> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://knowledge.out-smart.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://knowledge.out-smart.com/marketplace-packages-and-power-ups/power-ups/forms/what-is-visual-forms.md).

# What is Visual Forms?

Visual Forms turn a PDF into a fillable form.

Use them when the final document must keep a fixed layout.

This is the right choice for paper forms, compliance documents, and customer-specific templates.

Employees complete Visual Forms in the mobile app.

The result stays linked to the work order.

### When Visual Forms fit best

Use Visual Forms when:

* you already work with an existing PDF
* the layout matters as much as the answers
* you need the final result to match a formal document

### What Visual Forms add

Visual Forms let you:

* upload a PDF template
* place fields directly on the document
* autofill values from OutSmart
* add rules such as required or read-only behavior
* use the result in work orders and the mobile app

### How Visual Forms differ from standard Forms

A standard form uses a question list.

A Visual Form uses a PDF layout with positioned fields.

That makes Visual Forms a better fit for industry forms and fixed report layouts.

### Quick comparison

**Standard Forms**

* show questions in a list
* are often faster to build
* work well when layout is not important

**Visual Forms**

* use a PDF as the form
* keep the original document layout
* work well for formal or branded documents

### Start here

* [**Activate Visual Forms through the License Manager**](/marketplace-packages-and-power-ups/power-ups/forms/what-is-visual-forms/activate-visual-forms-through-the-license-manager.md)
* [**Use the Visual Forms Configurator**](/marketplace-packages-and-power-ups/power-ups/forms/what-is-visual-forms/use-the-visual-forms-configurator.md)
* [**Create a Visual Form**](/marketplace-packages-and-power-ups/power-ups/forms/create-a-visual-form.md)
* [**Use advanced mandatory rules in Visual Forms**](/marketplace-packages-and-power-ups/power-ups/forms/what-is-visual-forms/use-advanced-mandatory-rules-in-visual-forms.md)
* [**Configure read-only fields in Visual Forms**](/marketplace-packages-and-power-ups/power-ups/forms/what-is-visual-forms/configure-read-only-fields-in-visual-forms.md)
* [**Use Visual Forms in work orders**](/marketplace-packages-and-power-ups/power-ups/forms/use-visual-forms-in-work-orders.md)
* [**Use Visual Forms in the mobile app**](/marketplace-packages-and-power-ups/power-ups/forms/use-visual-forms-in-the-mobile-app.md)

### What stays the same

Visual Forms still belong to the work order flow.

Employees still complete them in the app.

Completed results stay available with the work order.

### Availability

Visual Forms may require an additional add-on.

Check the **License Manager** if the option is not available.

### Frequently asked questions

<details>

<summary>Is Visual Forms the same as standard Forms?</summary>

No.

It is a different form layout based on a PDF.

</details>

<details>

<summary>When should I choose Visual Forms?</summary>

Choose it when the document layout matters as much as the answers.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I still use standard Forms too?</summary>

Yes.

You can use both, depending on the process.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Does Visual Forms need a separate license?</summary>

It can.

Check the **License Manager** for your current package.

</details>

### Related topics

* [**Forms**](/marketplace-packages-and-power-ups/power-ups/forms.md)
* [**Choose between standard and Visual Forms**](/marketplace-packages-and-power-ups/power-ups/forms/choose-between-standard-and-visual-forms.md)
* [**Power-Ups**](/marketplace-packages-and-power-ups/power-ups.md)


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