PDF Escape - One Solution to Entering Data on PDF Forms

As you already know, many of the blank genealogical forms that you download from the internet are in PDF format. PDF is an acronym for "Portable Document Format" and is popular because it allows others to share forms and documents in a format that anybody can view. The only thing you need to open, view and print PDF documents is Adobe Reader installed on your computer. Because Adobe Reader is free, most people already have it installed in their computer ... and if they don't, it's very easy to get.

But as mentioned earlier, Adobe Reader only gives you the ability to view and print PDF documents - it doesn't allow you to edit them. This can be frustrating when trying to use blank genealogical forms in PDF format.

There several solutions available for editing those PDF forms you download.  Some of the forms, were created to be "interactive" - which means they can easily be edited in your internet browser ... but even these forms sometimes impose limits.

The best solution to this problem is not cheap.  But buying Adobe Acrobat will solve ALL your problems.  Adobe Acrobat is the top software program used to create PDF files in the first place.  Adobe makes their "PDF reader" available for free, but not their "PDF writer".  Acrobat is the PDF writer, and the full version typically sells for about $300 (one-time fee).  If you chose to upgrade your version later, you can buy the upgraded software for around $100 - but that's only if you want to upgrade (you don't have to if you don't want to).

If you can't afford the $300, there is another solution available, called PDF Escape - but there are limits to your capabilities.  The first limit is that that you can only edit forms that are 2 MB or less in size. You also have a limit of 50 pages.

The biggest advantage of PDF Escape, is that it's FREE!   Another advantage is that you don't need to download or install any software.  You just open your internet browser, upload your PDF file and start editing.  If you've registered for a free account, you can save your work and return to it later (and make further edits).  If you don't register for the free account, then your work is deleted after you close your browser.  However, before you close your browser, you can download or print your edited PDF files (another advantage).

The only thing that concerns me about PDF Escape, is the security of the program.  You are entering personal information (names, dates, etc.) over and unsecured internet connection. And if you register for the free account, your files are saved online.   This leaves your information vulnerable to hackers with the right tools.

Some people might care about risk because they're only entering data on people who have passed away already.  But even then, it concerns me a bit.  Personally, I'm too concerned about all personal data to take the risk.  This is why I prefer  Adobe Acrobat .... because it gives me total control over my files and everything is stored on my computer.

None the less, PDF Escape is one of many options available for entering data on genealogical  PDF forms!