You can add interactive elements to PDF files using shapes. You can turn them into text boxes and add a fillable field. They can also be turned into a button, checkbox or signature field. If you don’t know what these types of elements are, you can always convert a PDF to HTML.
Advantages of interactive PDFs
Is there any way to be able to write something on a PDF file? The first and most convenient: ask the creator of the PDF file to convert it to an interactive form. For someone who creates such a document, it’s a moment of work. What does such a file look like? Well, it looks like a regular PDF file, only the places where we have to enter something become active and we can fill the fields with text. This is a huge relief for both parties.
The benefit for the filler is obvious: thanks to this, you can quickly complete a document, or even several, often changing only the dates in subsequent applications. You don’t worry about having bad handwriting, making a mistake or entering something in the wrong field.
Fillable Forms
The most important part of an interactive PDF is the form fields. These are places where users can add information and sign the document. They are protected but still allow users to enter information. Adobe Acrobat users can add form fields by going to Tools > Prepare Form. Selecting this option gives you access to many other tools, such as text boxes and signature fields. Using the tab key makes it easier to navigate between forms.
Videos
Another way to deal with PDF annoyance is with video clips. People love to watch videos, and they are especially interested in local ones. Another way to make your content more attractive is to add clickable images. They can be enlarged by clicking so you can add more product images.
In addition to incorporating multimedia into your document, you can also use animated PDFs and videos. They can engage your readers and keep them reading longer. However, remember not to overdo it with multimedia. The focus should be on the appearance of the interactive PDF. Make sure it looks good and is easy to navigate. Now that you’ve prepared your interactive PDF, you’re ready to create it.
Use a proper PDF editor
An interactive PDF file, e.g. with buttons directing via the Internet to selected websites, can be made even by a layman. Creating interactive PDFs obviously requires legitimate software to execute and edit this format.
There are many free online resources that come with a large library of template categories. You can choose from catalogs, brochures, reports, training manuals and e-books. Then, just select a template that suits your needs and edit it with a proper PDF editor such as SwifDoo PDF. You can also make changes to text, fonts, and spacing. You can even choose the effect of hovering over the content. For starters, you can even create a cover page for a PDF document.
If you have the right software, you can easily add interactive elements to a PDF using hyperlinks. This PDF editor also has all the tools that allow you to attach audio, video and photo galleries. And if you’re looking for background sounds, you can embed them too.
Unlike static PDFs, interactive PDFs are attractive to readers. They can contain links, audio, video, images, GIFs, and even fillable forms. This makes them great for presentations and can be a great way to organize different types of content into a single document. Teachers and manual designers also prefer interactive PDFs because they can preview the final product before publishing, allowing them to make last-minute changes and corrections to their PDFs.
Bonus Tips: With signatures
Merely signing a document with a qualified certificate is enough to consider it an effective declaration of will of the signing party. However, the basic visual scheme of the signature containing a string of characters and dates is not very attractive. It is worth, especially in business communication, to use a personalized visual pattern of a qualified signature containing, for example, a scan of a handwritten signature or a company/institution logo.
What is a qualified signature?
A qualified signature is an electronic tool for legally binding digital document signing. A qualified signature certificate is issued for data of natural persons. These data can be extended with information about belonging to a given organization, e.g. a company or a public institution. The qualified signature service is payable and requires verification of the identity of the person applying for the certificate.
Having a qualified signature brings many benefits, especially in the business sphere. Thanks to it, the entrepreneur shortens the time of communication, e.g. with offices and public institutions. In addition, thanks to the qualified signature, due to the legal force equal to the handwritten signature, you will sign various types of legal contracts. Documents prepared in this way are as binding as their traditional paper counterparts. In many respects, a qualified signature is also a mandatory tool, e.g. for members of supervisory boards, doctors, accounting departments, etc.
How to add signature visualization in PDF using a PDF signature
One of the most commonly used file formats used in business communication is the PDF extension. Through it, you can send invoices, contracts, regulations, reports and other important documents. The aforementioned PDF editor allows you to add a graphical visualization of the signature in a PDF document. You can choose whether you want to add a signature in the form of an initial or a full name consisting of your name and surname.
To add a signature visualization in a PDF document, enter the selected document. Then, in the upper bar, find Protect and click on the Signature option.
The Sign tools have appeared in the middle of the screen. We enter the Sign option. If we have already created signatures, we can choose between full signature and initials. If not, proceed to create the signature by clicking Create New Signature.
In the field, enter your name and surname and choose one of the 3 available options. We can enter a handwritten signature using the Handwriting option or Inputting with the keyboard or importing a signature graphic from a file using the Image option.
Then click OK and place the signature in the indicated place, e.g. in the signature field.
Create and add a visualization with a company logo in a PDF document
The visualization of the signature with the company logo is very useful when you use a qualified certificate for business purposes.
Thanks to this, your recipients will not only connect the sent document with your organization faster, but you will also increase the professionalism of your communication and brand awareness among customers and business partners.
