> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://knowledge.yourwatchtower.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Step 1: Evaluate or Design your PDF Template Layout

# Step 1: Evaluate or Design your PDF Template Layout

## **Start with proper PDF Design and Spacing**

It’s important PDF templates start with proper design and spacing. If you are using an older paper-based PDF design, consider if you need to redesign your PDF template to handle longer text answers. A cramped PDF design can lead to answers being cut off when the text data is mapped in, if the PDF inputs are too small or short. If the length of a given answer in the Watchtower form is hard to anticipate, it’s best to leave extra room in your PDF design. Many agencies even add extra pages to the end of the PDF with extra-large inputs for longer multi-paragraph answers etc… 


![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/-/e/e/8/c/ee8c717f4fba7800/image12_scas8z.webp)
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## **Consolidate and simplify your input types where possible.**

Many old PDF templates have redundant fields for address and Date/Time inputs. Consolidate these inputs to simplify your PDF template.

1. **Common Example:** Instead of several inputs for “Street Address Input, City Input, State Input, ZIP Input”, redesign your PDF template to accept one simple “Address” input. This will help with address validation and data analysis later on.
2. **Common Example:** Instead of several inputs for “Day Input, Time Input, Date Input, AM/PM Input”, redesign your PDF template to accept one simple “Date/Time” input.
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||| 🚨If you are building a PDF template from scratch, consider using a tool like Adobe Acrobat.

### PDF Mapping Tool Guide:

[__Step 1:__ **Evaluate or Design your PDF Template Layout**](https://knowledge.yourwatchtower.com/en/article/step-1-evaluate-or-design-your-pdf-template-layout-1e4gtmc/)

[__Step 2:__ **Preparing Your Watchtower Operational Form**](https://knowledge.yourwatchtower.com/en/article/step-2-preparing-your-watchtower-operational-form-aes284/)

[__Step 3:__ **Mapping Watchtower Form into the Custom PDF Template**](https://knowledge.yourwatchtower.com/en/article/step-3-mapping-watchtower-form-into-the-custom-pdf-template-tb9r55/)

[__Step 4:__ **Submit and Download the Mapped Form to Test**](https://knowledge.yourwatchtower.com/en/article/step-4-submit-and-download-the-mapped-form-to-test-1ciubh3/)

| [__Click here to check __**Adobe Acrobat Pro Guide**](https://knowledge.yourwatchtower.com/en/article/adobe-acrobat-pro-guide-uexwbh/)