How to Create PDF Form Fields and Send for Signature on iPad
Question details
The user needs to create new fields within a PDF and prepare the document for electronic signature directly on an iPad, without relying on a desktop computer.
- Product
- PDF Editors
- Device & OS
- iPadOS
- Scenario
- Preparing a PDF document with custom form fields and routing it for electronic signature while working on an iPad tablet.
- Observed behavior
- Standard PDF reader applications on the iPad lack the functionality to create new form fields, prompting the need for desktop alternatives or specialized signature apps.
Verify that your specific PDF application supports advanced form creation, as many mobile apps restrict this feature to desktop versions. Ensure your iPad has an active internet connection to successfully route documents for electronic signature.
Use a Desktop PDF Editor for Advanced Form Field Creation
Since most mobile PDF reader apps restrict form field creation, you should use a desktop application to add the necessary form fields before sending.
Mobile versions of popular PDF editors, including the standard Acrobat Reader for iPad, typically do not support creating new form fields from scratch. To prepare a document properly, it is best to set up the interactive elements on a desktop computer first.
Send the PDF file from your iPad to your Windows or Mac desktop computer using cloud storage services (like iCloud, Google Drive, or OneDrive) or via email.
Open the document on your computer using a full-featured desktop PDF editor, such as Adobe Acrobat Pro or WPS Office.
Navigate to the 'Form' or 'Prepare Form' tool menu and insert the required text fields, checkboxes, dropdowns, and signature blocks into the document.
Save the configured document and sync it back to your cloud storage so it can be easily accessed and sent from your iPad.
Use a Dedicated Mobile Signature App to Send Documents
Use specialized electronic signature applications on your iPad to route pre-made PDF forms to recipients for signing.
Easily Manage, Edit, and Sign PDFs with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a robust set of PDF tools that allows you to effortlessly manage documents, fill out forms, add your electronic signature, and share files across all your devices, including iPad, Mac, and Windows.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office on your desktop computer and iPad.
- 2. Open Your PDF: Launch the application and open your PDF document using the dedicated WPS PDF tool.
- 3. Edit and Sign: Navigate to the 'Fill & Sign' or 'PDF Edit' tab to add necessary text, annotations, or electronic signatures.
- 4. Sync and Share: Save the document to WPS Cloud to access, send, and share it instantly across all your synchronized devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I create new PDF form fields directly in Acrobat Reader on my iPad?
No, the standard Acrobat Reader app for iPad does not support creating new interactive form fields. You will need to use a desktop PDF editor to create, resize, and position form fields.
How can I sign a PDF directly on my iPad?
You can use the built-in Markup tools in iPadOS, or dedicated productivity apps like WPS Office and Adobe Acrobat Reader to draw, type, or place an electronic signature directly onto a PDF document.
Is it possible to send a document for signature without a desktop computer?
Yes, while creating the underlying form fields usually requires a desktop computer, you can use dedicated mobile applications like Adobe Acrobat Sign on your iPad to route already prepared documents for signature.
