How to Get PDF Form Field Names Using PDF.co and Zapier

Step 1: Prepare the PDF

Upload a fillable PDF to a folder in Google Drive.

You can use an existing form template, such as an interactive tax, application, or registration form.

Step 2: Configure the Google Drive Trigger

Create a Zap and select Google Drive as the trigger app.

Choose New File in Folder as the trigger event, connect your Google Drive account, and select the folder containing the PDF.

Test the trigger and confirm that Zapier retrieves the sample file.

Step 3: Add the PDF.co Action

Add an action and select PDF.co.

Choose Get PDF Information as the action event. This action returns document properties and information about interactive form fields. View the current PDF.co actions in Zapier.

Connect your PDF.co account by signing in and authorizing Zapier.

Configure the action:

• Source File URL: Map the downloadable PDF file from the Google Drive trigger.
• Extract Fillable Fields: Select True.
• Custom Profiles: Leave empty unless the document requires additional configuration.

Step 4: Test the Action

Test the PDF.co action.

The result will include the form’s interactive fields and their properties. Locate the returned field collection and review each field’s name.

Depending on the PDF, the results may include text fields, checkboxes, radio buttons, list boxes, and other form controls.

Copy the required names exactly as returned. Field names are case-sensitive and must match the PDF when used in a form-filling action.

Step 5: Use the Field Names

You can now use the retrieved names in a PDF.co form-filling workflow.

For example, a field may be filled using a field name and value such as:

customer_name=Jane Smith

Use the actual names returned from your PDF rather than labels printed visibly on the page. A visible label such as “Customer Name” may have a different internal field name.