Prepare Google Docs One of the most popular tools for creating documents online. Although it's a simple document editor, you can use it To create templates and brochures And even cover letters. And if you're stuck with this online editor, you can even create a fillable form in Google Forms to some extent. Of course, the form won't be as dynamic as forms created with Microsoft Word or Google Forms or Microsoft Forms But it will help you. In this guide, we'll learn how to create a fillable form in Google Docs.
Unlike Word, where you get plenty of features to play with, like drop-down menus and checkboxes, the options in Google Docs are limited. At best, you can create a simple form for offline use, which you can then print and distribute later.
Currently, you'll need to create a fillable form from scratch. However, if you have a PDF form template, you can edit it in Documents.
Either way, the process is easy and won't take much time once you get the hang of it. However, let us warn you that it can be time-consuming, especially if you're creating one from scratch.
However, here's how to create a fillable form in Google Docs.
The first method: the original method
One of the best ways to create a form in Google Docs is to take advantage of tables. They make your fields look uniform and eliminate the hassle of adding unnecessary space. As we mentioned earlier, you can't add interactive form fields like drop-down lists. You'll have to restrict form fields like text boxes, checkboxes, and text areas. Yes, that ties your hands.
However, if text fields are just what you want, here's how to do it.
Step 1: Open New document In Documents, click Insert > Table , and select Number of rows and columns.
We chose to use 4 columns and 5 rows in our case. Next, drag the rows To enlarge the table size.
Step 2: Add First text field مثل First and last nameLeave. The cell is empty For whom you want to enter the user.
Locate Text and click small arrow symbol next to Bullet list options To add a checklist, select the third option From the list, place a small checkbox next to each entry.
So, here's the basic structure of the shape. The good thing about this method is that you can Add two or three tables For every design you're thinking about, for example, if you want to add a large text area option, you'll need to add a single-cell table and make it bigger. Simple, see.
Step 3: Next, right-click on your table and select Table properties.
Next, tap the color and under Table limits , Locate 0 points.
This will make the borders invisible, and you will have a better shape in your hand.
Alternatively, you can highlight cells with a light color or add dashes to make them more interactive. We created the following template entirely using Google Docs elements.
It's worth noting that forms created from scratch in Google Docs can be printed and distributed. If there are no on-site verification processes, using them for online submissions will involve a lot of manual verification.
However, if you want to use the template in the future, you need to save it. The next time you need to edit it, use it. Select the Copy option in File and modify it as needed.
Method 2: Convert PDF file
As mentioned above, Docs also lets you convert PDF files to Google Docs. So, if you have a PDF form template, you can convert it to Docs and then edit it.
Step 1: Once your template file is ready, open it. Google Drive and click new button in the upper left corner.
Step 2: Once Download complete , right-click on File and select Open with > Google Docs.
This will convert the document into editable text. Of course, it won't be converted into a fillable form immediately, but you'll have a rough structure.
You'll need to add the necessary formatting to complete the circle. Note that if your form contains text boxes, they'll be removed. You'll only have the text to edit.
This is the main limitation. But at the moment, this is the only way to upload a form to Google Docs.
Google Forms is the answer.
Google Docs has many limitations when it comes to creating fillable forms offline. If you're looking to create online forms, the safest way is to use Google Forms. It combines a range of features that make form building a breeze.