Hey everyone, auto-filling PDF forms on your iPhone and Mac can really save you time and hassle. No more typing the same info over and over!
Apple has made it way easier to fill out PDFs directly on your devices with the Enhanced AutoFill feature. This uses your contact info to automatically populate the form fields, which is awesome. This feature is available on iOS 17.2 and macOS Sonoma 14.2, so make sure you’ve updated!
Important Note: Remember to have your contact info updated in the Contacts app because that’s where the AutoFill pulls the data from.
Filling PDF Forms on iPhone
Method 1: Using the AutoFill Prompt
This is the easiest way to autofill a form on your iPhone.
- Open the PDF form you need to fill out.
- If it asks you to open it in the Files app, just tap ‘Save’.
- After the PDF opens, you might see a notification at the top that says “AutoFill can assist with filling in this form.” If you do, tap the ‘AutoFill Form’ button within the alert.
Method 2: Using the AutoFill Button
If the prompt doesn’t show, no problem, there’s another way.
- Open the PDF form you need to complete on your iPhone.
- If prompted to open the document in the Files app, tap on ‘Save’ to proceed.
- If you don’t see the autofill alert, tap the ‘AutoFill’ button at the bottom right corner of your screen.
- Tap on any blank field in the form.
- Above your keyboard, you’ll see an option to autofill the entire form with your contact info. Tap your name to fill all relevant fields. If you want to use someone else’s info, tap ‘Choose Other’ and select from your contacts.
- You can also fill fields individually by tapping them and selecting the appropriate AutoFill suggestion above your keyboard.
- Need to edit something? Tap the field and make the changes using the keyboard.
- To add extra stuff like a text box or your signature, tap the ‘+’ icon at the bottom right.
- Then select ‘Add Text’ to insert a text form box or ‘Add Signature’ to include your sign-off.
- For a text box, you can resize it by dragging the edges, and move it where you need it by dragging and dropping. Tap inside to type.
- To see more options for your text box (cut, copy, duplicate, delete), tap the three-dot menu.
- If you’re adding a signature for the first time, just draw it and save it for later.
- When done, use the ‘Share’ button to send the document using AirDrop, Mail, or Messages.
- If you’re filling a form in the Mail app, tap ‘Done’ at the top right when finished.
- You’ll get options to reply to the email with the filled form, send as new, save to files or discard.
Important Note: While there isn’t a specific setting to turn Enhanced AutoFill on, if you are having issues, just make sure ‘AutoFill’ is enabled in your Safari settings.
Filling PDF Forms on Mac
On a Mac, the Preview app is where you’ll do all the auto-filling, and it comes installed with macOS.
Method 1: Using the AutoFill Notification
- Open the PDF form in Preview.
- You might see a message that says “Autofill can assist with filling in this form.” Click the ‘Autofill Form’ button.
Method 2: Manually Triggering AutoFill
- Open the PDF form in Preview.
- If the autofill message doesn’t show, simply click any field within the form.
- A pop-up will appear, allowing you to autofill the form. Select your contact information to populate the fields automatically. To use a different contact’s information, click ‘Choose other’ and pick from your Contacts list.
- After the form is filled, make any manual adjustments needed. Then, click the ‘Share’ button to send it through Mail, Messages, AirDrop, or another method.
- If you opened the PDF from Mail, clicking ‘Close’ will give you options to reply, send as a new email, save, or discard.
That’s it! Auto-filling PDF forms is a huge timesaver, whether you’re using your iPhone or Mac. Keep your contact info current and you’ll be filling out forms like a pro in no time.