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  • Form Builder

    Creating an Online Form for an Existing PDF

  • Custom Domain

    With Builder you can build three types of forms: online web forms, online PDF forms, and master forms.

  • Master Form Builder

    you will arrive at the Form Builder. On the form Builder, there are three main sections:

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Create your first online form

Tabs

This article guides you through creating your first online form using PlatoForms.

Access the Dashboard

  1. Log in to PlatoForms after setting up your account.

    The PlatoForms Dashboard will open.

  2. Here’s what you’ll find on the Dashboard:

    • On the left, you can access Workflows, Invitations, and more.
    • At the top, use tabs to switch between forms.
    • In the middle, your forms are displayed.

Select your ideal form type

Available form types

PlatoForms provides you various types of forms. See the description in the table below:

Type Scenarios Features
Online PDF Form
  • Convert your PDF into interactive online form while keeping its original details.
  • Alternatively, create a PDF from scratch and let PlatoForms turn it into an interactive online form.
  • Great for complex PDFs.
  • Works on Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari, Edge.
  • Not on Internet Explorer.
  • Many images may slow loading.
Online Web Form
  • Convert your PDF to interactive online form based on PlatoForms’ components.
  • Tailor it your way with a range of options.
  • Works on all browsers, mobile-friendly.
  • Slightly more setup, but super efficient.
Master Form Reuse fields in multiple PDFs. Reuse data for multiple forms easily.

Tips for selection

  • Purpose check: Consider your form’s goal, whether it’s converting a PDF, reusing fields, or starting from scratch.

  • Feature peek: Examine unique features like layout options, field reuse, and customization.

  • Scenario fit: Match the form type to your project needs. For example, choose ‘Online PDF form’ to preserve PDF layout.

  • Future planning: Think ahead. ‘Master form’ can save time by allowing field reuse across PDFs.

Once you’ve decided, dive in! Follow the steps for your chosen form type to kickstart your form-building journey.

Create your online form

  1. Click Start to build in the bottom left corner of the Dashboard.

    Click Start to build button

  2. In the pop-up window, choose the form type you want to create:

    Start to build window

    • To create Online PDF Form or Online Web Form, click Create Online Form for an Existing PDF.
    • To create Master Form, click Create Master Form for Multiple PDFs.
    • To create a PDF form from scratch, click Create PDF Form from Scartch.
Note

For a detailed comparison, refer to the Available form types section.

Add form fields

After creating your online form, access the form builder, where you can:

  1. Add new fields:

    Add form fields
    Add fields for online web form

  2. Customize fields as needed.

For more details about fields, refer to the Form fields section.

Customize form design

Once you’re done with your form fields, you can head to the design page to freely customize the look.

  1. In the top left of the form builder, click Preview Form.

    Preview form

  2. Design your form look on the preview page:

Adjust form settings

Before sharing your form with customers or respondents, you can customize form settings, such as configuring notifications, applying multi-languages, and more.

  1. In the top left of the editor page, click the settings button.

    Form settings button

  2. Switch between tabs to customize your form settings.

    Form settings window

For more details, refer to the Manage form settings section.

Publish your form

When your online form is complete, go to the editor page and click the Publish button at the top left.

Publish your form button

Once published, you’ll receive a Public URL, Embed Script, or QRCode for sharing with others:

  • Public URL: A direct link to your published PDF form. You can simply share this link with others, and they can access and fill out the form using their web browser.

  • Embed Script: A snippet of code that you can embed on your website or web application. When you add the Embed Script to your web page, it will display your PDF form directly on that page, allowing users to fill it out without leaving your website.

  • QRCode: A simple and efficient way to share your PDF forms. Like Embed Script, which integrates forms into your website, QR Codes let users access and complete forms easily. Display the QR Code on your website or materials, and users can scan it with their mobile devices to quickly access and fill out the form. Just like Embed Script, QR Codes enhance interaction while maintaining a seamless journey.

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