How to Save Fillable PDF Files
25 Comments
Written by Cynthia on March 3, 2009 – 8:48 am
Know how some fillable PDF forms have at the top indicating you can’t save the file after you filled in the fields?
Say you want to fill in some of the fields, and get back to the form later. But many government PDF files won’t let you save the filled in texts; only the form itself.
A friend asked me for a solution yesterday, and I knew it was possible although it really came down to which program to use to manipulate the PDF file. Well, I’ve found a dead easy solution.
1. Download Cabaret Stage 4.0.7 here. I went with the version without JRE.
2. A form will come up in German. Just fill in the fields (they’re easy to guess) and click “Ich stemme zu” Update Nov. 3 2010 – I guess they took this part out! Not needed anymore 
3. Once downloaded, install the exe file
4. Open Cabaret Stage
5. Open the PDF file you want to save
6. Fill out the fields
7. Go file > save as. Save it as another file.
8. Open up this new PDF file and be prepared to be amazed!
WOW!!Pretty good.
I tried your advice and it worked!!!! Thank you so much Cynthia.
Thanks Cynthia, this is a very useful tip. I had never heard of Cabaret Stage before.
Thanks a lot. It works..Thanks for saving me!
I followed all the steps and went to save as and it saved in “text” format not pdf :-/ will look at your faq thanks
This really works!!!! You are a genius. I was gonna buy the adobe acrobat pro so I can save the fillable file.. Thanks for saving me lots of $$$$.
Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is a life saver by not having to spend a fortune on Adobe to be able to save all my pdf files and go back and edit them. Brilliant! Cynthia rules!
Thanks a lot Cynthia your a big help…
Curious – what is “JRE”? I spent a few minutes checking out the site and I couldn’t figure it out.
By the way; awesome!
thank you so much. I was filling out a college application and couldn’t get the e-mailed but this allowed me to. You could have just unintentionally gotten me into college.
Nathan ^
JRE = Java Runtime Environment
Nice! Will help with tax forms. Thank you.
This is really coool Thanks a million Cynthia
Thank You
Its working……….yes
People people you do not need a app file to help you save your fillable text. Here is a more easier way. Follow my simple directions.
1) Open a PDF form in Adobe Acrobat.
2) Select either the Hand tool or Select tool. Click a form field you want to enter data in. The cursor will change, depending on the type of interactive field it is. Type text or make a selection. Press “Tab” to move on to the next field. Continue through the entire form until you entered all required data.
3) Click “File, Save as.”
4) Rename the file. This will save a new copy of the form with your entered data. Click “Save.”
That’s it simple has 1 2 3 4. No need to download a app file to help you save your text.
Thanks,
The Web Guru
Web Guru. I just tried your method with no success. Are you sure you don’t have adobe pro version. I know the pro version can save forms, but it also cost 200 bucks.
@Ramlatus it worked fine for me and YES i do have Adobe Pro version.
I been saving my fillable with the steps i wrote above and it is working fine for me to save my fillable text
@ Web Guru…
uhhhh, I think the point of this is to do it without spending $200 for Adobe Pro…we’re trying to find a free work around.
I got some kind of java error in German and it won’t allow me to run the program? I am running windows xp professional.
Thank you Cynthia! For once a solution that works like a charm, does what you said it would and it’s free! Now if you can come up with a solution to a slow computer that is not a scam to buy something, you’ll be named goddess of the year.
Hi Cynthia. What a relief. This program is awesome!!! Thank you so much.
WEB GURU (?!)
I get a kick out of your enthusiasm. Your spiel is exactly what I thought too because it works ON MY COMPUTER… BUT NOT WHEN I DISTRIBUTE TO USERS. Perhaps its a mac vs pc thing.
Anyway, I came here because I need a REAL SOLUTION.
I keep getting Error:java.lang.NullPointerException…. any advice please?? This scholarship app is killing me.
Best way around PDFs that don’t allow saving of filled forms, especially those in pop up windows from the US government…CutePDF Writer, absolutely!!! http://www.cutepdf.com/ (And it’s free!)
The software actually installs itself as a virtual printer, meaning those “print only” PDFs can now be saved with all your data intact…even those government documents with your electronic signature attached!! It’s super simple too…just click “print” and choose “CutePDF Writer” as the printer…it then pops up with the usual ‘save-as’ screen…pick where you want to save it and viola, you’re done! Simple as that
))