How to Create an Interactive PDF

When you search for how to make an interactive PDF, you usually want a simple way to turn a static file into something people can click, explore, and use. That might mean linking product images to your website, adding buttons that jump between pages, or creating forms people can fill out and submit digitally.

Below, we walk through what makes a PDF interactive, the main ways to create a clickable PDF, and how you can use Smallpdf to build and share interactive documents in a few steps.

What Is an Interactive, Clickable PDF?

An interactive, clickable PDF is a PDF that responds to user actions. Instead of just showing text and images, it includes elements you can click, type into, or navigate through.

Common clickable elements include:

• Text or image hyperlinks that open web pages or other pages in the PDF
• Buttons that act as calls to action or navigation
• Fillable fields where people can type their information
• Checkboxes and radio buttons for simple choices
• Linked table of contents entries that jump to sections

You can use these elements in catalogs, presentations, course materials, applications, onboarding packets, and more.

Ways To Make a Clickable PDF

There is more than one way to create a clickable PDF. Here is a quick comparison of common approaches so you can pick what fits your workflow.

Most people start with a Word doc or an existing PDF and then use Smallpdf to turn it into a clickable PDF with clean links and interactive elements.

How To Make a Clickable PDF With Smallpdf: Step-By-Step

You can use our online tools to create clickable PDFs from scratch or by editing existing files. Here is a simple workflow you can follow.

Step 1: Prepare Your Document

Start from a clear layout in Word, Google Docs, or another editor.

• Write your content and add headings.
• Decide which parts should be clickable (buttons, images, text).
• Leave enough space for buttons or labels where needed.

If you already have a PDF, you can skip straight to the next step.

Step 2: Convert Your File To PDF (If Needed)

If your file isn’t already a PDF: 1. Open Smallpdf PDF Converter. 2. Upload your Word, PowerPoint, or other supported file. 3. Download the converted PDF.

Now you have a clean base file ready for clickable elements.

Step 3: Upload Your PDF To Smallpdf

1. Open the Smallpdf PDF Editor in your browser.
2. Drag and drop your PDF into the upload area or choose it from Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
3. Wait for the editor to open your document and show the toolbar.

This is where you will add links, buttons, and other interactive touches.

Step 4: Add Clickable Links and Buttons

You can make text or images clickable by turning them into links.

• Select the area you want to make clickable (text or image).
• Use the link option in the editor’s toolbar.
• Paste your URL or select a page inside the PDF if internal navigation is supported.
• Apply the change and repeat for other clickable areas.

For call-to-action style buttons, you can:

• Add a shape or text box that looks like a button (for example, “Download now” or “View product details”).
• Turn that shape or text into a hyperlink using the same link tool.

Your PDF now guides the reader toward the actions you care about.

Step 5: Save, Test, and Share

When you finish editing: 1. Download your clickable PDF. 2. Open it in a PDF reader or browser and click every link to test. 3. Fix any errors in Smallpdf if needed, then share the final version.

You can email the file, store it in the cloud, or pair it with other Smallpdf features like Compress PDF or Password Protect PDF before sending.

How To Add Hyperlinks in a PDF (Detailed Tutorial)

Hyperlinks are the foundation of a clickable PDF. Here is a more detailed look at how to add hyperlinks and what to keep in mind.

Choose What Should Be Clickable

Decide which elements will act as links:

• Text like “Learn more” or product names
• Images such as product photos or icons
• Navigation items like “Back to top” or section titles

Using clear link text helps people understand what happens before they click.

Add Hyperlinks Step by Step

Once you are in PDF Editor: 1. Zoom in to the area where you want to add a link. 2. Select the text or draw a selection box around the image you want to turn into a link. 3. Choose the link option in the toolbar to open the link settings. 4. Enter your destination:

• A full URL for a website (for example, https://yourdomain.com/product).
• An email link using address@domain.com.
• A page number within the PDF if internal linking is available.

5. Confirm the link and close the settings.

Repeat these steps for each clickable area in your PDF.

Use Visual Cues and Test Your Links

Even if the link area is invisible, people should still know they can click.

• Use underlined text or a contrasting color for link text.
• Add small labels like “Click to view” below images or buttons.

When you are done, download the PDF and test each link by clicking:

• In your browser’s built-in viewer.
• In a desktop PDF reader.

If your article includes screenshots, you can describe them with alt text like: ‘Screenshot of Smallpdf PDF Editor showing the link settings panel for a selected button.’

Interactive Elements You Can Add Beyond Links

Clickable PDFs are not just about links. You can add other interactive touches that guide people through your document.

1. Buttons and Calls To Action

Buttons help direct readers toward the next step:

• “Shop now” for catalogs and brochures.
• “Book a demo” for product sheets.
• “Start the quiz” or “Continue to section 2” in learning materials.

