Make a Smart PDF from a Library file

A Smart PDF adds fillable fields to an existing Library PDF. People with access can use its saved layout to start documents from a profile. The original PDF remains a Library File with a Smart PDF badge.

Before you start

Upload a standard PDF to the intended Library folder and wait until it is ready. Files can be up to 50,000,000 bytes and contain 1–1,000 pages. Use an unsigned, unencrypted original; see opening problems for unsupported formats.

You need owner or edit access to the folder and available workspace storage. In an organization workspace, authoring also requires Owner or Manager Staff access. Folder editing alone does not give ordinary Staff template-authoring permission.

Create and configure

1. Open Library and the PDF's folder.
2. Open the file's actions and select Make Smart PDF.
3. Review imported fields and Document details > Import notes.
4. Add or correct fields and placements.
5. Select Save changes and wait for Changes saved.
6. Use Test template to inspect a sample PDF.

Opening Make Smart PDF creates the configuration immediately, including any supported fields already in the PDF. Saved layouts are available to authorized readers without a separate Publish action. Use a folder with the intended audience while preparing it.

Later, the file offers Edit Smart PDF to authors or View Smart PDF to readers. View lets you inspect fields and page positions without changing them.

Name, description, and cover

The Library filename supplies the visible name; use Library Rename to change it. Document details provides an optional description, up to 20,000 characters.

For Cover image, select an active PNG, JPEG, or WebP file from the same Library folder, up to 10,000,000 bytes. Upload it to Library first. Choose Save changes to apply it. You can keep or remove an existing cover.

Use and share

Share the Library folder. A reader also needs write access to the target profile's Documents to use New document from Smart PDF there. Library access and profile permissions are separate.

A new Library Smart PDF creates its own document type. Giving it an ISP or Service Plan filename does not select one of the configured upload presets.

Moving the PDF within its workspace moves its Smart PDF location. Deleting the Library PDF closes authoring and new use. Already-started profile drafts retain their saved PDF and layout under profile access rules; later template edits or loss of Library access do not rewrite those drafts.