Filling a PDF form by hand — printing, writing, scanning, or fighting a viewer that won't let you type — is one of those small tasks that quietly eats an afternoon. It doesn't have to. Most forms can be completed, reused, and signed entirely online.
To fill any PDF form online for free, upload it to an AI form-filler like Filly AI. It reads the fields — even on scanned PDFs, using OCR — and fills them from a saved profile so you don't retype the same details each time. You can then download the completed file or send a no-login link for the other party to e-sign. The free plan covers up to 10 forms a month with no credit card.
Ways to fill a PDF form free, compared
| Approach | Works on scanned / non-fillable PDFs | Auto-fills from a saved profile | E-sign without an account | Free limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Print, hand-fill, rescan | Yes, but by hand | No | No | Free (your time) |
| Basic free PDF fillers | Only if the PDF already has fillable fields | No | Usually no | Varies |
| Filly AI | Yes — OCR reads scans and places values | Yes — reusable profiles | Yes — no-login link | 10 forms/month, no card |
How do you fill a PDF form without printing it?
- Upload the PDF. The tool reads the form's fields directly — no need for a fillable version.
- Enter or auto-fill the data. Save your details (or a client's) as a profile so the next form fills itself.
- Export or send. Download the finished PDF, or share a link so someone else can sign it in their browser.
Can you fill a scanned or non-fillable PDF?
Yes. Forms that aren't set up with fillable fields — scans, photos, older documents — are handled with OCR, which reads the layout and places your values in the right spots. You review the result before exporting.
How do you send a PDF for signature without an account?
Share a no-login link. The recipient opens it in any browser, signs on the page, and you get the signed copy back — no software to install and no account for them to create.
What about forms you fill repeatedly?
If you send the same contract, invoice, or intake form to different people, a reusable profile means you fill the shared details once and swap only what changes. Browse the form & contract templates for common starting points, or bring your own PDF or Word file. See also how to fill contracts online free and auto-filling invoices for multiple clients.
Frequently asked questions
Is it really free to fill PDF forms?
Yes. Filly's free plan includes AI field extraction and up to 10 filled documents per month with no credit card. Paid plans start at $19/month for higher limits and batch fill.
Do I need to install anything?
No. It runs in the browser — you upload a PDF or Word file and work from there. Signers don't install anything either.
Can I fill Word documents too, not just PDFs?
Yes. Filly fills Word forms as well as PDFs, and exports the completed file in the original format.
Is my data kept private?
Filly encrypts stored data, publishes its sub-processors, doesn't train AI on your files, and lets you delete your account and data — details on the security page.