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How to Create Fillable PDF Form for FREE

Introduction

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Creating fillable PDF forms for free without using Adobe Acrobat, which has a high monthly cost.

Get LibreOffice

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To create a PDF form, we'll use an application called LibreOffice. It's free and open source, similar to Microsoft Office but entirely free. You can download it from the website libraryoffice.org.

Launch LibreOffice Writer

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Launch LibreOffice Writer and download the program. Install it, then open LibreOffice Writer from your taskbar.

Form tools

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In this chapter, we explore the process of creating a form using LibreOffice Writer. The video demonstrates how to choose fonts, set alignment, and build the basic structure of a form by inserting logos, headers, and tables.

Display grid & snap to grid

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Display grid and snap to grid are important tools for building a form. The display grid option helps with aligning different fields on the form, while the snap to grid option assists in inserting text fields or option buttons.

Textbox

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The process of building a cookie order form is essential for starting to receive orders. The first step involves creating a text box for customers to enter their full name, with options to configure properties such as max text length and default text. Testing the functionality of the form controls is important before finalizing it.

List box

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In design mode, the speaker continues building a form and decides to add a list box for users to select cookie types. The list box is preferred over a text box as it allows predefined options like chocolate chip, white chocolate macadamia nut, etc. The speaker then defines the options by entering in all of the different cookies offered at Kevin Cookie Company.

Combo box

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The combo box provides more functionality than a list box. It allows users to choose predefined options and type in their own response, offering greater flexibility.

Numerical field

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When building a form, it's important to include a numerical field for capturing quantity. This allows users to enter specific numbers, such as the quantity of cookies they want to order.

Option box / radio button

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At the Kevin Cookie Company, customers can choose from three delivery options: pigeon, drone, and pneumatic tube. To ensure that customers only select one option, we use option buttons (radio buttons) instead of checkboxes. Each button is assigned a group name to prevent conflicting selections across different questions on the form.

Date field

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To add a date field, type in 'delivery' and click on X. Then select the option to insert a date field and draw out the box. Access properties to set its behavior.

Multi-line text

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When creating a form, it's important to include a text field where people can type in how they heard about us. This allows space for individuals to express themselves and provide detailed information.

Checkbox

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Easily customize and format the form to your preference, including adding a checkbox for users to agree with terms before placing an order.

Export as PDF form

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To export the form as a PDF, simply click on the 'export directly as PDF' icon in the top bar. You can also access more options by clicking on 'file' and selecting 'export as PDF.' This allows you to customize settings such as page selection and form creation.

Preview PDF form

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We open the newly created cookie order form in PDF format to see how it works. The form includes a text box for entering name, a drop-down list for selecting cookie type, and option buttons for preferred delivery method.

Wrap up

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Creating fillable forms using LibreOffice Writer is free and easy. The process was demonstrated in this video, showing how to create a fillable form without any cost.