AcroForm vs XFA: PDF Form Types Explained
· Understand the difference between AcroForm and XFA PDF forms, and how to convert both to interactive web forms.
The Two Types of PDF Forms
If you've ever tried to fill a PDF form and it didn't work, you've encountered the AcroForm vs XFA problem.
AcroForm (Most Common)
AcroForm is the standard PDF form format. It's been around since 1998 and is supported by every PDF reader.
Characteristics:
- Simple form fields (text, checkbox, dropdown, radio, button)
- Fields are part of the PDF page structure
- Works in Chrome's built-in PDF viewer
- Easy to create in Adobe Acrobat
XFA (XML Forms Architecture)
XFA forms are more complex. They're built with XML and can have dynamic layouts, calculations, and scripting.
Characteristics:
- Complex layouts with tables, repeating rows
- Built-in calculations and validation
- Created with Adobe LiveCycle Designer
- NOT supported in Chrome or most web-based PDF viewers
- Common in government and enterprise forms
The Problem
XFA forms are increasingly unsupported. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge don't render them properly. Users get a blank page or a "please use Adobe Acrobat" message.
The Solution
Convert both types to HTML web forms. Formtly handles both AcroForm and XFA — preserving all fields, tables, date pickers, signatures, and layout elements.
How Formtly Handles Each Type
AcroForm Conversion
- Fields are detected from the PDF structure
- Positions and sizes are preserved exactly
- Standard HTML inputs replace PDF form fields
XFA Conversion
- The XML form definition is parsed
- Dynamic elements (tables, repeating rows) are rendered
- Date pickers use flatpickr for better UX
- Signature fields get a draw/type pad
- Field values survive form recalculations
Try It
Upload any PDF form — AcroForm or XFA — at formtly.com/convert-pdf-to-form. The conversion is free and takes seconds.