How to Create an Interactive PDF.

Want to create an interactive PDF? With Acrobat Pro, you’ll unlock a range of features which can transform your PDF. Add images, links, checkboxes, signatures and so much more with the wealth of tools available. Below, you can discover how to create an interactive PDF and make an engaging file with our handy guide.

What You’ll Learn.

What is an Interactive PDF?

An interactive PDF is like a normal PDF, however, they come with some added extras including links, sounds, videos, GIFs and more. With all of those features, they can be fun to make and great for presenting information. Creating an interactive PDF has a ton of benefits.

Having an interactive PDF gives the reader more elements to engage with. Rather than just simply reading and clicking through a document, having interactive elements can also provide more information to a PDF. Rather than paragraphs explaining a video, you can embed the video itself. You will also be able to provide useful links, giving the user even more information. GIFs and sounds can bring an element of fun to a PDF, helping to keep the reader engaged and wanting to carry on clicking through. Find out below how to build an interactive PDF.

How to Make an Interactive PDF.

Links can be a great way to make your PDF more dynamic. They can send the reader to supporting documentation and companion media that enhances the quality of your PDF.

  1. Create or open a PDF in Adobe Acrobat.
  2. Click Edit PDF.
  3. A menu selection will appear at the top, click Link.

Menu bar with link option.

  1. From the drop-down menu, select Add/Edit Web or Document Link.
  2. Draw where you want the link to be.
  3. A box will appear, select the link type you want.

Box to create link and select link type.

  1. Another box will appear for you to insert the URL.

The box in which you paste your link.

Add Video.

Adding a video to a PDF can make your document much more engaging to readers. It can show readers how to carry out a step-by-step process or demonstrate how a product works. The benefits to including videos in your PDF are endless.

  1. From the tools, select Rich Media.
  2. A menu selection will appear at the top, click Video.
  3. Draw where you want the video to be placed.

Menu to choose which media to add and blue outline showing where the video will go.

  1. Search for the video you want to include in the PDF.

Box to search for video.

  1. Insert video.

Add Checkboxes.

A checkbox is a terrific feature for PDFs related to organization. You can incorporate a checkbox into all kinds of PDFs, from recipe lists to workout plans.

  1. Head to the Tools selection.
  2. Select Prepare Form.
  3. A menu bar at the top will appear. Here you can add a checkbox by clicking the square with a tick.

Menu bar to add checkboxes and other features.

  1. Draw where you want the check box to be.

Blue checkbox.

  1. Click on the blue checkbox to edit.
  2. A new window will appear for you to edit the checkbox.

Window to edit checkbox.

To Add Images.

Images can provide visual aids for those who struggle to grasp information through text alone. They can strengthen arguments and compel readers in equal turns.

  1. Click Edit PDF.
  2. The menu bar at the top will appear.
  3. Click Add Image.
  4. A window to search for images will appear.
  5. Insert Image.

Add Form Fields Like Signatures.

Perfect for legal forms and documentation, form fields allow users to leave their signatures.

  1. Select Prepare Form from the tools.
  2. A menu bar will appear at the top (same as adding checkboxes).

Menu bar to add signatures and other features.

  1. To add signatures, click the icon of a fountain pen signing.
  2. A signature box will appear. Add it to the page you want it to be on.

Box to add a signature.

  1. Amend accordingly.

FAQs.

What is the difference between PDF and an interactive PDF?
Most classic PDFs are read-only pages of paragraphs and some images. An interactive PDF takes a PDF to the next level with videos, sounds, gifs, links and more. Interactive PDFs can increase the reader’s engagement, offering them videos to watch to get more information and providing useful links to further reading or sources if needed.
Can I make an interactive PDF for free?
To make an interactive PDF on Adobe Acrobat, you will need Acrobat Pro – which does require a subscription. As well as giving you access to the tools to create an interactive PDF, it also unlocks other features including: Adding protection, redact tool functionality, the ability to export/convert PDFs and more.
Why is my Interactive PDF not working?
Your interactive PDF might not be working due to your PDF reader or browser needing an update. Check you have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat. Also, like many other files, PDFs can become corrupted, mostly during the downloading process. Try downloading the PDF again.

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How to create an interactive PDF.
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