How to Add Checkboxes to a PDF

Add clickable checkboxes and radio buttons to any PDF, and learn when to use each.

Checkbox or radio button?

Checkboxes are independent: any number can be ticked. Radio buttons belong to a group and only one in the group can be selected. Use radio buttons for Yes/No questions and ratings; checkboxes for “select all that apply”.

Adding checkboxes

Open your PDF in the editor, choose Checkbox, and click on each printed box. Set “Checked by default” in the properties panel if needed. Duplicate a checkbox with Ctrl+D to place a column of them quickly; use the snapping guides to keep them aligned.

Adding a radio group

Choose Radio button and place the first option. In the properties panel, give the group a name (for example “Preferred contact”) and the option a value (“Email”). Click “Add option to this group” for each other choice.

Checking your work

Use Preview to click through the options: in a radio group, selecting one option should clear the others.