How to Create PDF Forms in Java

IronPDF for Java enables developers to create dynamic, interactive PDF forms with text inputs, checkboxes, comboboxes, and radio buttons by rendering HTML content into PDFs, providing a practical alternative to traditional PDF creation tools. Unlike conventional PDF form creation methods, IronPDF leverages HTML to PDF conversion to give you complete control over form design and functionality.

Quickstart: Create Your First PDF Form

1. Install IronPDF for Java in your project using Maven or Gradle
2. Create an HTML string with form elements including inputs, textareas, and dropdowns
3. Use PdfDocument.renderHtmlAsPdf() to convert HTML to PDF with form preservation
4. Save the PDF with saveAs() method to your desired location
5. Your interactive PDF form is ready for distribution and data collection!

```java:title=QuickStartPdfForm.java import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.PdfDocument;

public class QuickStartPdfForm { public static void main(String[] args) { // Simple form HTML String formHtml = "

Quick Form

    // Convert to PDF
    PdfDocument pdf = PdfDocument.renderHtmlAsPdf(formHtml);
    pdf.saveAs("quick-form.pdf");
}

}

IronPDF for Java provides a straightforward solution for creating dynamic, interactive PDF forms that accept user input, enable selection, and save changes. Whether you need text inputs, checkboxes, or advanced form fields, this guide demonstrates the implementation process. You can also [fill existing PDF forms programmatically](https://ironpdf.com/java/how-to/java-fill-pdf-form-tutorial/) to automate document workflows.

<div class="hsg-featured-snippet">
<h2>How to Create PDF Forms in Java</h2>
  <ol>
    <li><a class="js-modal-open" data-modal-id="download-modal" href="#download-modal">Install the Java library for creating PDF forms</a></li>
    <li>Create an HTML string that includes the form fields</li>
    <li>Use the <code>renderHtmlAsPdf</code> method to convert the HTML string into a PDF</li>
    <li>Export the PDF document</li>
    <li>Utilize the various supported form field types</li>
  </ol>
</div>

## How Do I Create Forms in Java?

IronPDF lets you create PDF forms from HTML, leveraging the full power of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This flexibility allows you to embed form fields and other elements into PDFs easily. The library supports all standard HTML form elements, including text inputs, textareas, checkboxes, radio buttons, select dropdowns, and buttons. You can style these elements using CSS and include [custom fonts](https://ironpdf.com/java/examples/google-fonts-htmltopdf/) to match your branding requirements.

When creating forms, IronPDF preserves the interactive nature of HTML form elements in the resulting PDF. Users can fill out forms directly in their PDF viewer without additional software. The forms are compatible with all major PDF readers including Adobe Acrobat Reader, making them accessible to a wide audience. For advanced styling options, see the [PDF generation settings](https://ironpdf.com/java/examples/pdf-generation-settings/) documentation.

## How Do I Create Text Input and TextArea Forms?

<!-- TODO: Add image here -->
<!-- ![Diagram illustrating text input and textarea forms implementation](/static-assets/images/TODO/text-input-and-textarea-forms-code_illustration.webp) -->
<!-- Description: Diagram or screenshot illustrating the code concept -->

Using IronPDF, you can create input and textarea elements within your PDF by rendering an HTML string. The library supports HTML, allowing you to apply CSS for styling and potentially use JavaScript for additional behavior. Text inputs capture single-line data like names, email addresses, or phone numbers, while textareas handle longer text entries such as comments or descriptions.

The HTML form elements maintain their functionality when converted to PDF. Users can click into fields, type text, and tab between inputs as they would on a web page. You can set default values, placeholder text, and implement validation patterns. To ensure proper form rendering, review the [rendering settings for HTML to PDF](https://ironpdf.com/java/examples/pdf-generation-settings/) guide.

