How to Make Interactive PDF with Forms Fields, Links, and Videos

Interactive PDFs can be used for a range of different purposes, such as application forms, presentations, electronic books, interactive reports, and marketing collateral.

Interactive PDFs are useful for any type of content that requires more engaging and interactive features than traditional PDFs.

On this page, you’ll learn about 3 free or paid methods to create your unique interactive PDF files with forms, links, videos, etc.

👉 Also get PDFgear, the best free PDF editor used to make and edit interactive PDF files.

Create an Interactive PDF in Adobe Acrobat

Acrobat Pro DC stands as a subscription-based paid tool that offers advanced features for those seeking to elevate their PDFs with interactive elements, including buttons, links, videos, and forms.

Step 1. Download Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and launch it on your computer. If you don’t have it, you can download a free trial or purchase a subscription.

Step 2. Click on “File” and select “Open” to open the PDF document you want to make interactive.

Step 3. In the right pane, find and select the “Tools” tab. Under “Forms,” choose “Prepare Form.”

Step 4. Acrobat will automatically detect potential form fields. Review and edit as needed. You can add text fields, checkboxes, and more.

Step 5. Click on the “Button” icon in the toolbar. Draw a button on your PDF, and a dialogue box will appear to set the button properties. You can link it to a web page or perform other actions.

Step 6. Choose the “Link” tool from the toolbar. Draw a rectangle around the text or image you want to link, and a dialogue box will appear. Enter the URL or choose a file.

Step 7. If you want to add a video, go to the “Tools” pane, select “Rich Media,” then “Add Video.” Draw a rectangle on your PDF, choose your video file, and adjust the settings.

Step 8. Once you’ve added all your interactive elements, save your document by clicking “File” and selecting “Save” or “Save As.”

Create an Interactive PDF Using InDesign

Adobe InDesign, a premier layout design software, helps craft stunning print and digital layouts, and it’s perfect for designing brochures, magazines, and interactive PDFs.

Step 1. Download Adobe InDesign and install it on your computer. If you don’t have it, you can download a free trial or purchase a subscription.

Step 2. Start a new document or open an existing one that you want to make interactive.

Step 3. Design your layout as you normally would, keeping in mind where you want interactive elements to be placed.

Step 4. Go to the “Window” menu and select “Interactive > Buttons and Forms” to open the Buttons and Forms panel.

Step 5. Select the “Button” tool in the Buttons and Forms panel. Click and drag to create a button on your layout. A dialog box will appear; customize the appearance and assign actions.

Step 6. Choose the “Hyperlinks” panel from the “Window” menu. Select the text or object you want to hyperlink, click the “Create New Hyperlink” button, and enter the URL or choose a file.

Step 7. If you want to add a video, go to the “Window” menu, select “Interactive > Media,” and choose “Video.” Drag a rectangle on your layout, select your video file, and adjust settings.

Step 8. The “Preview” mode to test your interactive elements. Ensure buttons, links, and videos work as intended.

Step 9. When satisfied, go to “File > Export.” Choose “Adobe PDF (Interactive)” as the format. In the export options, make sure to select “Interactive Elements” to include your buttons and forms.

Step 10. Enter a filename, choose a location, and click “Save.”

Create an Interactive Form Online with PDFgear for Free

PDFgear simplifies PDF form creation with its user-friendly interface. Ideal for crafting interactive PDF forms effortlessly, it focuses on enhancing your form-building experience with ease and efficiency. Check out how to do it:

Step 1. Go to PDFgear online fillable PDF maker, Click on “Choose File” and upload the PDF document you want to turn into an interactive form.

Step 2. Add form fields by clicking on “Add or Edit Form Fields”. You can include text fields, checkboxes, radio buttons, and more.

Step 3. Customize each form field by adjusting its size, position, and properties.

Step 4. After adding and customizing form fields, save and download your interactive form by clicking on the “Submit Form” button.

What is an Interactive PDF?

An interactive PDF is like a smart document. Instead of just reading, you can click and change things! There are special features, like clickable links, editing and filling PDF forms, and you can even watch videos. Fill in details on your PDF form without going through the hassle of changing formats with just a few clicks. These interactive documents can include:

• Hyperlinks: In Adobe Acrobat, select the ‘Link’ tool, draw a rectangle around the text/image, and specify the URL or internal link.
• Buttons: In Adobe Acrobat, use the ‘Button’ tool to draw a button, customize its appearance, and assign actions like opening a web page or executing a script.
• Videos: In Adobe Acrobat, go to ‘Rich Media,’ select ‘Video,’ draw a rectangle on the page, and choose the video file to embed.
• Fillable Forms: In Adobe Acrobat, access ‘Prepare Form,’ use form tools to add text fields, checkboxes, and radio buttons for user input.

Conclusion

Creating interactive PDFs is no longer reserved for tech wizards. With the right tools and a bit of know-how, anyone can transform their static documents into captivating, interactive experiences.