If you've ever tried filling out a PDF form on a website, you know how frustrating it can be. Whether it's for a bank application, a gym membership, or a school registration, the reliance on downloadable PDFs for data collection is outdated and creates unnecessary obstacles for users. As discussed in a recent article by Ben Vanderberg on Medium, "PDF Forms on the Web: Shouldn’t Waste My Time," there are better alternatives that can streamline the experience.

 

The PDF Struggle is Real

Imagine you’re trying to apply for a loan or sign up for an activity, and you’re required to download a PDF form. If you’re on a smartphone, the experience is even worse. While PDF readers exist for mobile, they’re clunky and often require apps not everyone has installed. Even on a computer, filling out and signing a PDF requires software knowledge and, at times, access to a printer and scanner—a luxury fewer people have at home today.

 

To make matters worse, many PDFs aren’t set up properly, with missing form fields or other design flaws. This leads users to print the form, fill it by hand, and scan it back in, a process that can easily take hours.

 

Security Risks and Accessibility Concerns

Another issue with PDFs is security. When you email a filled-out PDF containing personal data, you’re potentially exposing sensitive information. Email is generally not encrypted, making it vulnerable to interception. Plus, if the form involves sensitive data (e.g., social security numbers or medical details), transmitting it by email could even be a HIPAA violation.

 

PDFs also fall short when it comes to accessibility. They’re often hard for screen readers to interpret and don’t allow for easy keyboard navigation. This can make them unusable for people with disabilities, alienating a portion of the population.

 

Better Alternatives to PDFs

The ideal solution? Interactive web forms. These are optimized for all devices, easily fillable, and don’t require any downloads. They’re also typically more accessible and can be integrated securely into websites. Plus, they offer a better user experience by eliminating the need to download, print, and re-upload documents.

 

For organizations, a single, secure domain that houses all form and payment portals under one umbrella is also a wise choice. This reduces the risk of phishing attacks and helps users know they’re in a trusted space. A consistent and branded domain reduces the likelihood of fraud and makes it easier for customers to manage their interactions.

 

Moving Beyond PDFs

With technology advancing as quickly as it is, it’s time for businesses and organizations to upgrade their forms to make them more user-friendly and accessible. PDFs might work for static documents, but for anything interactive, they simply don’t cut it.