---
title: "Fill PDF form fields - PDF automation | Document Engine"
canonical_url: "https://www.nutrient.io/guides/document-engine/forms/fill-form-fields/"
md_url: "https://www.nutrient.io/guides/document-engine/forms/fill-form-fields.md"
last_updated: "2026-05-14T16:53:43.808Z"
description: "Learn how to fill PDF forms using an Instant JSON file with Document Engine."
---

# Fill PDF form fields

Follow the steps in this guide to fill a PDF form using an Instant JSON file with Document Engine.

1. Create a new Instant JSON file. You can see an [example of an Instant JSON file here](https://www.nutrient.io/assets/nutrient-media/guides/document-engine/files/example.instant.json).

2. Add the values for the various form fields to a top-level `formFieldValues` field in the Instant JSON file, e.g.:

```json

{
    "annotations": [...],
    "formFields": [...],
    "format": "https://pspdfkit.com/instant-json/v1",
    "formFieldValues": [
        {
            "name": "Client Address",
            "type": "pspdfkit/form-field-value",
            "v": 1,
            "value": "An address"
        },
        {
            "name": "Client ZIP",
            "type": "pspdfkit/form-field-value",
            "v": 1,
            "value": "333333"
        },
        {
            "name": "Check Box 11",
            "type": "pspdfkit/form-field-value",
            "v": 1,
            "value": ["Yes"]
        },
        {
            "name": "Check Box 17",
            "type": "pspdfkit/form-field-value",
            "v": 1,
            "value": ["Yes"]
        },...
    ]
}

```

3. Follow the instructions in the [import Instant JSON](https://www.nutrient.io/guides/document-engine/annotations/import-and-export/instant-json.md) guide to import the Instant JSON file containing the new `formFieldValues` to the PDF document using Document Engine’s `/build` endpoint.
---

## Related pages

- [Extract form data](/guides/document-engine/forms/extract-form-data.md)
- [Flatten PDF forms](/guides/document-engine/forms/flatten.md)
- [PDF form server](/guides/document-engine/forms.md)