How to create a fillable form in Zoho Writer
Overview
Zoho Writer’s fillable templates allow you to create interactive documents that users can fill out. It is ideal for collecting data via feedback forms, surveys, client intake forms, and more.
Fillable Forms vs Web Forms
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Feature / Aspect
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Zoho Writer Fillable Forms
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Web Forms
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Primary Purpose
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Designed for print-ready, structured documents (e.g., tax forms, contracts, applications)
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Designed for collecting data online at scale
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Layout
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Strict layout & must be printable
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No Strict Layout
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Best Use Cases
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Formal documents, compliance forms, legal paperwork, Government Tax Form (e.g., W-9, 1040)
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Surveys, registrations, lead capture, and feedback forms
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These templates can be shared as fillable web forms or downloaded as fillable PDFs. You can:
- Build a fillable form from scratch.
- Convert an existing PDF or scanned paper form into a web form.
Prerequisites
- For scanned paper forms: A scanned image of the form, saved as a PDF
Steps
Zoho Writer offers multiple ways to create a fillable form:
1. How to create a new fillable form using Zoho Writer fillable templates
- Go to Zoho Writer Dashboard.
- Go to File > New Automation Template > Fillable Template > Create from scratch.
- A blank document will open where you can insert fillable fields and design your form.
2. How to convert PDF forms to webforms using Zoho Writer fillable templates
Useful when you already have a PDF form and want to fill online.
- Go to Zoho Writer Dashboard.
- Go to Create new > Fillable Template > Create over PDF.
- Upload your PDF form. You can upload PDFs from your computer or via a web URL. You can try our Sample image PDF form or Sample XFA PDF form.
- Click Auto Insert fields when prompted to detect and place fillable fields automatically.
Note: PDF file size must not exceed 10 MB. Detection accuracy is higher with digitally created PDF forms. Scanned forms may need more manual adjustments.
Supported File Uploads
- You can upload PDF forms from your computer or via a web URL.
- PDF file size must not exceed 10 MB.
Troubleshooting
1. Error/Symptom: PDF upload fails
Possible Cause: The uploaded file may exceed the size limit or be in an unsupported format.
Recommended Solution: Ensure the file is in PDF format and does not exceed 10 MB in size.
Possible Cause: The uploaded file may exceed the size limit or be in an unsupported format.
Recommended Solution: Ensure the file is in PDF format and does not exceed 10 MB in size.
2. Error/Symptom: PDF type not supported
Possible Cause: The uploaded PDF may be a dynamic XFA form or another unsupported variant.
Recommended Solution: Zoho Writer currently supports XFA forms (static), Standard PDF forms, and Image-based PDFs. Dynamic XFA forms are not fully supported. Try converting them to a static format or using a different file.
Possible Cause: The uploaded PDF may be a dynamic XFA form or another unsupported variant.
Recommended Solution: Zoho Writer currently supports XFA forms (static), Standard PDF forms, and Image-based PDFs. Dynamic XFA forms are not fully supported. Try converting them to a static format or using a different file.
3. Error/Symptom: Fields not detected in PDF
Possible cause: The PDF may be image-based, low quality, or not structured for automatic detection.
Recommended Solution: Use the Fillable Fields tab to manually insert the required form fields.
Possible cause: The PDF may be image-based, low quality, or not structured for automatic detection.
Recommended Solution: Use the Fillable Fields tab to manually insert the required form fields.
4. Error/Symptom: Recipients can’t submit the form
Possible cause: The form may not be shared with the correct access permissions.
Recommended Solution: Ensure the form is shared with appropriate permissions
Possible cause: The form may not be shared with the correct access permissions.
Recommended Solution: Ensure the form is shared with appropriate permissions
FAQ
1. Can I download my fillable form as a PDF?
Yes. You can download the fillable form as a fillable PDF from File > Download As PDF Form
Yes. You can download the fillable form as a fillable PDF from File > Download As PDF Form
2. Can recipients fill out the form without a Zoho account?
Yes, if you share it via a public link, anyone with the link can fill it out.
Yes, if you share it via a public link, anyone with the link can fill it out.
3. Can I receive responses directly in Zoho Writer?
Yes. Responses can be collected and tracked within Zoho Writer.
Yes. Responses can be collected and tracked within Zoho Writer.
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