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Choose the right fill method

Start with native PDF form fill when the PDF already contains supported fields. Use overlays when the PDF needs flexible placement, fixed content, or fallback coverage. Bulk Fill supports all three methods, and mixed workflows are allowed when that matches the document best.

What Bulk Fill Can Populate​

In the current product, Bulk Fill can populate a recurring PDF in three ways:

  • native PDF form fields on supported non-XFA AcroForm PDFs, including text fields, checkboxes, single-select dropdowns, and radio groups
  • CSV-mapped overlay content placed anywhere on the page, such as mapped text, QR codes, and barcodes
  • fixed overlay content that stays the same on every output, such as fixed text, fixed date, fixed QR codes, or fixed barcodes

You can also combine these methods in one workflow. For example, you might use native fields for the core business form, then add an overlay QR code or fixed barcode where the original PDF has no native field for that content.

Fill Methods At A Glance​

MethodUses PDF native fields?Uses CSV?Best for
Native AcroForm fillYesYesexisting fillable PDFs with supported native fields
CSV-mapped overlayNoYesflexible placement anywhere on the page
Static overlayNoNofixed content that should appear on every output

Native PDF Form Fill (AcroForm)​

Use native PDF form fill when the PDF already contains supported native AcroForm fields and you want Bulk Fill to write into the document's own form structure instead of placing everything as overlays.

In the current product, this native path supports:

  • text fields
  • checkboxes
  • single-select dropdowns
  • radio groups

When a PDF already has supported non-XFA native fields, this is often the cleaner and more natural path for structured business forms.

For the complete workflow, go to Work with native PDF forms (AcroForm).

CSV-Mapped Overlays​

Use CSV-mapped overlays when the content must come from your CSV and you need to place it freely anywhere on the page.

This is usually the right path when:

  • the PDF does not already contain usable native form fields
  • you need flexible visual placement that does not depend on the PDF's native field structure
  • you need mapped overlay content such as text, QR codes, or barcodes

Mapped overlays remain one of Bulk Fill's core strengths. They are flexible, practical, and still the right answer for many recurring business documents.

Static Overlays​

Use static overlays when the same content should appear on every exported PDF regardless of row data.

Common examples include:

  • a fixed text label
  • a fixed date
  • a fixed QR code
  • a fixed barcode

This method is useful when the PDF needs extra content in a specific visual position and that content does not change from row to row.

When To Choose Each Method​

Choose Native PDF form fill when:

  • the PDF already contains supported non-XFA AcroForm fields
  • the document is a structured business form
  • using the PDF's own form layer is more natural than placing overlays

Choose CSV-mapped overlays when:

  • the value changes by row
  • you want full control over placement
  • the PDF does not already provide the native fields you need

Choose Static overlays when:

  • the content is fixed for every output
  • you need a simple visual addition to the PDF

XFA And Unsupported Native-Form Cases​

Native form fill is limited to supported non-XFA AcroForm PDFs.

If the PDF is XFA, or if the native fields you need are unsupported, use overlays instead. In practice that means:

  • use overlay Fields for CSV-mapped text placement
  • use overlay QR codes or barcodes when the PDF has no matching native field
  • keep using static overlays for fixed content that belongs outside the native form layer

Bulk Fill does not turn XFA support into a native workflow. XFA documents stay on the overlay path.

If your PDF already has supported fillable PDF form fields:

If your PDF is visually stable but has no useful native fields:

  • use CSV-mapped overlays
  • place the mapped content exactly where it needs to appear on the page

If you need the same fixed content on every output:

  • add static overlays
  • combine them with mapped overlays or native fields if needed

Next Steps​