Alternative Software for Collecting and Analyzing PDF Form Data
Question details
The user is looking for an alternative software to collect and analyze PDF form data because they are unable to subscribe to Adobe FormsCentral in their region.
- Product
- Adobe FormsCentral / Creative Cloud
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Finding a tool to gather, manage, and analyze data submitted by users via digital forms.
- Observed behavior
- The user cannot subscribe to Adobe FormsCentral due to regional credit card restrictions and discovered that Creative Cloud does not include an equivalent built-in form data analysis service.
Before exploring alternatives, determine whether you strictly need a fillable PDF format or if a modern web-based form builder will better suit your data collection and analysis needs.
Migrate to Modern Web-Based Form Builders
Since traditional PDF form collection services like FormsCentral have been retired, migrating to web-based platforms is the most reliable way to collect and analyze data seamlessly.
Web-based form builders have largely replaced static PDF data collection. Tools like Google Forms, Microsoft Forms, or Jotform offer robust data collection, regional availability without strict credit card blocks, and built-in analytics.
These platforms automatically compile user responses into easy-to-read spreadsheets and generate visual charts for analysis, completely eliminating the need to manually extract data from individual PDF files.
Select a globally accessible web form builder such as Google Forms, Microsoft Forms, or Typeform that operates reliably in your region.
Use the platform's drag-and-drop editor to recreate the text fields, checkboxes, and drop-down menus originally present in your PDF form.
Instead of sending a PDF file, send the generated URL to your respondents. They can fill out the form directly in any web browser.
Navigate to the 'Responses' or 'Analytics' tab within the form platform to view real-time data analysis, or export the collected responses to a CSV/Excel file.
Use Dedicated PDF Form Extractors
If you are required to use the PDF format for regulatory or formatting reasons, you can use specialized desktop PDF editors to extract batch data.
Create and Edit PDF Forms with WPS Office
While automated server-side data collection is best handled by web platforms, you often still need to create, fill, and manage standard PDF forms. WPS Office provides a comprehensive PDF toolkit to easily handle fillable PDFs, format documents, and prepare your forms for distribution.
- 1. Download and Install WPS Office: Get the latest version of WPS Office and launch the application on your device.
- 2. Open Your PDF Form: Click on 'Open' and select the PDF form document you want to edit or fill out.
- 3. Use the PDF Toolkit: Navigate to the PDF tab to access various tools for editing text, highlighting information, and interacting with form fields.
- 4. Save and Export: Once the form is prepared or filled, save the document or export it to share with your respondents or team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adobe FormsCentral still available for use?
No, Adobe retired FormsCentral. Users looking for similar features are generally encouraged to use modern web-based form services or enterprise Adobe Experience Manager forms, depending on their needs.
Does Adobe Creative Cloud include a tool for collecting form data?
Adobe Creative Cloud includes Adobe Acrobat Pro, which allows you to create and distribute fillable PDF forms. However, it does not include a dedicated server-side form data collection and web analysis platform like the discontinued FormsCentral.
How can I extract data from multiple filled PDF forms?
You can extract data using advanced desktop PDF software that supports batch processing. These tools allow you to select a folder containing multiple filled PDF forms and export the field data directly into a single Excel or CSV file.
Can I convert my existing PDF forms into online web forms?
Yes. Many modern online form builders like Jotform offer tools that let you upload an existing PDF form. The system will automatically scan the document and convert the fields into a responsive, mobile-friendly web form.
