How do I make sure my PDF form is accessible for everyone?

Start with a well-organized source document. Add a label and a 'Tooltip' (description for screen readers) to every form field. Ensure the tab order is correct so users can navigate easily. Use simple, clear fonts and a minimum size of 11pt. Run the Accessibility Checker in Acrobat before you share the form.

Why is it important to enable saving rights for Reader users on a PDF form?

Enabling saving rights for Adobe Reader users lets them fill out your form and then save their changes. Without this, they would lose all the information they typed when they close the document. This makes your form much more user-friendly and practical for many people.

What is the difference between creating forms in Microsoft Word and Adobe Acrobat?

Creating forms in Microsoft Word often leads to problems when converting to PDF, especially with accessible form fields. Word's form tools do not export well to accessible PDF. Adobe Acrobat's 'Prepare a Form' tool is designed specifically for creating accessible PDF forms, ensuring fields are correctly tagged and work properly for all users, including those using screen readers.

If I have a scanned document, can I still make it a fillable PDF form?

Yes, you can use 'Prepare a Form' with a scanned document. Acrobat will try to detect fields, but you will likely need to add form fields manually. It's best to start with a digital document if possible, but a scanned image can be a starting point for adding fields.

What are 'Tooltips' in PDF form fields and why do they matter?

Tooltips are short descriptions linked to each form field. They matter because screen readers use them to tell visually impaired users what each field is for. A good Tooltip makes your form much easier for everyone to understand and use, improving accessibility.

Batch fill multiple fillable PDF forms with data in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Fill these PDF forms using this spreadsheet of names and details...…+

Fill these fillable PDF forms using my spreadsheet data: [PDF form file], [spreadsheet file]. Make one finished PDF for each row.

when the reply comes backWant to add a signature or logo to each form?

BImprove — “do it better”Review my spreadsheet and PDF form to find any missing fields or errors...…+

Review my spreadsheet and PDF form to find any missing fields or errors before batch filling: [PDF form file], [spreadsheet file]. Suggest fixes.

when the reply comes backNeed to double-check the filled data for mistakes?

CDecide — “help me choose”Should I save each filled PDF separately or combine them into one file...…+

Should I save each filled PDF form as a separate file or combine them into one big PDF? My goal is [describe your goal, e.g., easy printing or emailing].

when the reply comes backReady to send out the completed PDFs by email?

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

Batch fillFilling out many forms at the same time using one set of data.ExampleUsing batch fill, you can apply the same contact details to 30 customer forms.

Fillable PDFA PDF file where you can type information into boxes or fields.ExampleYou can type your answers directly into the fillable PDF survey document.

Data sourceThe file or table where your information comes from, like a spreadsheet.ExampleThe sales report uses the company's main customer database as its data source.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

I want the office to adopt a single, compliant e-form and signature process so we stop patchwork workarounds.

FAQ

about this task

To batch fill PDF forms, you usually need a spreadsheet with your data and a fillable PDF template. You use Adobe Acrobat’s mail merge or similar tools to match the spreadsheet columns to the PDF fields, then Acrobat creates a filled PDF for each row of data.

A fillable PDF form is a special type of PDF file with boxes or fields where you can type information. When batch filling, these fields are automatically filled with data from your spreadsheet.

If some data is missing, the batch fill will leave those fields blank in the finished PDFs. It's best to check your spreadsheet first to make sure all needed information is included.

Filling forms one by one means you type in each form separately, which takes a lot of time. Batch filling lets you fill many forms at once by connecting your data to the form, saving time and reducing mistakes.

Batch filling saves time and effort when you need to make many forms for different people, like certificates or letters, because it automatically fills in each person’s details without doing it by hand.

Batch fill multiple fillable PDF forms with data

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help

Video

Other guides