The AI Form Converter turns a PDF, Excel file, or photo of a paper form into a digital form. This article covers the 3 ways to convert a form, including adding fields from a document with the Assistant.
How the AI Form Converter works
You upload a document, and FastField reads its layout. It creates the sections and fields, then saves the result as a new draft form. You review the form in the Form Builder and publish it when it's ready.
You can convert a form in 3 places:
The Form Builder start screen: The quickest way to turn a file or photo into a new form
The AI Form Converter: Lets you upload several images at once
The Assistant: Adds fields from a document to a form you already have
Important
Upload only blank templates. Don't upload documents that contain personal information.
Note
The AI Form Converter is available when AI features are turned on for your account.
Convert a form from the Form Builder start screen
In the portal, go to Forms > My Forms.
Select New Form, then select Form.
Select Form Builder.
On the start screen, find Have a paper or PDF form? and choose one of these options:
Select Upload PDF or Excel, then choose a file
Select Take a photo to photograph a paper form
Drag a file onto the card
The Form Builder start screen with the Have a paper or PDF form? card
FastField builds the form and opens it in the Form Builder. You can upload 1 PDF (up to 20 pages), image, or Excel file of up to 10 MB.
Tip
To give the AI extra instructions, select Describe your form instead. Select Upload to attach your file, then describe what you want. For example, Add a photo field after each checklist item.
The Describe your form screen with the Upload button
Convert a form from the New Form menu
In the portal, go to Forms > My Forms.
Select New Form, then select AI Form Converter.
he New Form menu with AI Form Converter selected
To adjust how the form is built, select Settings. Change the options you need, then select Back.
Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
Repeatable sections | Builds repeating parts of the document as repeating sections |
Use Option Lists for Yes/No fields | Builds yes/no questions as option lists |
Use Option Lists for small list fields | Builds short lists of choices as option lists |
Additional Prompt for AI | Extra instructions for the AI, for example Place a photo field after each checklist item |
The AI Settings for the AI Form Converter
Choose how to upload your form:
Upload PDF: Choose a PDF. The conversion starts right away.
Upload Images: Choose up to 20 images, then select Generate
Take Photos: Take up to 20 photos with your camera, then select Generate
When the form is created, select Form Builder.
Add fields from a document with the Assistant
To add fields from a document to a form you already have, use the Assistant.
Open the form in the Form Builder.
Select Assistant in the side bar.
Select the attach icon, then choose a PDF, image, or Excel file.
The Assistant tab with the attach icon
Describe what you want, for example Add these checklist fields to a new section at the end.
Send the message.
Note
Assistant changes aren't saved until you select Save Draft.
Tips for best results
Use a clear, high-quality scan or photo. Blurry images can lead to missing or misplaced fields.
Review each field type after conversion. Change any field the AI didn't recognize correctly.
Preview the form before you publish it to check that it works the way your team expects