pdf-text-replace_skill

Overview

This skill updates text inside fillable PDF forms by changing form field values. It scans form fields, finds entries that match a search string, and writes the replacement text while preserving the PDF’s interactive fields. Use it to quickly correct or batch-update names, addresses, dates, and other form data.

How this skill works

The skill reads a PDF with interactive form fields, inspects every field value, and performs a search-and-replace on matching values. Modified values are saved into a new PDF that retains its form structure (fields are not flattened). It reports how many fields were changed and fails early if the PDF lacks fillable fields or the input/output paths are invalid.

When to use it

• You need to change names, addresses, or dates already stored in form fields.
• Batch-update multiple form entries across a single PDF or many PDFs.
• Correct typos in filed forms without re-filling each field manually.
• Prepare forms for distribution by updating reference numbers or timestamps.

Best practices

• Ensure the PDF contains interactive (fillable) form fields; flattened or scanned PDFs won’t work.
• Back up the original PDF before running batch replacements.
• Use exact casing for searches unless you pre-process values to a common case.
• Test the replacement on a copy of the PDF to confirm layout and field behavior remain correct.
• Verify output path permissions so the updated PDF can be written successfully.

Example use cases

• Replace a person’s full name across a completed tax or registration form.
• Update mailing addresses on client intake PDFs before a mass mailout.
• Change effective dates or contract reference numbers across form templates.
• Fix repeated typos in a filled form without manual editing field-by-field.
• Batch process a folder of fillable PDFs to standardize a specific field value.