How do I make a PDF checklist accessible for everyone, including people who use screen readers?

Give every form field a clear label. Add a 'Tooltip' (description) for screen readers. Make sure the tab order is correct so users can navigate easily. Keep fonts simple (Arial/Times) and at least 11pt. Run the Accessibility Checker in Acrobat before sharing.

What is a 'form field' in Acrobat, and what types can I add to my checklist?

A form field is an interactive area in a PDF where users can enter information. You can add different types of fields to your checklist: Text boxes: For typing short or long answers. Dropdowns: For choosing one item from a list. Radio buttons: For selecting only one option from a group. Checkboxes: For selecting one or more options. List boxes: For choosing multiple items from a longer list.

Create Upload Checklist in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

2 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Create a fillable checklist PDF titled [filename=New_Client_Doc_Checklist] for clients to…+

Create a fillable checklist PDF titled [filename=New_Client_Doc_Checklist] for clients to upload required documents and share the form link with onboarding candidates this week.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

BImprove — “do it better”Build the onboarding checklist so it's hard to ignore missing items — make required fields…+

Build the onboarding checklist so it's hard to ignore missing items — make required fields validation, group items by tax, ID, and bank docs, add brief instructions for acceptable file types, and include an upload button so clients can't submit incomplete packets.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open Adobe Acrobat Pro on your computer.
2
Select the Tools tab.
3
Find and select Prepare Form under Forms.
4
Choose an existing file to use as your form, or select the option to create a new one.
Best practiceIf your form is not already a PDF, convert it to PDF before starting this process.
5
Click Start to let Acrobat detect form fields automatically, or manually add fields as needed.
Best practiceLetting Acrobat auto-detect fields can save time, but always review and adjust the detected fields for accuracy.
6
Use the toolbar to add, move, or delete form fields such as text boxes, checkboxes, and drop-down lists.
7
Double-click any form field to edit its properties, such as name, tooltip, and appearance.
8
When finished, use File > Save to save your fillable PDF form.

In the appWith the API

You can quickly test your form by switching to Preview mode in the Prepare Form tool to see how users will fill it out.

This runs in the Acrobat app - there is no separate API for this task.

Glossary

words on this page

Form fieldA place in the PDF where someone can type, pick, or check something.ExampleClick on the form field labeled 'Name' to type in your full name.

TooltipA small message that appears when you point to something, helping people understand what a form field is for.ExampleHovering over the 'Submit' button reveals a tooltip saying 'Click to send your completed form'.

Tab orderThe order in which you move from one field to the next by pressing the Tab key.ExamplePressing Tab moves your cursor from the name field to the address field, following the set tab order.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

Create a fillable checklist for clients to upload necessary documents so onboarding goes smoothly.

FAQ

about this task

Give every form field a clear label.
Add a 'Tooltip' (description) for screen readers.
Make sure the tab order is correct so users can navigate easily.
Keep fonts simple (Arial/Times) and at least 11pt.
Run the Accessibility Checker in Acrobat before sharing.

Forms made directly in Microsoft Word often do not convert well into truly accessible PDF form fields. Acrobat's 'Prepare a form' tool is designed to create proper, interactive PDF fields that are more reliable and can be made accessible. It is best to start with a well-structured Word document and then use Acrobat to add the form fields for the best results.

You should enable 'Reader Extended PDF' so that people who only have Adobe Reader can fill out and save the checklist. Without this step, they might be able to type into the fields but will not be able to save their changes, which can be very frustrating for them.

The best documents to start with are accessible source files, like a Word document that is well-structured. This helps Acrobat to better detect where form fields should go and makes the process of creating your fillable checklist smoother and more accurate.

A form field is an interactive area in a PDF where users can enter information.
You can add different types of fields to your checklist:
Text boxes: For typing short or long answers.
Dropdowns: For choosing one item from a list.
Radio buttons: For selecting only one option from a group.
Checkboxes: For selecting one or more options.
List boxes: For choosing multiple items from a longer list.

Create Upload Checklist

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help

Video

Other guides