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Generating and Using PDF Forms with SurveyJS

Last updated February 18, 2024

Introduction:

In the digital age, the ability to generate and use PDF forms can significantly enhance the flexibility and reach of your surveys. SurveyJS offers a powerful feature that allows you to render your surveys as PDF documents. This capability is invaluable for users who need to fill out forms offline or prefer a paper-based option. This article will guide you through the process of generating and using PDF forms with SurveyJS, ensuring you can cater to a wider audience by providing multiple formats for your surveys.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Setting Up SurveyJS for PDF Generation
  • Ensure you have SurveyJS Library and the SurveyJS PDF Export library included in your project. The PDF Export library is a separate component that enables the conversion of SurveyJS forms into PDF format.
  • Example: Include the necessary scripts in your HTML file or install them via npm for a Node.js project.
  1. Creating Your Survey Model
  • Define your survey JSON as you would for a web survey. This includes specifying questions, choices, and any logic your survey requires.
  • Example: javascriptCopy code var surveyJSON = { title: "Employee Feedback Survey", pages: [...] };
  1. Initializing the SurveyPDF Object
  • Use the SurveyPDF.SurveyPDF class to create a new survey PDF object. Pass your survey JSON to the constructor to initialize it.
  • Example: javascriptCopy code var surveyPDF = newSurveyPDF.SurveyPDF(surveyJSON);
  1. Customizing PDF Settings
  • Before generating the PDF, you can customize settings such as format, font size, and margins to ensure the PDF looks exactly how you want it.
  • Example: javascriptCopy code surveyPDF.format = "a4"; surveyPDF.margins = { left: 10, right: 10, top: 20, bot: 10 };
  1. Generating the PDF
  • Once your survey PDF object is configured, use the save method to generate and save the PDF file. You can specify a filename as a parameter.
  • Example: javascriptCopy code surveyPDF.save("EmployeeFeedbackSurvey.pdf");
  1. Distributing the PDF Form
  • After generating the PDF form, distribute it to your intended audience through email, a download link on your website, or any other method that suits your needs.
  1. Collecting and Processing Responses
  • Decide on a process for collecting filled-out PDF forms. This could involve manual data entry, scanning with OCR software to digitize responses, or using a service that allows users to submit PDF forms online.
  • Example: Set up an email address or online submission portal where respondents can return completed forms.

Conclusion:

Generating and using PDF forms with SurveyJS opens up new avenues for data collection, making your surveys accessible even in offline environments. By following these steps, you can create, customize, and distribute PDF versions of your surveys, ensuring you reach a broader audience. Whether for field research, feedback collection in areas with limited internet access, or simply offering a printable option, PDF forms can significantly enhance the versatility of your SurveyJS projects.

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