How Do I Turn a PDF into a Fillable Form in Google Docs?

You’ve got a PDF, maybe a quiz, feedback form, or registration sheet, and you want to make it fillable using Google’s tools. While Google Docs doesn’t allow you to create a “fillable PDF” in the traditional sense, there’s a smart workaround: use Google Docs to organize your content and convert it into a Google Form using Formswrite.com.

This method is ideal for creating an interactive form that collects responses in the cloud and links directly to Google Sheets.

Step-by-Step: Turn a PDF into a Fillable Form Using Google Docs

1. Extract Text from the PDF

   • If the PDF is text-based, simply copy and paste.

   • If it's a scanned image, use OCR (Optical Character Recognition) tools like Google Drive or OnlineOCR.net to extract the content.

2. Open a New Google Doc

   • Go to docs.google.com and start a blank document.

   • Paste the extracted text and organize it clearly by listing each question and answer option.

Example: What’s your preferred method of contact?

A. Email  

B. Phone  

C. Text Message  

1. Format for Conversion

   • Use consistent formatting: one question per section with options beneath.

   • This structure will help Formswrite recognize and build the form accurately.

2. Use Formswrite.com

   • Formswrite allows you to convert your Google Doc into a fully interactive Google Form in seconds.

   • Just paste the Doc URL, and Formswrite does the rest—no coding required.

3. Review and Customize the Form

   • Once your Google Form is created, you can customize field types, enable quiz settings, or add conditional logic as needed.

   • Add images or sections for better form structure.

4. Publish and Share

   • Send the Google Form via email or link.

   • Responses are saved in Google Forms and automatically stored in Google Sheets.

Why This Works

Google Docs doesn’t support fillable fields like PDFs do, but Google Forms offers a more user-friendly, mobile-ready experience. By turning your PDF into a Doc first, and then using Formswrite, you get the best of both worlds, modern design and seamless data collection.

FAQ

Q: Can I create fillable PDFs in Google Docs? A: Not directly. Google Docs is for text editing, but it’s a great middle step for creating a Google Form.

Q: Is Formswrite free to use? A: Formswrite offers free and premium plans. Basic document-to-form conversion is free.

Q: What’s the difference between a fillable PDF and a Google Form? A: Fillable PDFs are static files with fields. Google Forms are dynamic, easier to share, and store responses in the cloud.

Q: Can I embed my form in a website? A: Yes, Google Forms provides an embed code you can use on most websites.