Filling out PDF forms on Mac can be a simple and efficient way to complete various types of documents. Whether you need to fill out an application, sign a contract, or complete a questionnaire, Mac provides built-in tools that allow you to easily fill out PDF forms without the need for printing or scanning.
Using Preview to Fill Out PDF Forms
If you are using a Mac, chances are you already have the Preview app installed on your computer. Preview is not only a powerful image viewer but also a versatile tool for working with PDF files. Here’s how you can use Preview to fill out a PDF form:
Step 1: Open the PDF Form
Start by locating the PDF form on your Mac and double-clicking on it. The form will open in the Preview app by default.
Step 2: Select the Text Tool
In the toolbar at the top of the Preview window, click on the “Show Markup Toolbar” button (it looks like a toolbox). This will reveal additional tools that you can use to annotate and edit the PDF.
Once the Markup Toolbar is visible, click on the “Text” tool (it looks like an uppercase “A”) to select it.
Step 3: Fill Out the Form Fields
With the Text tool selected, you can now click inside each form field and start typing. The text will appear directly within each field, and you can adjust its size and font using options available in the Markup Toolbar.
If there are checkboxes or radio buttons in the form, simply click on them to toggle their status (checked/unchecked).
Step 4: Add Checkmarks or Signatures
If there are areas in the form where you need to add checkmarks or signatures, you can do so using the Markup Toolbar. Click on the “Shapes” tool (it looks like a square) and choose the checkmark or signature shape from the drop-down menu that appears.
Click and drag to draw the shape in the desired location, and then use the handles to resize and position it precisely.
Step 5: Save and Share
Once you have filled out all the necessary fields and added any required annotations, it’s time to save your changes. Go to “File” in the menu bar, click on “Save,” and choose a location on your Mac to save the filled-out form.
You can now share the completed PDF form electronically or print it if needed.
Alternative Solutions for Filling Out PDF Forms
In addition to using Preview, there are other third-party apps available for filling out PDF forms on Mac. Some popular options include Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, PDFelement, and Foxit Reader. These apps offer more advanced features for working with PDFs but may require a separate installation.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader DC: This free app from Adobe allows you to view, fill out, sign, and annotate PDF forms. It also includes advanced features for creating and editing PDFs.
- PDFelement: With its intuitive interface, PDFelement offers an easy way to fill out PDF forms on Mac.
It supports interactive form fields, digital signatures, and OCR (Optical Character Recognition) capabilities.
- Foxit Reader: Foxit Reader is another popular choice for filling out PDF forms. It provides a user-friendly interface with extensive form-filling features.
No matter which tool you choose, filling out PDF forms on Mac has never been easier. Whether you opt for Preview or a third-party app, these tools will save you time and effort by eliminating the need to print and manually complete forms. So go ahead and make the most of your Mac’s built-in capabilities or explore additional options to enhance your PDF form-filling experience!