FormForge vs SimplePDF

FormForge is a free browser-based tool for turning existing PDFs into fillable forms. Its AI detects fields in flat PDFs and scans, running locally in the browser through WebAssembly. Users can add text, checkbox, radio button, dropdown, signature, date, and number fields, then run Form doctor’s 21 AcroForm checks with one-click fixes. CSV data can be used to generate batches of completed PDFs. Signatures can be drawn or typed in a handwritten style; an optional cryptographic signature can be added on export. Processing and drafts stay on the device in the browser. The installable PWA works offline once its resources are cached, but opening or reloading the page requires a connection. Exports include AcroForm PDFs and ZIPs of filled PDFs, which the site says open in several desktop and mobile PDF readers. FormForge does not edit underlying PDF page content or reorder, delete, rotate, or merge pages. It has no fixed file-size or page-count limit, though practical limits depend on device memory. The free plan requires no account or credit card and has no watermark or page limit.

SimplePDF edits, fills, signs, and manages PDF documents in a browser. Users can add text, checkboxes, and images, detect form fields automatically, and sign documents. Page controls merge PDFs, reorder, rotate, or delete pages, and add blank pages or additional PDFs. The maker says editing happens in the browser and documents stay on the user’s device. Businesses can embed PDFs, collect submissions, and automate workflows through a Chrome extension, React component, web script, iframe, Bubble plugin, or WordPress plugin. Connections to Make and n8n support document processing, while S3-compatible storage, webhooks, and email alerts support completed submissions. Plans are marked GDPR compliant; Free, Pro, and Premium are marked HIPAA compliant. Paid PHI workflows should use Bring Your Own Storage, with a BAA available on request. It offers extension and web access, with a free plan and paid plans from $99 a month.