How to Fill Out a PDF Form on a Smartphone (iOS & Android)
Question details
The user wants to know if and how recipients can fill out an interactive PDF form directly from their smartphones after receiving it via email.
- Product
- Mobile PDF Reader
- Device & OS
- iOS and Android
- Scenario
- A recipient receives an email with an interactive PDF form attached and needs to complete it using a mobile device.
- Observed behavior
- The recipient needs a supported method or compatible application to open, fill, and return the PDF document without requiring a desktop computer.
Ensure that the PDF file sent is properly formatted as an interactive, fillable PDF form, and that the smartphone is connected to the internet to download a compatible PDF reader app if one is not already installed.
Use a Dedicated Mobile PDF Reader App
Download and use a free mobile PDF application like Adobe Acrobat Reader to open and fill out interactive PDF forms directly from an email client.
Smartphones usually come with basic document previewers that do not support interactive form fields. To type into a PDF form, you must open the attachment in a dedicated mobile PDF application.
Go to the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android) and download a free PDF app, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Launch the email application on your smartphone, locate the email containing the form, and tap on the PDF attachment.
Instead of using the default preview, tap the 'Share' or 'Open With' icon, and select the PDF reader app you just installed.
Tap on the highlighted fillable text fields, checkboxes, or dropdown menus to enter your information using your phone's keyboard.
Once the form is complete, tap the 'Share' or 'Send a Copy' button within the app to attach the filled document to a new email reply.
Fill Out PDF Forms Easily with WPS Office for Mobile
WPS Office provides a powerful, free mobile application for both iOS and Android that allows you to effortlessly open, view, and fill out interactive PDF forms directly on your smartphone.
- 1. Download the App: Install the free WPS Office app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- 2. Open the PDF: Tap the PDF attachment in your email client and select 'Open in WPS Office' from the sharing menu.
- 3. Enter Information: Tap directly on the fillable fields in the document to bring up the keyboard and type in your details.
- 4. Add a Signature: If a signature is required, tap the 'Tools' menu, select 'PDF Annotation', and use the 'Signature' tool to sign.
- 5. Share the Document: Tap 'Share' at the bottom of the screen to quickly email the completed PDF form back to the sender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I type into the PDF form on my phone?
If you cannot type into the PDF, it might not be formatted as an interactive form by the creator, or you might be viewing it in your email app's basic previewer. Make sure to choose 'Open With' and select a dedicated PDF editor like WPS Office or Adobe Acrobat.
Can I sign the PDF form on my smartphone?
Yes, most dedicated mobile PDF apps include an electronic signature tool. You can usually access the tools menu, select 'Signature', draw your signature directly on your touchscreen, and place it in the designated signature box.
Do I need to pay for an app to fill out a PDF form on mobile?
No, filling out standard interactive PDF forms is a free feature in many applications, including the WPS Office mobile app and Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Will the sender be able to see my filled answers if they use a computer?
Yes. As long as you save or share the document directly from a compatible PDF app after filling it out, the data is embedded into the file and will be visible regardless of whether the recipient opens it on a PC, Mac, or mobile device.
