

In addition, UPDF supports creating PDF forms within seconds with various filed options. And after the successful creation, you are able to fill those form fields with ease.

Let's get right to it - autofill PDF forms with UPDF! Before we begin, you'll need to download UPDF to get started.

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Here's how it works in four simple steps:

Step 1: Open the PDF Form 

Once you launch the UPDF on your device, click the open file button to add your form.

Step 2: Fill out the Form Interactive Field

As your form file opens in UPDF, its interactive fields are automatically editable. All you have to do is take your cursor to the field and add information.

pdf form updf

After completing a form field in the PDF using UPDF, you have the option to copy and paste the filled fields within the same PDF - Duplicate Across Pages or Create Multiple Copies, in the Prepare Form mode. This feature can save you a significant amount of time when dealing with lengthy PDF forms, serving as an alternative method for autofilling PDF forms.

pdf form prepare form

Step 3: Save the File

Once done editing, click on file open visible on the top bar. Save your file in the UPDF cloud or on your device. As you save the file, your data is automatically remembered by UPDF. So whenever you fill any form containing similar interactive fields to answer, they will be automatically filled without clicking any icon.

If you want to create a form or add additional text, checkbox, etc., to your PDF. Get it done by clicking on the Prepare Form More button. This way, you can add interactive fields to your PDF. Besides that, if you have a long file and need to know which fields are fillable. Click on the Form Feild Recognition icon to recognize all interactive fields in your pdf.

Why waste time when UPDF can streamline your PDF form-filling process? Take action now and download UPDF to experience the future of PDF convenience: Download UPDF today.

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Benefits of using UPDF to auto-fill PDF forms:

Intuitive Form Field Recognition: UPDF simplifies auto-filling PDF forms by highlighting all form fields intelligently. This makes it effortless for users to swiftly locate and interact with the required sections.

Comprehensive Form Filling Tools: UPDF makes sure you get all PDF works done perfectly. That's why it offers an array of advanced form-filling features. Using UPDF, users can easily edit forms, fill them, and customize properties to align the document with their precise requirements.

Effortless Data Import and Export: using UPDF, managing your data is easier than ever. The tool allows users to import data into forms swiftly, ensuring that information is added accurately. Furthermore, exporting form data for your records or sharing is equally straightforward.

One-Click Form Clearing: The convenience of UPDF extends to form clearing. Now, you dont have to waste time manually erasing or resetting your PDF editor. UPDF clears the form with a single click, allowing you to start fresh effortlessly.

Precise Autofill Functionality: UPDF excels in precise auto-filling. It recognizes form fields accurately, reducing the chances of errors and streamlining the form completion process.

Dynamic Form Design: using UPDF, you can create vibrant, interactive PDF forms tailored to your specific needs. UPDF provides tools for designing forms with various elements such as text fields, checkboxes, radio buttons, dropdowns, list boxes, and buttons, ensuring efficient and effective data collection.

Cross-Platform Compatibility: UPDF ensures you can auto-fill PDF forms anytime, anywhere. Whether using Windows, Mac, or iPhone, UPDF delivers a consistent and reliable form-filling experience across devices.

Enhanced Signature Creation: Effortlessly create and customize digital signatures within UPDF. Whether you prefer to draw signatures using a mouse or trackpad or type them with preset styles, UPDF accommodates your signature needs, ensuring a professional touch to your forms.

Beyond a PDF Form Fillerwith UPDF, you can also edit, annotate, read, summarize, translate, explain, rewrite, and OCR, etc. your PDFs conveniently. 

Also Read: 10 Best PDF Form Fillers

Part 2. What Are Some Other Ways to Autofill PDF Forms?

While UPDF provides a seamless and efficient solution for auto-filling PDF forms, alternative methods are available. In this section, we'll explore two methods, pdfFiller Online and Adobe Acrobat Pro, focusing specifically on their capabilities for auto-filling PDF forms.

Option 1. Auto-fill with pdfFiller Online

pdfFiller Online is a web-based tool that offers some PDF form auto-filling capabilities. However, it's essential to note that it may not be as efficient as UPDF in this aspect.

