Import annotations and form fields into PDFs with Instant JSON using Zapier and Nutrient DWS Processor API

Hulya Masharipov

January 31, 2025

In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to use Zapier and the Nutrient Document Web Services API to import annotation and form structure data (in Instant JSON format) into PDF documents — perfect for prefilling contracts and forms, or batch stamping annotated data.

Import annotations and form fields into PDFs with Instant JSON using Zapier and Nutrient DWS Processor API

What is Zapier?

Zapier(opens in a new tab) is a no-code automation tool that connects your apps and services. With “Zaps,” you can automate tasks such as annotating PDFs, generating contracts, and handling form data — all without writing a single line of code.

What is Nutrient DWS Processor API?

Nutrient Document Web Services API allows powerful document workflows like conversion, form generation, OCR, and redaction. With your free account(opens in a new tab), you get 200 credits to try all tools.

What is Instant JSON?

Instant JSON is a structured format used to describe annotations, form fields, and even values inside a PDF. With this API, you can dynamically apply structured data to your PDF files in seconds.

What you’ll need

A Zapier(opens in a new tab) account (a pro plan is necessary for multi-step Zaps)
A Google Drive account
A PDF file and a JSON file with annotation or form structure uploaded to Google Drive
A Nutrient DWS Processor API key — sign up here(opens in a new tab)

Step 1 — Trigger a new file in a Google Drive folder

Select Google Drive as the trigger app.

Select Google Drive as the Zap trigger

Choose the New File in Folder event.

New File in Folder event selected in Zapier trigger settings

Connect your Google Drive account and choose the folder that will receive your PDF files.

Google Drive folder selection for PDF trigger

Test this step with a sample PDF file.

Successful trigger test with sample PDF file

Step 2 — Find a matching Instant JSON file in Google Drive

Add Google Drive > Find a File as a new step.

Find File step added in Google Drive

Configure the fields:
- Filename — Enter the name of the JSON file you want to match (e.g. annotations.json).
- Search Type — Select Filename contains.
- Drive — Select My Drive.

Find file settings configured for JSON file

Make sure the JSON file is publicly accessible or Zapier has permission to fetch it.

Test this step to ensure Zapier finds the file.

Test result showing matched Instant JSON file

Step 3 — Import JSON to PDF (Nutrient DWS Processor API)

Select Nutrient Document Web Services API as the action app.

Nutrient DWS Processor API selected as action app

Choose the Import JSON to PDF action.

Select 'Import Instant JSON' as the action event

Connect your Nutrient DWS Processor API account using your API key.

Paste API key for Nutrient DWS Processor API

You can get your API key from the Nutrient dashboard(opens in a new tab).

Where to find your Nutrient DWS Processor API key

Configure the fields:
- PDF File URL — Use the PDF file from step 1.

Map PDF file URL in the action step

JSON File — Use the output from step 2.

Map JSON file URL in the action step

Output File Name — Optional (e.g. annotated_contract.pdf)

Ensure both the PDF and JSON files are accessible via a public or authenticated link (Google Drive works seamlessly in Zapier).

You can use our sample document (annotations.pdf)(opens in a new tab) and sample Instant JSON file (annotations.json)(opens in a new tab) for testing this step.

Test the step to verify the PDF is correctly updated with imported annotations and/or fields.

Test result showing successfully annotated PDF

Step 4 — Upload the annotated PDF to Google Drive

Add another action: Google Drive > Upload File.

Add Upload File as the final Zap step

Select your drive and target folder (e.g. annotated-outputs).
In the File field, use the PDF output from the Nutrient step.

Mapped output to upload final file to Drive

Test to ensure the PDF uploads correctly.

Test results showing a successful flattening response

Conclusion

You’ve just built a fully automated workflow that imports annotations and form fields into a PDF using Instant JSON and Nutrient’s API on Zapier(opens in a new tab). This is great for prefilling fields, applying saved markups, or generating consistent document templates at scale.

Want to go further? Combine this with digital signing, OCR, or flattening for secure, validated PDF workflows.