Published on May 11, 2025 5 min read

Best Free Tools to Create Fillable PDF Forms on Windows

PDF forms are ubiquitous—from job applications to surveys to event registrations. If you've ever tried to create one, you know it's not just about typing into a box. You need tools that are easy to understand, reliable, and, ideally, free. If you're using Windows and looking for a solid form creator without the price tag, here are some excellent options to explore.

Best Free PDF Form Creators for Windows

PDFescape Desktop

PDFescape’s desktop version provides solid control without fuss. You can add text fields, checkboxes, radio buttons, dropdowns, and signatures. The interface isn’t flashy, but it’s practical, and everything is clearly labeled. The free version has a file size limit, but for small to medium forms, it performs well. It doesn’t overwhelm with features, making it simple to use, even for beginners.

LibreOffice Draw

LibreOffice isn't just for writing or spreadsheets. Its Draw app can build interactive PDF forms using controls like buttons and lists. The best part? It's open-source and regularly updated. Once you're inside the form builder, everything from positioning to naming fields feels manageable. It may take a few minutes to get used to where things are, but after that, you're pretty much set.

JotForm PDF Editor

JotForm’s web-based PDF editor stands out by letting you start from templates or create forms from scratch. While the main product is known for online forms, the PDF editor can export those into downloadable, fillable PDFs. You can drag and drop elements, rearrange sections, and edit the look to your liking. It does require an account, but the free tier is generous for occasional use.

Sejda PDF Editor

Sejda works both online and as a downloadable app. It gives you clear icons to insert form fields, add calculations, or change field properties. It’s smooth and lightweight, with limits on daily tasks unless you pay, but still allows enough room for smaller projects. What makes it nice is the speed—changes reflect instantly, and you won’t spend time hunting through menus.

PDF-XChange Editor

This feature-rich editor lets you add interactive form elements and modify existing ones without a license. PDF-XChange Editor offers a high level of customization. You can set tab order, field formatting, and visual styles for each element. The interface leans more professional, but it’s still accessible to most users once they explore it for a bit.

Foxit PDF Editor (Free Trial)

Foxit offers a limited-time free trial of their editor, which includes form creation tools. While it’s not forever free, the trial is fully functional and good enough if you just need to make a few forms. It supports scripting, calculations, and form distribution. If you're under a deadline and only need the tool temporarily, this one can handle some advanced work without a learning curve.

DocHub

DocHub is cloud-based and comes with real-time collaboration features. You can upload a PDF, add form fields, and share it with others for editing or filling. It’s ideal if you’re working with a team or need feedback. The free version is limited in daily tasks, but you won’t hit the wall unless you're doing high-volume work. It’s tidy, and signing up only takes a minute.

PDFill Free PDF Tools

PDFill's free suite includes a form creation tool that's more practical than pretty. You won't get templates or a slick interface, but you do get full access to text fields, lists, and submit buttons. It works directly on top of existing PDFs or from blank pages. Think of it as a tool for people who want to get things done without clicking through tabs or windows.

PDF Studio Viewer

PDF Studio Viewer is primarily known as a reader, but it includes basic form filling and limited form creation capabilities in its free version. It supports interactive elements like text fields and checkboxes. While it doesn’t offer advanced editing like its paid counterpart, it’s a clean, stable option for users who want something light without distractions.

Nitro PDF Reader

Nitro PDF Reader allows users to fill out forms and save them, and while it doesn’t have full form creation tools in the free version, it lets you type directly into documents and add basic annotations. It’s particularly useful if you’re working with existing forms and want a straightforward tool to make light adjustments or prepare files for more complex edits elsewhere.

How to Use Free PDF Form Creators for Windows

All these tools can create PDF forms without needing payment. Still, we'll go with PDFescape Desktop for this guide. It offers a mix of ease, offline access, and just enough features to make forms that actually work without being complicated.

Once you install and launch PDFescape Desktop, the main screen offers you a choice to open an existing file or start from a blank one. Choose to create a new PDF if you want to build the form from scratch. Begin by selecting the "Form Field" option in the top toolbar—this is where most of your tools live. You'll see options like text field, checkbox, radio button, list box, and others. Click the one you need, then drag it to place it on the page.

After placing a field, right-click on it and choose "Object Properties." This is where you can name the field, set its tab order, define whether it's required, and control alignment or formatting. Save your document after each major change, and when you're ready to test, go into "Form Field Viewer" mode. This lets you try out the form before sharing it. Once everything looks right, export the PDF, and it's ready to send or publish.

Wrapping Up

Creating PDF forms on Windows doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. With tools like PDFescape, LibreOffice Draw, or Sejda, you can make fully functional forms without needing design skills or advanced training. Each tool comes with its approach, so it's about finding the one that feels natural to use. Once you find it, form creation becomes less of a task and more of a routine step that just fits into your day.