Entering text in a pdf

Yesterday I received an email from an acquaintance who was asking for some help with filling in forms on her computer.  She wrote:   

"These pesky paper forms are so hard for me to fill out because of the nerve damage in my hands.  So I need to know how to transfer the form to my desktop computer and then be able to fill it out by using my computer.  Please, please send me your suggestions as to the easiest way to do this. 
I've found several programs advertised as free - NOT!  I go through the whole process only to find big bucks are required to get my final results."

After reaching out to friends on Facebook and also doing some research, I think I've found a possible solution for her and some of you who may have the same need. It is basically a two-step process.

1) To get the form on her computer - If the form has been sent to her through email she needs to begin the process to print it, but instead of choosing "Print", she will want to "Save as PDF" which is one of the choices in the Print Dialog box of most computers.  However, if the form comes via snail mail, she will need to use a scanning app on her smartphone or printer to scan the document and send the scanned pdf to her computer.

2) Then to complete the form - Once the pdf document is on her computer, she will need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free version).  Once installed it can be used to open the pdf document. The "Fill and Sign" feature in that application can then be used to complete the form.  Here is a very easy-to-follow video that demonstrates using the "Fill and Sign" feature in Adobe Acrobat Reader:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYQOuTKPn28 

This process works on both PC and Mac computers; Adobe Acrobat Reader is available for both operating systems.

If this is something that you would find beneficial, just practice with a form you probably already have on your desk.  Remember:  doing something new using technology can be a challenge at first, but the more you use it, the easier it becomes. 

Hope this first day of June provides us with a beautiful spring day!  Happy Tech Tip Tuesday!