Why Digital Forms Are Better Than Fillable PDFs

The way we collect and manage data has undergone a significant transformation. Traditional paper forms and fillable PDFs, once the standard for data collection, are now being replaced by the efficiency and convenience of digital forms. 

Digital forms offer a multitude of advantages over fillable PDFs – from enhanced data accuracy and accessibility to streamlined workflows and an improved user experience. Interested in digitally transforming your documentation? Here’s why businesses are replacing their fillable PDFs with digital forms: 

​​“It was crucial to have our forms look a certain way. Because they go into government agencies, we have to maintain that look and feel. To be able to do that without a ton of programming is exactly why we chose GoFormz.” – Gwen Zarko, GIS Manager, Lennon, Smith, Souleret Engineering

Digital Forms vs. Fillable PDFs

Many businesses turn to fillable PDFs as a simple means of digitizing their paper-based forms. While these PDFs can be completed using dedicated apps on tablets or smartphones, the resulting electronic documents often retain the rigidity and frustrations of their paper predecessors, offering little more than static snapshots of information. 

Digital forms combine the simplicity of your existing document with the power and flexibility of digital technology. Unlike traditional forms and PDFs, digital forms are stored in the Cloud, can be accessed on any device, and can be equipped with automations to streamline processes. This makes managing forms and extracting meaningful insights from your data significantly easier. Additional benefits include: 

• Preservation of Formatting: Digital forms can be used to maintain the exact formatting of your original paper forms or fillable PDFs, providing a familiar interface for new users and simplifying the completion of documents with formatting requirements (e.g. government documents, compliance documents, etc.).

• Device Flexibility: Digital forms are designed to be user-friendly on both mobile devices and computers, allowing your team to complete their work on their preferred device, from any location. 

• Offline Functionality: Digital forms work seamlessly without an internet connection, empowering your team to fill out and complete forms, regardless of their location. 

• Real-time Accessibility: Digital form data is instantaneously available, searchable, and accessible in real-time, enabling your business to efficiently address opportunities, hazards, and customer needs.  

• Electronic Signatures: Some digital form platforms offer electronic signature capture capabilities, simplifying authorization processes and providing a means of completing and collecting legally binding documentation. 

• Cloud Storage: Digital forms and input data are stored in the Cloud, making it easy to access forms securely, from any location. 

• Automation: Digital forms can automate a variety of tasks, including calculations, emailing forms, uploading forms to connected platforms, running reports, and so much more. 

These are just a few of the advantages that set digital forms apart from fillable PDF solutions, offering your business a comprehensive and intelligent solution for modern data collection and document management needs.

“We tried to convert our suppliers' forms into Adobe Acrobat Pro, but the real problem there was when all the guys switched from tablets to telephones. They were pinching and zooming all day long and a form that has 20 fields in it is difficult to use on smaller screens.” – Steve Mays, Vice President, Reynolds Machinery

Why Choose GoFormz Over Other Digital Form Solutions?

GoFormz is the only digital forms provider capable of preserving the original look and feel of existing paper forms or rigid PDFs. This distinctive capability equips your business with the tools to preserve its branding, simplify user adoption, and adhere to specific formatting prerequisites, such as those imposed by government contracts or customer-specific documents. Other digital form solutions offer pre-made templates, which may help kickstart your digital journey, but often disrupt existing documentation and data collection processes.

Using a no-code, drag-and-drop form builder, GoFormz delivers a seamless form creation process that caters to users of all technological proficiencies. This user-friendly interface empowers businesses to effortlessly create personalized digital forms that precisely align with their operation’s unique needs. 

Interested in learning how to convert a PDF to a fillable form? Log in to your GoFormz account or begin your free 14-day trial today!