How to Create Fillable PDF Form for FREE

In this step-by-step tutorial, learn how to create a fillable PDF form for free using LibreOffice (previously known as OpenOffice). LibreOffice is free and open source software that allows you to create forms and export as a PDF form. When you distribute your form, others can fill out your form easily. Once they complete your form, they can print or save their responses in PDF format. You can create a form using things like check boxes, option buttons, text boxes, and drop-down lists.

👋 Additional resources:

⌚ Timestamps
0:00 Introduction
0:34 Get LibreOffice
1:27 Launch LibreOffice Writer
1:41 Form tools
3:55 Display grid & snap to grid
4:41 Textbox
7:34 List box
9:39 Combo box
10:15 Numerical field
10:47 Option box / radio button
13:28 Date field
13:49 Multi-line text
15:30 Checkbox
16:17 Export as PDF form
17:36 Preview PDF form
18:51 Wrap up

📃 Watch related playlists and videos

🚩 Connect with me on social:

🔔 Subscribe to my YouTube channel

🎬 Want to watch again? Navigate back to my YouTube channel quickly

⚖ As full disclosure, I use affiliate links above. Purchasing through these links gives me a small commission to support videos on this channel -- the price to you is the same.

#stratvert

[moodberry]

Bravo Kevin! A bit of history...25 years ago I was the product manager for a software company that was partly funded by Adobe. The company had an add-on for Acrobat that created a layer that would put fillable form fields into PDF documents. The technology was ahead of its time. When Adobe caught wind of how good it was, they decided to make form fields integrated into their Acrobat product. Overnight it put me out of a job. The company folded. Adobe got the technology, and the rest is history.
So, I feel great about Libre Office thumbing their nose at giants like Microsoft and Adobe by giving away the functionality that those giants sell. And, you said it right that the price Adobe charges is exorbitant. If it was a more reasonable cost, I might go with genuine Adobe products. But, thanks for showing us this alternative. Libre has some bugs, but, it is still very functional.

[anthonynorton]

That was great! Anyone who works in an office as clerk, where they do forms the old fashion way, and watched this got one possible path to a gold star.

[seanhurley]

Thank you, Kevin. I used Libre Office several time when I had Linux on one my old laptops years ago. The two things that I learned from this video, which I didn't know before, are:
1) Libre is available for Windows as well
2) Libre can make fillable PDF documents

THANK YOU.

I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS.

[jackienapoles]

Thank you very much, Kevin! I've been asked to turn our forms into fillable PDF since I started working and I'm so glad I watched your tutorial You are a life saver!!!! More power!

[kwl]

Kevin. You're the best! I could always find an answer to everything I need to do my volunteer work with a non-profit organization, and you have such a wonderful and simply way of explaining things. Thank you so much!!!

[CaptainHorseKnuckle]

I have been looking for a video that explained in a straightforward way, exactly how to do this in Libre Office and this tells me everything I needed to know to get moving with it. Thank you for posting this!

[yzmatopia]

THANK YOUU! I run a sorority and with the pandemic, turning in PDF forms strictly online for the other girls who may not have the same resources to edit things online on their devices has been HECTIC!!! This is truly truly what I needed!

[mahshadrabiee]

Thank you for your great video. I really appreciate that you talk so fluent and clear that me and others with different languages can completely understand.
Nice job💛

[jinkydsouza]

Kelvin, I know I have said this before, but just wish to repeat that u are absolute great content simply unmatchable.. please keep up the good work!

[annwright]

I’m learning so much from you. I do not have to spend hours searching like I use to do. Glad I found you.

[christinac]

Again, you hit it out of the park Kevin! Exactly what I needed to learn. Thank you so much! 🤗

[roxyskittens]

Wow! Your tutorials are amazing, I've learned so much!
I used Libre Office for a long time when I couldn't afford to buy Microsoft Office and I'd forgotten I had it installed on my laptop :)

[shauryadaga]

Best how to tutorial channel I've ever seen in the internet!!
U are Awesome

[fileminokilicho]

thank you. I find your videos very easy to follow. And it's cool to hear that almost robotic/mechanical sound of your voice. It actually keeps me interested in everything you have to say.

[beckywelch]

Thanks so much for a great video! I've been looking for a while for a good, free and safe option to make a couple of fillable pdfs. Your instructions are perfection!

[pamkeesbery]

When stuck and use You Tube for help, always happy to see Kevin's videos. So helpful and clear cut

[williamhoward]

Thank you Kevin. We just created an LLC and the info you provided will be key to our service delivery. Well done!

[scdealey]

Congratulations.. The first TOA I ready fully and they were incredibly clear. Fun!
The sense of humor and completeness works for my extreme level of OCD.
🤠

[IbrahimAli-sxlq]

Thank you, Kevin. You simply are amazing. I followed along and created the fillable form without any problem.

[ndukwevictory]

Your tutorial was smooth, easy to follow and understand. Thank you so much!