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Introduction to flyfield

Welcome to the flyfield documentation! flyfield is a Python toolset that automates the creation, filling, and data extraction of interactive PDF forms built around white box placeholders.

What is flyfield?

flyfield offers both a Python library and a command-line interface (CLI) designed to automate workflows involving:

  • Detecting and extracting white rectangular placeholders in vector PDFs
  • Generating interactive form fields aligned to those placeholders
  • Filling PDF forms programmatically using CSV data
  • Capturing filled form data back into CSV for editing or reuse

The goal is to simplify converting paper-style forms into machine-readable automated workflows, reducing repetitive manual entry.

Who is it for?

flyfield is intended for anyone who needs to automate PDF form workflows involving standard white box placeholders, including:

  • Users aiming to reduce repetitive manual data entry and improve accuracy
  • Professionals integrating PDF form automation into software and systems
  • Operators connecting PDF forms seamlessly with spreadsheets or databases
  • Teams automating workflows involving administrative, financial, or tax-intensive forms

Why use flyfield?

  • Automates data entry — Detect, fill, and export form fields with no manual typing
  • Increases accuracy — CSV integration reduces common errors
  • Streamlines workflows — Batch processing and reusable scripts save time on large form sets
  • Extensible — Generated Python scripts can be customized for advanced use

Key Features

  • Automatic detection and extraction of white boxes (no separate extraction needed unless CSV is provided)
  • Visual markup PDFs for validation before filling
  • Script generation for reproducible form creation and filling
  • CSV-based exchange for easy integration with spreadsheets, databases, and downstream systems

How to use this documentation

We hope flyfield helps simplify your PDF form workflows and saves you time.

Happy automating!