---
title: Using Form PDF Templates
category: templates
pathname: /docs/using-form-pdf-templates
canonical: 'https://www.swiftreporter.com/docs/using-form-pdf-templates'
helpDocsSource: templates/using-form-pdf-templates.md
description: >-
  Use form PDF templates in SwiftReporter with placed fields and signatures —
  combine narrative reports with state or client-required PDF forms.
---

![SwiftReporter form PDF templates](/images/docs/swiftreporter-templates-form-pdf.png)

Use this guide when you want SwiftReporter to fill an official blank PDF form from your template.

## Before you begin

- Save the template first so SwiftReporter can attach files to it.
- Use a blank PDF form that you want inspectors to complete from SwiftReporter.

## Upload the blank PDF

1. Open **Templates**.
2. Open the template you want to edit.
3. In the **Form PDF** section, click **Upload PDF**.
4. Choose the blank PDF file.
5. Wait for the upload to finish.

After upload, you can use:

- **Replace PDF**
- **Preview**
- **Remove**

## Place fields on the PDF

1. Open the form PDF layout tool for the template.
2. In **Field placement**, choose what you want to place.

You can place:

- A **Standard field**
- A question answer as **Typed answer**
- A question answer as **Answer as checkmark**
- A dropdown option as **Shape**
- Signature-related placeholders such as signature, initials, and date fields

3. Click **Add field** for a standard field, or choose the question placement option you want.
4. Click on the PDF where that field should appear.
5. Drag markers to move them.
6. Resize selected signature placeholders with the corner handles when needed.

For signature-only instructions, see [Adding Signature Placeholders to Templates](adding-signature-placeholders.md).

## Change how an answer appears

When a non-signature field is selected, SwiftReporter lets you choose how that answer appears on the PDF:

- **Typed text**
- **Checkmark**
- **Shape (one dropdown choice)**

Use the placement controls that appear around the marker or in the selected-element controls.

## Attach a form to an inspection

1. Open the inspection.
2. In the **Forms** card, click **Add form**.
3. Choose a template from **Search form templates**.
4. Click **Add selected form**.
5. Open the form from the inspection when you are ready to review or complete it.

## What happens next

- The form stays attached to that inspection.
- SwiftReporter uses the saved placement rules from the template when it prepares the form PDF.
- If you change the template layout later, use the updated template for future inspections or update the inspection workflow as needed.

## Troubleshooting

- If **Upload PDF** is disabled, save the template first.
- If SwiftReporter says to create a form template first, upload the blank PDF to a template before you try to add the form on an inspection.
- If you need a shape placement for a dropdown answer, add the dropdown options in the template first.
- If a marker is in the wrong place, select it and move it before you continue.

## Related

- [app-overview](/docs/app-overview)
- [Creating a New Inspection](/docs/creating-new-inspection)
- [Generating a Report](/docs/generating-report)