How to fill in a PDF on your phone

Prepare the file on your phone

First save the PDF in the Files app, the Downloads folder or a cloud service connected to your phone. If you only have a photograph of the form, turn it into a PDF with your device's scanning feature.

Open CompilaPDF in your browser and tap the upload area. The system file picker will let you choose the document without creating an account.

Complete the form in four steps

On a small screen, it is easier to complete one page at a time and use zoom to align each element accurately.

1. 01

   Choose a tool

   Add text, a tick, an X, a working note or a signature from the editor toolbar.

2. 02

   Tap the page

   Insert the element near the required position and enter its content.

3. 03

   Move and resize

   Select the field and drag it with the move handle, then adjust its size.

4. 04

   Download the PDF

   Export the completed copy and save it to your phone's files or share it from the system app.

Tips for iPhone and Android

Download behaviour varies by browser and operating system. These tips prevent most common problems.

• On iPhone, look for the downloaded PDF in the Files app or Safari's Downloads panel.
• On Android, check the Downloads folder and allow the browser to save the file when asked.
• Avoid private browsing if you want to install the app or find offline resources more easily later.
• Temporarily lock screen rotation if a change of orientation interrupts positioning.

You can also use it as an app

After your first visit, you can install CompilaPDF from the prompt on the site or from the browser menu. Its icon will appear on your Home screen, and the editor can reopen without a connection as long as the app data remains in the cache.

The site does not archive the PDFs you choose. Keep the original and the exported copy in a secure location yourself.

CompilaPDF or Adobe Acrobat Reader on your phone?

The Adobe Acrobat Reader app for iOS and Android can fill in and sign PDFs and is a widely used choice. CompilaPDF is not trying to imitate it: it offers a smaller workflow that starts in the browser, requires no account and keeps your personal PDF in local processing.

If you already have an organised workflow in Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can continue to use it. If you want to avoid installation, registration or uploading to a web service, you can try CompilaPDF and compare the result using the same non-sensitive document.

Source: Adobe Acrobat Reader for PDFs and mobile devices.