Form types
Tabs
When you click Start to build in your dashboard, PlatoForms presents three starting points. Choose what you want to create.
PDF → Online Form
You have a PDF
When to use: You already have a PDF and want to make it fillable online. Collect data with a form, then fill it back into your exact PDF — your layout stays intact.
Highlights: Keeps your layout · No rebuilding · AI field detection
Options:
- PDF Fillable Form ★ Popular — fields are overlaid on your PDF background. The output looks identical to the original.
- Web PDF Form — your PDF is converted into a mobile-friendly web form. Submitting it generates a completed PDF.
- Master Form — one form that maps fields into multiple PDFs at once. Useful when the same information needs to go into several documents.
Upload a PDF. We’ll instantly map your existing fields, or let our AI detect them straight from your layout.
Features:
- Preserves your original PDF layout — no redesigning required.
- AI field recognition automatically detects and maps fields after upload.
- Collect e-signatures, set up approval workflows, and integrate with cloud storage.
Related:
→ Start: Upload your PDF and convert it
Web Form
Start online
When to use: You want a modern, browser-based form — no PDF involved. Build a natural online form from scratch, with AI, or from one of our templates.
Highlights: Build with AI chat · 2,000+ templates · Switch style anytime
Options:
- Classic Web Form — many fields per page, single or multi-page.
- Conversational Form — one question per page, Typeform-style. Switch between Classic and Conversational at any time without rebuilding.
- Start with AI chat (AI) — describe your form and AI generates the field structure.
- Start from a template ★ Popular — browse 2,000+ ready-made forms across industries.
Switch freely between Classic and Conversational at any time — your fields come along.
Features:
- Drag-and-drop builder with flexible layouts.
- Add conditional logic, automation, payments, and dynamic fields.
- Fully responsive — works on all devices.
Related:
PDF Document Creator NEW
Design a PDF
When to use: You want to design a new document from scratch — no existing PDF to upload. Design a print-ready PDF in a powerful editor — contracts, letters, certificates and more.
Highlights: Design templates (coming soon) · Instant theme & layout · AI chat agent · Export PDF or online form
Options:
- Blank document — start from a clean page.
- Start with AI chat (AI) — tell our AI what you need and it drafts the document for you, styled in real time.
- Start from a template
Coming soon— pick a print-ready starting point.
Design once — then download a fillable PDF or turn it into an online form anytime.
Features:
- Canvas editor with drag-and-drop fields, tables, section headers, images, and shapes.
- Theme system with instant live preview on your actual document.
- Pre-styled widget library for consistent typography and layout.
- Export as a static PDF, or convert to a fillable online form — layout and fields carry over automatically.
Related:
→ Start: Design a document with AI
Quick selection guide
| I want to… | Use this |
|---|---|
| Digitize an existing PDF | PDF → Online Form → PDF Fillable Form |
| Make a PDF mobile-friendly | PDF → Online Form → Web PDF Form |
| Fill multiple PDFs from one form | PDF → Online Form → Master Form |
| Build a survey, sign-up, or data collection form | Web Form |
| Write a new contract, letter, or certificate | PDF Document Creator |
| Import an existing Google Form | Google Forms import |
Need a hand deciding? Watch the video tutorial or read the full documentation from the Start to build panel.
Not sure which to pick? See Which form type should I use? for a scenario-based guide.