What is PDF Form (AcroForm / XFA)?

Interactive fields inside a PDF that users can type into and submit — built on AcroForm or the legacy XFA standard.

AcroForm is the modern, widely supported PDF form technology. XFA is an XML-based Adobe variant that most viewers (including browsers and macOS Preview) no longer fully support. Flattening a form bakes the typed values into static text and removes the interactive fields.

Also known as

  • AcroForm
  • XFA form
  • fillable PDF

Related terms

  • Tagged PDF — A tagged PDF carries a hidden structure tree (headings, paragraphs, lists, tables) that screen readers and automation tools use to understand reading order.

Browse all 40 glossary terms

Category: PDF Format