How to Convert a PDF Form to a Web Form
· Step-by-step guide to converting any PDF form into a fillable online form that works on any device. No coding required.
Why Convert PDF Forms to HTML?
PDF forms are everywhere — government applications, HR onboarding packets, medical intake forms, expense reports. But they're stuck in the past. They can't be filled on most phones, they can't send their data anywhere by themselves, and they can't integrate with your tools.
Converting a PDF form to HTML gives you:
- Mobile-friendly forms that work on any device
- Submissions go where you want: set your own submit URL and the form posts straight to it
- Real-time analytics — see who submitted what, when
- Self-hosted: a standalone HTML bundle you put on your own site, no vendor lock-in
- Custom branding — match your organization's look and feel
Step 1: Upload Your PDF
Go to Formtly's PDF converter and upload any PDF form. We support:
- AcroForm PDFs (the most common fillable PDF format)
- XFA forms (complex forms from Adobe LiveCycle)
- Static PDFs with form-like layouts
Drag and drop your file or click to browse. The upload takes just a few seconds.
Step 2: Automatic Conversion
Formtly's conversion engine analyzes your PDF and creates an exact HTML replica:
- Text fields become interactive input fields
- Checkboxes become clickable checkboxes
- Dropdowns become HTML select elements
- Date fields get a modern date picker
- Signature fields get a draw/type signature pad
- Tables preserve their row/column structure
The conversion preserves fonts, colors, positions, and layout — pixel for pixel.
Step 3: Choose Where Submissions Go (Optional)
Before downloading, enter the URL submissions should be posted to. The form sends its data there as JSON when someone clicks Submit. You can also set or change it later by editing one line (FORMTLY_SUBMIT_URL) in the downloaded form.html.
Step 4: Download Your Web Form
Download the converted form as a standalone HTML bundle (HTML + CSS + JS) and host it anywhere — your website, intranet, or portal. It works on desktop, tablet, and phone, and your conversions stay in the dashboard for re-download.
Common Use Cases
- HR departments converting employee onboarding forms
- Healthcare digitalizing patient intake forms
- Government making citizen-facing forms accessible online
- Education converting application and enrollment forms
- Finance digitalizing expense reports and approval forms
Try It Free
Every account starts with 2 free conversions — need more? Pay-as-you-go credits are $0.10 per conversion, no subscription.