Is a 'form' the correct way to produce this document?

[impvan]

…or is a ‘form’ all about database entry?

I have a base pdf, with empty whitespace areas in which I need to enter test results. The base pdf does not get edited in any way.
I envisage a layer on top of this, containing accurately-positioned boxes in which I can enter free text, ideally with the ability to use ‘tab’ to move from box to box.
This pair of layers would be saved as a template for repeated use (if ‘template’ is the correct term)…
Then, when I need to fill out a test sheet, I save the filled page with a new filename, ‘flatten’ the layers and print.
I have about 60 forms to complete, so having a fillable master page would speed things up immensely!!

None of the data needs to be stored, which is why I’m struggling with the LO ‘form’ concept, which seems to be database-focussed.

I guess I’m looking for the correct jargon…

[Hrbrgr]

Try this:

Create a fillable form in Writer

… and possibly supplement:
Content Controls in Writer

When your work is ready, export it as a PDF.

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You don’t need a database.

[TXDon]

I’m wondering if you are making this process more complicated than it needs to be. Maybe a Writer document template with properly styled frames and fields would meet your needs.

[Vanadium]

A form is the correct way to implement this. You then export the form to a fillable PDF that the user can save and email. As you discovered, the feature goes much beyond of what you try to achieve: the form can be connected to a database.

[impvan]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I was getting mixed up, especially with the distinction between ‘form’ and ‘control’.

What I’ve done in the end is to open my base pdf in Draw, add a new Layer to put the fillable boxes on, and locked the ‘Layout’ layer so it can’t accidentaly move about. A quick test export, and it seems to work, with the bonus that it can be filled-in with my usual pdf handler…