PlatoForms User Guide
Ctrl+K

  • 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:

What's new? API Docs

Form types

Tabs

PlatoForms offers four main types of forms to match your workflow. Review the details below to find the right one for your project.

Start to build window

Online PDF

Scenarios:

  • Already have a PDF? Upload it and turn it into a fillable online form.
  • Choose how you want your form to appear—preserve the original layout or create a modern web version.

Options:

Upload pdf

  • Select Build a PDF Online Form to preserve your document’s exact appearance while making the fields fillable.

  • Select Build an Online Web Form to convert your PDF into a mobile-friendly form that works seamlessly on any device.

Features:

  • Ideal for digitizing existing PDFs.
  • Compatible with Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari, and Edge.
  • Note: image-heavy PDFs may take longer to load.

Master Form

Scenarios:

  • Need one online form to fill multiple PDFs at once.
  • Perfect for multi-document processes like contracts or application bundles.

Features:

  • Reuse the same fields across multiple PDFs.
  • Automatically syncs shared data between linked documents.

PDF Maker

Scenarios:

  • Want to create a brand-new PDF form from scratch.
  • Useful when you don’t have an existing PDF but still want a downloadable, printable version.

Features:

  • Design your own PDF layout directly in PlatoForms.
  • Add fields and sections freely.
  • Beta feature—functionality may continue to evolve.

Web Form

Scenarios:

  • Want a fully web-based form that doesn’t rely on a PDF.
  • Ideal for modern, mobile-friendly experiences.

Features:

  • Start from scratch or from templates to save time.

    Build web form from templates

  • Drag-and-drop builder with flexible layouts.

  • Add logic, automation, and dynamic fields.

  • Fully responsive—works perfectly on all devices.

Tips for selection

  • Purpose check: Consider your form’s goal—do you need to digitize a PDF, connect multiple PDFs, or create a web form?
  • Feature peek: Compare unique capabilities such as layout preservation, field reuse, or template-based setup.
  • Scenario fit: Choose Online PDF Form to preserve PDF layout, or Web Form for full flexibility and responsiveness.
  • Future planning: Use Master Form when you’ll reuse the same data across multiple documents.
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