How to Fill Out a PDF Form on iPad
Your iPad is a capable PDF form-filling machine. Between built-in tools and free apps, you can complete and sign most forms without touching a printer. Here's every method, from Apple's native options to third-party apps.
Method 1: Using the Files App (Free, Built-in)
The Files app handles basic PDF form filling out of the box.
Steps:
- Open the Files app
- Navigate to your PDF (iCloud Drive, On My iPad, or connected services)
- Tap the PDF to open it
- For fillable PDFs: Tap any form field and type
- Tap Done when finished
For non-fillable PDFs:
- Tap the Markup icon (pen tip in the toolbar)
- Tap + and select Text
- Position the text box over the field
- Type your content
- Repeat for each field
Adding signatures:
- In Markup mode, tap +
- Select Signature
- Draw with your finger or Apple Pencil
- Drag to position and resize
The Files app saves changes automatically.
Method 2: Preview App (iPadOS)
iPadOS includes Preview for more sophisticated PDF handling.
Steps:
- Open the PDF in Preview
- For fillable forms, tap blue-highlighted fields to enter text
- Use the Markup toolbar for signatures and annotations
- AutoFill suggests saved contact information above the keyboard
Apple Pencil integration: With an Apple Pencil, you can write directly on PDFs. Preview converts handwriting to text in form fields or keeps it as ink for signatures.
Method 3: Google Drive (Free)
If you use Google services, Drive offers simple form filling.
Steps:
- Open the Google Drive app
- Tap your PDF to open it
- Tap Fill out form at the bottom (if available)
- Complete the fields
- Tap Save
Limitation: Only works with properly structured fillable PDFs. If you don't see "Fill out form," the PDF either isn't fillable or uses unsupported form technology (like XFA).
Method 4: Adobe Acrobat Reader (Free App)
Adobe's free app is the most capable option for iPad PDF forms.
Steps:
- Download Adobe Acrobat Reader from the App Store
- Open your PDF
- Tap the Fill & Sign icon
- Tap anywhere to add text
- Use the toolbar for signatures, checkmarks, and dates
- Save when done
Advantages:
- Works on fillable AND non-fillable PDFs
- Better field detection than built-in tools
- Saved signatures and initials for quick reuse
- Free Adobe account syncs across devices
Apple Pencil: Acrobat Reader fully supports Apple Pencil for signatures and freehand annotations.
Method 5: PDF Expert (Paid)
For heavy PDF users, PDF Expert offers professional-grade features.
Key features:
- Excellent Apple Pencil support with palm rejection
- Fill any form type—interactive, static, or scanned
- Edit existing PDF text (paid feature)
- Annotate, highlight, and comment
- Cloud sync with all major services
Cost: Subscription or one-time purchase. Worth it if you work with PDFs daily.
Method 6: Online Tools via Safari
No app installation required—use web-based tools directly in Safari.
PDFgear (Free):
- Go to pdfgear.com in Safari
- Select the form filler tool
- Upload your PDF
- Fill out the fields
- Download the completed form
Smallpdf: Upload, fill, sign, and download. Free tier includes limited daily tasks.
iLovePDF: Similar workflow with no signup required for basic use.
Online tools work but aren't as smooth as native apps on iPad.
Using Apple Pencil for PDF Forms
Apple Pencil transforms iPad PDF filling:
Signatures: Draw natural signatures that look handwritten, not like mouse scribbles.
Form fields: Write in fields and let iPadOS convert to text, or keep as handwriting.
Annotations: Mark up documents, highlight text, add notes in margins.
Tips for Apple Pencil:
- Enable palm rejection in your PDF app settings
- Use the pencil's pressure sensitivity for natural signatures
- Double-tap (Pencil 2nd gen) to switch between tools quickly
AutoFill with Contact Information
iPadOS offers AutoFill for PDF forms:
- When you tap a form field, suggestions appear above the keyboard
- These pull from your Contacts card (your own entry)
- Tap a suggestion to insert it instantly
Set up your Contacts card:
- Open the Contacts app
- Tap your name at the top (marked "Me")
- Fill in your address, phone, email
- This data appears as AutoFill suggestions in PDF forms
Troubleshooting iPad PDF Filling
"I can't type in the form fields" The PDF may not have interactive fields. Use Markup to add text boxes, or try Adobe Acrobat's Fill & Sign which works on any PDF.
"The keyboard covers the form" Drag the PDF up to reposition, or use Split View to keep the keyboard on one side.
"My signature looks shaky" Sign more slowly, or use Apple Pencil instead of your finger. You can also type your name and select a script font in Adobe Acrobat.
"I can't save the filled form" Make sure you're not viewing a read-only file. In Files, check that you have write permissions. Try "Save a Copy" instead.
"Form fields show but won't accept input" The PDF may have security restrictions. Contact whoever sent the form for an unlocked version.
When iPad PDF Filling Isn't Enough
Mobile form filling works for occasional use. It becomes frustrating when:
- Dozens of fields — Tapping each on a small screen takes forever
- Multiple similar forms — Re-entering the same data repeatedly
- Scanned documents — Apps struggle with field detection on scans
- Batch processing — One form at a time is your only option
AutoFillPDF solves these problems. Upload your PDF from any device (including iPad via Safari), provide your information once, and the AI fills every field automatically. Works on scans, flat PDFs, and interactive forms alike.
Comparison: iPad PDF Filling Options
| Method | Cost | Fillable PDFs | Non-Fillable | Apple Pencil |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Files App | Free | Good | Basic | Yes |
| Preview | Free | Good | Good | Yes |
| Google Drive | Free | Good | No | Limited |
| Adobe Acrobat | Free | Excellent | Good | Yes |
| PDF Expert | $$ | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| AutoFillPDF | $$ | Excellent | Excellent | N/A (web) |
Fill Any PDF on iPad—Without the Tedium
AutoFillPDF works in Safari on your iPad. Instead of tapping through fields one by one, upload your PDF, provide your data, and download the completed form. The AI handles field detection and accurate placement—even on scanned documents.
No app to install. Works in your browser.
No manual positioning. AI places text accurately.
No format restrictions. Scans, flats, and fillable forms all work.
Try it free: AutoFillPDF
Related Guides
FAQs
Can I fill out a PDF on my iPad for free? Yes. The built-in Files app, Preview, Google Drive, and Adobe Acrobat Reader (free version) all handle PDF form filling at no cost.
What's the best app to fill PDFs on iPad? For free: Adobe Acrobat Reader offers the most features. For paid: PDF Expert provides professional-grade PDF handling with excellent Apple Pencil support.
How do I sign a PDF on iPad? Use Markup in any PDF app. Tap the + icon, select Signature, draw with your finger or Apple Pencil. Most apps save your signature for reuse.
Can I fill a PDF that doesn't have form fields? Yes. Use Adobe Acrobat's Fill & Sign or the Markup tools to add text boxes anywhere on the document. AutoFillPDF can also fill non-fillable PDFs automatically.
Does iPad support fillable PDF forms? Yes. iPadOS handles standard PDF forms (AcroForms) well. Some advanced forms (XFA) may not work in all apps—try Adobe Acrobat Reader for best compatibility.