Docu StopSee what it does
Identify and report all form fields in a PDF
Detect form fields in PDF documents
Interactive PDF forms are everywhere — applications, questionnaires, and order sheets — and understanding their structure is the first step to filling or automating them. Our form detector analyzes a PDF and reports every interactive field it finds: text inputs, checkboxes, radio buttons, dropdown menus, signature fields, and more. The results are returned as a JSON report listing each field with its type and properties.
This is a practical tool for auditing forms, preparing documents for automation, or inspecting a form before filling it programmatically. The report is plain JSON, ready to feed into scripts and pipelines. Detection is free, runs without an account, and your file is automatically deleted after processing.
How to detect form fields in a PDF
- Upload your PDF form document
- Click Process to analyze the file
- Review the JSON report of detected fields
Tips for best results
- Use the report to understand a form before building automation around it.
- Field types include text, checkbox, radio, dropdown, and signature.
- Copy the JSON output directly into your own tools and scripts.
- Combine with PDF-to-text extraction for a complete picture of the form.
When should you detect form fields?
Detecting fields is most valuable when you need to interact with a PDF programmatically. Automators map field names before scripting data entry; QA teams audit forms for missing or mislabeled fields; document processors confirm which inputs a form accepts before routing it; developers inspecting a vendor's PDF can inventory its structure in seconds without opening it.
What to know before you start
Detection covers standard interactive PDF form fields; scanned or flattened forms are image-based and have no fields to detect. The JSON report is returned directly in the browser. The tool is free on first use, processes over encrypted connections, and deletes your file after the job.
Frequently asked questions
What types of form fields can this detect?
Text inputs, checkboxes, radio buttons, dropdown menus, signature fields, and other interactive PDF form elements.
What format is the output?
The results are returned as a JSON report listing each detected field with its type, name, and properties.
Can this help with automating PDF forms?
Yes — the JSON output can feed into automation scripts, helping you understand the form structure before programmatically filling it.
Is this tool free?
Yes, all Docu Stop web tools are completely free to use with no hidden charges or credit card required.
Are my files private and secure?
Absolutely. Files are processed over encrypted connections and automatically deleted from our servers after processing. We never access, store, or share your documents.
What is the file size limit?
Uploads are limited to approximately 4.5 MB per request due to server constraints. For larger files, download the Docu Stop mobile app which supports documents of any size.