What if my PDF has no form fields?

Then HivePDF switches to free-text mode: click anywhere on the page to drop a text box and type. It's the quickest way to complete a flat PDF that was never set up as a fillable form.

Does my file get uploaded?

No. The PDF is read and filled entirely in your browser — it never leaves your device, so even sensitive forms stay private.

What does flatten do?

Flattening bakes your answers into the page and removes the interactive fields, so the values can't be changed and look the same in every reader. Leave it off if you want to keep editing later.

Can I type non-Latin characters (e.g. Chinese or Japanese)?

Form fields currently render with a Latin font, so non-Latin text may not display correctly in filled fields yet. Standard Latin text and the free-text mode work well.

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Fill a PDF form

Fill in a PDF's form fields, or just type text anywhere on a flat PDF that has no fields. Optionally flatten the result so it can't be edited. Everything runs in your browser — nothing is uploaded.

Files never leave your device.How it works

How to fill a PDF form

Drop your PDF above (or click to select).
If it has form fields, they're highlighted — type or tick each one. If it's a flat PDF, click anywhere to add text.
Optionally flatten it, then click Fill and download the completed PDF.

Frequently asked questions

What if my PDF has no form fields?: Then HivePDF switches to free-text mode: click anywhere on the page to drop a text box and type. It's the quickest way to complete a flat PDF that was never set up as a fillable form.
Does my file get uploaded?: No. The PDF is read and filled entirely in your browser — it never leaves your device, so even sensitive forms stay private.
What does flatten do?: Flattening bakes your answers into the page and removes the interactive fields, so the values can't be changed and look the same in every reader. Leave it off if you want to keep editing later.
Can I type non-Latin characters (e.g. Chinese or Japanese)?: Form fields currently render with a Latin font, so non-Latin text may not display correctly in filled fields yet. Standard Latin text and the free-text mode work well.

Two ways to fill, one tool

Some PDFs are proper fillable forms with text boxes, checkboxes, and dropdowns; most are just flat pages someone expects you to print, write on, and scan back. HivePDF handles both. If your PDF has form fields, it highlights them so you can type and tick right on the page. If it doesn't, it switches to free-text mode so you can click anywhere and type. Either way, the work happens in your browser and your file is never uploaded.

Keep it editable, or lock it down

By default the filled PDF stays interactive, so you (or someone else) can update the answers later. When you're ready to send it, turn on flatten: your values are baked into the page and the fields are removed, so the document looks identical everywhere and can't be changed. It's the difference between a working draft and a final copy.

Good to know

Because it all runs locally, even a form full of personal details stays on your device. Form fields currently use a Latin font, so non-Latin scripts may not render in fields yet. To sign the form, use Sign; to combine it with other pages first, use Merge; to shrink a large filled form, use Compress.