Purpose Statement
The Overlay Form feature enables Permit Administrators to create image-based permit templates that preserve official formatting (such as state forms, department letterhead, or inspection certificates) and generate print-ready PDFs directly from First Due.
This eliminates the need for physical pre-printed forms while allowing departments to:
Produce professional, official-looking permits
Maintain compliance with required document formats
Generate PDFs for digital distribution and archival
Support multi-page permit documents
Background Information
Overlay Forms allow users to upload a background image (such as a scanned permit template) and place system data fields directly on top of that image using drag-and-drop positioning.
Once configured, the system generates a PDF that includes:
The full background image
All mapped system data fields (standard or custom)
Preserved styling (font, size, color, formatting)
Configured checkbox display logic
Overlay Forms can include multiple pages, making them ideal for complex permits such as:
Aerosol Storage Permits
Operational Permits
Inspection Certificates
State-mandated compliance documentation
Key Capabilities Demonstrated in Training
Multi-page form support
Add standard data fields (system fields)
Add custom data fields tied to specific permit types
Drag-and-drop positioning
Field resizing and formatting
Font styling (size, bold, italic, underline, case formatting)
Text color and highlight options
Prerequisites
Permit Type must be configured to use a form
Background image(s) available in JPG or PNG format
Custom data fields created within the Permit Type (if needed)
Required user permissions enabled
Required Permissions
Users must have the following permissions:
Permit Management – View and manage permits
Form Builder Access – Create and edit forms
Permit Type Configuration – Associate forms to permit types
Report/PDF Generation – Generate and download permit reports
Permission names may vary slightly based on agency configuration.
Video
Step-by-Step Guide
Part 1: Create an Overlay Form
Step 1: Navigate to Form Builder
Open the Module Stack.
Select Permits.
Click Form Builder List.
Select Create Overlay Form.
Step 2: Enter Basic Form Information
Enter a Form Name.
Add a Note describing the purpose of the form.
Click to continue into the blank form workspace.
Additional form details will populate after saving.
Step 3: Upload Background Image (Page 1)
Click Upload Image.
Select your background template (JPG or PNG).
Confirm the image loads into the workspace.
Step 4: Add Additional Pages (If Needed)
Click Add New Page at the top.
Upload the image for the second page.
Repeat as necessary for multi-page documents.
You can:
Click between pages to edit
Delete pages if needed
Add additional pages at any time
Step 5: Add Standard Data Fields
Click Add Field.
Select Add Data Field.
Use the search bar (example: type “exit”)
ORFilter by Permit Type (Construction, Demographics, Permit Data, Fire Department, Risk Assessment, etc.).
Select one or multiple fields.
Click OK.
Fields will appear on the left side of the workspace.
Step 6: Position and Style Fields
Drag and drop fields into position.
Resize fields horizontally or vertically as needed.
Use the formatting toolbar to adjust:
Font type
Font size
Bold / Italic / Underline
Uppercase / Lowercase / Capitalize
Text color
Highlight color
If a field is not needed:
Select the field
Click Delete
Part 2: Add Custom Data Fields
Custom data fields are tied to specific Permit Types.
Step 7: Add Custom Permit Fields
Click Add Field.
Select Add Custom Data Field.
Select the applicable Permit Type.
Click Search.
Select from the available custom fields.
Click OK.
Drag and position the custom field as needed.
For rich text or multi-line fields:
Stretch the field downward to allow sufficient space for text expansion.
Important Design Recommendation
If your background template includes pre-printed lines for text entry:
It is strongly recommended to remove those lines from the background image before uploading.
Aligning dynamic text perfectly over printed lines is extremely difficult and may cause visual misalignment in the final PDF.
Step 8: Save the Overlay Form
Click Save.
Click Close.
Confirm the form appears in the Form Builder list as type Overlay Form.
Part 3: Associate Overlay Form to Permit Type
Step 9: Attach Form to Permit Type
Navigate to Permits.
Open the desired Permit Type.
Go to the Forms section.
Select the newly created Overlay Form.
Save the Permit Type.
Part 4: Generate and Print the Overlay Permit
Step 10: Generate the Permit PDF
Navigate to Permit List.
Open or create a permit using the configured Permit Type.
Complete all required fields.
Navigate to the Permit Report tab.
Click Generate Report.
The system automatically:
Detects the Overlay Form type
Generates a properly formatted PDF
Preserves background image and field positioning
Download the PDF or send it directly to your printer.
Best Practices
Image Quality
Use high-resolution images (minimum 300 DPI).
Avoid blurry or compressed templates.
Match paper size to original form dimensions.
Field Placement
Keep browser zoom at 100% when positioning fields.
Avoid overlapping logos, seals, or signature areas.
Leave sufficient spacing for expanding text fields.
Multi-Page Forms
Confirm correct page order before saving.
Double-check that fields are placed on the correct page.
Data Accuracy
Review all entries before generating the PDF.
Treat printed permits as official compliance documents.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Using low-resolution background images
Leaving form lines in place under dynamic text
Forgetting to refresh Permit Type screen after form creation
Modifying field positions after permits are actively issued
Troubleshooting & FAQs
Issue: Overlay Form Not Appearing in Permit Type
Solution: Refresh the page after saving the form.
Issue: Background Image Missing in PDF
Solution:
Confirm image format is JPG or PNG
Verify upload completed successfully
Re-save the form template
Issue: Fields Appear Misaligned
Solution:
Confirm browser zoom is set to 100%
Recheck drag-and-drop positioning
Ensure image resolution matches original document size
Issue: Rich Text Field Overflows Area
Solution:
Expand the field vertically in Form Builder
Remove background lines from template
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Overlay Forms have multiple pages?
Yes. You can add additional pages and upload separate background images for each page.
Q: Can I select multiple data fields at once?
Yes. You can select multiple fields before clicking OK, and they will load together.
Q: Will form updates affect previously issued permits?
No. Existing permits retain their original formatting for record integrity.