Here's how pdfFiller Works: 

Step 1. Upload Your Documents:

Start by visiting pdfFiller's website and uploading your PDF documents to the platform. Access your uploaded documents in the "My Docs" section.

pdf form my docs icon pdffiller

Step 2: Fill in Bulk:

For automated pre-filling, click on the "Fill in Bulk" option found on the right pane. This feature allows you to create pre-filled documents efficiently.

pdf form fill in bulk

Step 3: Add Fillable Fields:

Select "Add Fillable Fields" to identify the fields you wish to pre-fill. You can use the "Database Field Name" to distinguish these fields. If you need to generate multiple pre-filled documents, simply click "Add Task."

pdf form add fillbale fields pdffiller

Step 4: Define the Job:

In the dialog box that appears, provide a name and description for your automation job. Once defined, save the form to your "My Docs" section.

pdf form define the job

Step 5: Extract Data:

Choose a filled-in document as your template if you require data extraction from PDFs. Define the specific data fields you'd like to extract, assigning them names for easy identification.

Step 6: Initiate Data Extraction:

Upload documents with similar data, ensuring that they match the template. Click the "Start" button to initiate the data extraction process. Once completed, you can download the extracted data as an Excel spreadsheet to your computer.

Cons of Using pdfFiller Online:

  • Limited advanced features compared to UPDF.
  • pdfFiller auto-fill option works, but it's highly complex and requires users to take many steps to get the auto-fill work done.
  • The tool does not accurately align form fields.
  • The web-based nature may require a stable internet connection.
  • Limited functionality in the free version.

Option 2. Auto-fill with Adobe Acrobat Pro:

Adobe Acrobat Pro is a robust PDF editing software, but its auto-fill capabilities can be more complex than UPDF.

Here's how to auto-fill PDF forms using Adobe Acrobat Pro:

  • Begin by launching Adobe Acrobat DC Pro on your device.
  • Click the "Choose File" button to upload your PDF form to Acrobat. The system will automatically upload your file.
  • After your file opens, click the "Tools" icon on the top bar. From the options, select "Prepare Form." This will enable you to edit your form.
pdf form perform form adobe
  • You can start filling auto-fill fields with your form now in editable mode. Identify the field(s) from which you want to auto-populate data and ensure they have unique names.
  • The system will recognize fields with the same name as auto-fill candidates. It will mark these fields with a "#" sign, indicating they are set for auto-population.
  • Once you are done working with the auto-fill fields, click on the "Save" button to save your edited PDF form.

Cons of Using Adobe Acrobat Pro:

  • Higher cost, which may not justify its limited auto-fill features.
  • A potentially steep learning curve for users new to the software.
  • It may not be as intuitive as UPDF for straightforward form filling.
  • Limited platform compatibility and potential compatibility issues.
  • Limited cloud integration.
  • Frequent updates may disrupt workflow.

To experience a more efficient and streamlined PDF form auto-fill process, try UPDF. Streamline your workflow and auto-fill PDF forms easily and accurately. Download UPDF today!

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Part 3. Frequently-asked Questions About Autofill PDF Forms

Q1. Can any PDF be fillable?

No, not all PDFs can be made fillable. PDFs need to be created with interactive form fields to allow for easy autofill and data entry.

Q2. How do I add fillable fields to a PDF for free?

We recommend UPDF, as it offers a free trial, and the "create forms" features are accessible within it.

Q3. How do I create a fillable PDF in Word?

To create a fillable PDF in Word, follow these steps:

  1. Enable the "Developer" tab in Word.
  2. Add content controls from the "Developer" tab.
  3. Design your form using content control buttons.
  4. Make the form fillable by restricting editing to "Filling in Forms" only.
  5. To save the Word document as PDF, click the
  6. Save As icon, then choose PDF format. Save your document, and it will now be a fillable PDF.

Conclusion

Autofilling PDF forms can significantly enhance efficiency in handling various documents, from tax forms to work-related files. While multiple tools are available, UPDF stands out as a user-friendly and comprehensive solution. Its auto-population features, form-creation capabilities, and seamless workflow make it a top choice for simplifying the PDF form-filling process.

Download UPDF today and experience a more efficient and streamlined approach to working with PDF forms.

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