You can create button-like elements in your source document or directly in Smallpdf using shapes and text, then turn them into clickable links.

2. Fillable Form Fields and Checkboxes

If you want to collect simple responses, you can combine a clickable PDF with fillable form behavior.

Common uses:

• Registration forms and simple sign-up sheets
• Feedback forms with checkboxes for options
• Basic order forms where people type in quantities or contact details

You can use our PDF Editor together with other Smallpdf features (like eSign) to build a workflow where people fill and sign your PDF online.

3. Images, Galleries, and Media

You can also think about:

• Image galleries where each photo links to a product page.
• Thumbnails that open larger versions of images on your website.
• Icons that link to your social media profiles or help pages.

Even without embedded video, combining images and hyperlinks can create a rich, guided experience inside your clickable PDF. But if you do need to add videos, check our complete guide on how to embed videos in a PDF.

Optimize and Share Your Clickable PDF

Once you have a clickable PDF, you still want it to be easy to send and safe to open.

Reduce File Size for Sharing

Big files can be hard to email or upload. To keep your clickable PDF light: 1. Open Smallpdf Compress PDF. 2. Upload your interactive PDF. 3. Choose a compression level and download the optimized file.

Your links remain intact while the file becomes easier to share.

Protect Sensitive Documents

If your clickable PDF includes confidential information:

• Use Password Protect PDF to add a password before sharing.
• Share the password through a separate channel like chat or SMS.

You can also store your PDFs securely in cloud services and send links instead of attachments when appropriate.

Interactive PDF Examples and Use Cases

If you want inspiration before creating your own clickable PDF, here are common formats that benefit the most from interactive elements.

• Product catalogs: Clickable product photos that open purchase pages or pricing sheets. Many brands use Flipsnack to design catalogue-style layouts, then turn them into clickable PDFs for sharing.
• Digital magazines: Linked table of contents, scrolling galleries, and embedded videos that make articles easier to navigate.
• Annual reports: Interactive charts, data highlights, and page-jump buttons that let readers explore financial sections at their own pace.
• Course materials: Embedded quizzes, navigation buttons, and supplemental videos so learners move through content smoothly.
• Marketing brochures: Strong CTAs, links to promotions, and lead-generation form fields that collect information directly in the PDF.
• Portfolio presentations: Image galleries, video testimonials, and clickable project tiles that showcase work in a polished, modern way.

A well-known example is the Electrolux interactive PDF catalog, created with Flipsnack. It combines product images, embedded video demonstrations, and navigation buttons to guide viewers through appliances and product lines in a visually rich experience.

Start Creating Clickable PDFs Today

Now that you know how to make a clickable PDF with links, buttons, simple form elements, and structured navigation, you can turn any document into a more engaging experience.

With Smallpdf, you can:

• Convert your source files into clean PDFs.
• Add clickable elements in your browser.
• Compress and secure the final version.
• Share or track it easily through our online features.

Whether you are designing a product catalog, a course handout, a presentation deck, or a marketing brochure, our online PDF tools give you everything you need to create and improve interactive PDFs without installing software.

Try creating your clickable PDF today and see how Smallpdf helps you build documents that guide, inform, and engage your audience.

Interactive PDFs: Frequently Asked Questions

How to make a PDF clickable?

To make a PDF clickable, upload your file to Smallpdf PDF Editor, select the text or images you want to turn into links, and use the link option in the toolbar to add URLs or page jumps. Then download the PDF and test each link in your viewer to confirm that everything works.

How do I make my PDF interactive free?

You can make your PDF interactive for free by creating your content in Word or another editor, converting it to PDF with Smallpdf, and then using our PDF Editor to add clickable links, button-style elements, and basic form behavior. For many use cases, this is enough to turn a static document into an interactive experience.

How to make a PDF with clickable boxes?

First, design the layout of your boxes in your source document or in the Smallpdf PDF Editor. Then, for each box, select the area and add a link to the relevant page or web address. You can use borders, background colors, and labels to make it clear that each box is clickable.

How to make a PDF interactive with buttons?

Create button-shaped elements using shapes and text, such as “Download report” or “View product details.” In Smallpdf PDF Editor, select each button and add a hyperlink so clicking it opens a web page or jumps to another page in the PDF. Test each button to make sure it leads to the right place.

Why is my PDF not clickable?

Your PDF is not clickable if it does not have any links or interactive elements defined. Even if the design looks like a button, it will not work until you add actual hyperlinks. Open the file in Smallpdf PDF Editor, add links to the correct areas, save the file, and then test it again.

How do I insert a clickable checkbox?

Design the checkbox area in your document or in Smallpdf PDF Editor by drawing a small square next to each option. Turn the label text or the checkbox area into a clickable region by adding a link, for example, to a web form or survey. For more advanced checkboxes that change visually when clicked, you will usually combine PDF editing with a form or eSign workflow rather than relying on visual design alone.