```java
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.License;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.PdfDocument;

// Set the license key for IronPDF
License.setLicenseKey("IRONPDF-MYLICENSE-KEY-1EF01");

// Define the HTML content with form fields
String htmlContent = """
<html>
    <body>
        <h2>Editable PDF Form</h2>
        <form>
            First name: <br> <input type='text' name='firstname' value=''> <br>
            Last name: <br> <input type='text' name='lastname' value=''> <br>
            Address: <br> <textarea name='address' rows='4' cols='50'></textarea>
        </form>
    </body>
</html>
""";

// Generate a PDF document from the HTML content
PdfDocument pdfDoc = PdfDocument.renderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent);

// Save the generated PDF to a file
pdfDoc.saveAs("textAreaAndInputForm.pdf");

With the text form field HTML, use the renderHtmlAsPdf method of the PdfDocument class to convert it into a PDF document. The resulting PDF is saved to a file. This example demonstrates how to embed and customize HTML forms within a PDF document using IronPDF, creating rich, interactive forms directly in the PDF format. For complex form layouts, explore custom PDF paper sizes and margin settings.

import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.License;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.PdfDocument;

// Set the license key for IronPDF
License.setLicenseKey("IRONPDF-MYLICENSE-KEY-1EF01");

// Define the HTML content with form fields
String htmlContent = """
<html>
    <body>
        <h2>Editable PDF Form</h2>
        <h2>Task Completed</h2>
        <label>
            <input type='checkbox' id='taskCompleted' name='taskCompleted'> Mark task as completed
        </label>
        <h2>Select Priority</h2>
        <label for='priority'>Choose priority level:</label>
        <select id='priority' name='priority'>
            <option value='high'>High</option>
            <option value='medium'>Medium</option>
            <option value='low'>Low</option>
        </select>
    </body>
</html>
""";

// Generate a PDF document from the HTML content
PdfDocument pdfDoc = PdfDocument.renderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent);

// Save the generated PDF to a file
pdfDoc.saveAs("checkboxAndComboboxForm.pdf");

import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.License;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.PdfDocument;

// Set the license key for IronPDF
License.setLicenseKey("IRONPDF-MYLICENSE-KEY-1EF01");

// Define the HTML content with form fields
String htmlContent = """
<html>
    <body>
        <h2>Editable PDF Form</h2>
        <h2>Task Completed</h2>
        <label>
            <input type='checkbox' id='taskCompleted' name='taskCompleted'> Mark task as completed
        </label>
        <h2>Select Priority</h2>
        <label for='priority'>Choose priority level:</label>
        <select id='priority' name='priority'>
            <option value='high'>High</option>
            <option value='medium'>Medium</option>
            <option value='low'>Low</option>
        </select>
    </body>
</html>
""";

// Generate a PDF document from the HTML content
PdfDocument pdfDoc = PdfDocument.renderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent);

// Save the generated PDF to a file
pdfDoc.saveAs("checkboxAndComboboxForm.pdf");

import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.License;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.PdfDocument;

// Set the license key for IronPDF
License.setLicenseKey("IRONPDF-MYLICENSE-KEY-1EF01");

// Define the HTML content with radio button form fields
String htmlContent = """
<html>
    <body>
        <h2>Editable PDF Form</h2>
        Choose your preferred travel type: <br>
        <input type='radio' name='traveltype' value='Bike'> Bike <br>
        <input type='radio' name='traveltype' value='Car'> Car <br>
        <input type='radio' name='traveltype' value='Airplane'> Airplane
    </body>
</html>
""";

// Generate a PDF document from the HTML content
PdfDocument pdfDoc = PdfDocument.renderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent);

// Save the generated PDF to a file
pdfDoc.saveAs("radioButtonForm.pdf");

import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.License;
import com.ironsoftware.ironpdf.PdfDocument;

// Set the license key for IronPDF
License.setLicenseKey("IRONPDF-MYLICENSE-KEY-1EF01");

// Define the HTML content with radio button form fields
String htmlContent = """
<html>
    <body>
        <h2>Editable PDF Form</h2>
        Choose your preferred travel type: <br>
        <input type='radio' name='traveltype' value='Bike'> Bike <br>
        <input type='radio' name='traveltype' value='Car'> Car <br>
        <input type='radio' name='traveltype' value='Airplane'> Airplane
    </body>
</html>
""";

// Generate a PDF document from the HTML content
PdfDocument pdfDoc = PdfDocument.renderHtmlAsPdf(htmlContent);

// Save the generated PDF to a file
pdfDoc.saveAs("radioButtonForm.pdf");