Frequently Asked Questions

FillThatPDF! is a desktop application that automatically converts static PDF documents into fillable PDF forms. It uses intelligent detection to find form fields like text boxes, checkboxes, and signature lines, then creates interactive fields you can fill out in any PDF reader.

Our exclusive Instant Test Fill feature sets us apart. When you convert a PDF, you get BOTH a blank fillable form AND a pre-filled version instantly. This lets you verify field placement in seconds rather than manually typing test data into every field. No other tool offers this time-saving capability.

FillThatPDF! is available for:

• macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon)
• Windows (Windows 10 and 11)

Linux support is planned for a future release.

Yes! The PRO version includes a 7-day free trial with full access to all features. No credit card required to start the trial. After the trial, you can choose to subscribe or continue with the Standard version.

Standard ($59.99/year) includes core conversion features: Make Fillable, Instant Test Fill, checkbox/text field detection, and customizable test fill keywords.

PRO ($99.99/year) adds advanced features: Visual Field Editor, AI Auto-Name, Conditional Rules, Version History, Validation Builder, Batch Processing, AI Assistant, and more.

FillThatPDF! uses an annual subscription model. This ensures you always have access to the latest features, updates, and improvements. Your subscription includes all updates released during your subscription period.

Each license allows activation on up to 2 devices for personal use. This typically covers your work and home computers. For team or enterprise licensing with more devices, please contact us.

FillThatPDF! uses smart detection to identify virtually ANY type of form field in your PDF:

• Text fields - Detected from boxes, underlines, table cells, and empty spaces
• Checkboxes - Square and rectangular toggle boxes
• Radio buttons - Auto-grouped Yes/No/NA options
• Signature fields - Empty rectangular areas and signature lines
• Dropdowns - Combo boxes and list selections

Once detected, our smart context analysis automatically determines the appropriate field type based on surrounding text and layout. For example, fields near "Phone:" labels get phone formatting, fields near "Date:" get date formatting, and so on.

Test Fill automatically populates ALL detected form fields with sample data - not just text fields! This includes:

• Text fields - Filled with contextual sample text
• Every checkbox - Automatically checked so you can verify they work
• Every radio button - One option selected per group
• Every dropdown - First option selected to verify functionality

This lets you instantly verify:

• Field placement is correct (not overlapping text)
• Field sizes are appropriate (text fits without clipping)
• All checkboxes and radio buttons are clickable and visible
• Dropdowns are functional with proper options

Without Test Fill, you'd have to manually click every single checkbox, radio button, and dropdown to verify they work - which can take 2-4 hours on complex forms. With Test Fill, it takes under 30 seconds.

Absolutely! In Settings → Test Fill, you can set up keyword mappings. For example, make all fields containing "City" fill with "New York" and all "Phone" fields fill with "(555) 123-4567". This lets you test with realistic data that matches your actual use case.

Yes! The Visual Field Editor (PRO feature) lets you:

• Drag and resize any field with pixel-perfect precision
• Add new fields (text, checkbox, dropdown, signature, date)
• Delete unwanted fields
• Configure properties like font, alignment, validation, and more

Conditional Rules (PRO feature) let you create dynamic forms where fields respond to user input. For example:

• Show "Spouse Name" field only when "Marital Status" equals "Married"
• Make "License Number" required when "Has License" is checked
• Hide the "Other" text box until "Other" checkbox is selected

These rules work in Adobe Reader and other PDF viewers.

Yes! FillThatPDF! creates standard PDF form fields that work in:

• Adobe Acrobat Reader (free)
• Adobe Acrobat Pro
• macOS Preview
• Web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
• Most third-party PDF viewers

Core features work offline - PDF conversion, field detection, and the Visual Editor don't require internet access. Your documents never leave your computer.

The only features requiring internet are: license activation/validation, the AI Assistant (which uses Google's Gemini API), and checking for app updates.

No. All PDF processing happens locally on your computer. Your documents are never uploaded to our servers or any third-party services. The only exception is if you choose to use the AI Assistant feature, which sends field metadata (not your PDF content) to Google's Gemini API.

The AI Assistant (PRO feature) is a contextual help chatbot powered by Google's Gemini AI. It can answer questions about your form, suggest field names, help with conditional rules, and more.

Yes, you need to provide your own Gemini API key (free tier available from Google AI Studio). This "bring your own key" model keeps costs low and gives you control over API usage.

PDFs with open passwords (required to view) must be unlocked first using software like Adobe Acrobat.

PDFs with permission passwords (restrictions on editing/printing) can usually be processed, but results may vary depending on the specific restrictions set.

Field detection depends on how the PDF was created. Here are common reasons fields might be missed:

• Scanned documents - Fields are images, not vector shapes. Try adjusting sensitivity settings.
• Detection sensitivity - Try switching to "Aggressive" mode in Settings.
• Unusual field designs - Some forms use non-standard visual styles.
• Very small fields - Adjust the minimum field size settings.

You can always manually add missing fields using the Visual Field Editor (PRO).