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

Start with a well-structured document, like a Word file, but do not use Word's own form tools. Give every form field a label, a Tooltip (description for screen readers), and a tag. Check that the tab order is correct so users can move through fields easily. Use simple fonts like Arial or Times, at least 11pt size. Run the Accessibility Checker in Acrobat before you share the form.

What is the difference between creating a form from scratch and converting an existing document?

Method Description Benefit. From scratch You build the form layout and fields directly in Acrobat. Full control over design and field placement from the start. Convert document Acrobat analyzes an existing file (like a Word doc) and tries to add fields. Faster for documents that already have a form-like structure.

Blank Form Handoffs in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

1 way to ask · copy any one

CDecide — “help me choose”I need to prefill appraisal forms with last period’s metrics before sending them out tonight so…+

I need to prefill appraisal forms with last period’s metrics before sending them out tonight so reviews run smoothly. Tell me which metrics to lock in (attendance, productivity, incident rate), which subjective fields to leave blank, and one short instruction line to include so staff know what I prefilled and why.

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 on your computer.
2
Select the main menu and choose File, then select Create to start a new PDF.
3
Go to the left pane and select Prepare Form.
4
In the Prepare Form window, confirm Blank Page is selected, then click to proceed.
5
Use the toolbar to choose a form field type (such as text field, checkbox, radio button, dropdown, or signature field).
6
Click on the blank page to place each form field where you want it.
7
Double-click each field to open its properties and customize its name, appearance, and options.
8
Repeat steps 5–7 to add and configure all required fields for your form.
9
When finished, select File > Save to save your fillable PDF form.

In the appWith the API

You can drag and resize form fields directly on the blank page for precise placement.

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'.

Accessible PDFA PDF that people with disabilities can use, often with tools like screen readers.ExampleAn Accessible PDF allows a visually impaired user to have its content read aloud by a screen reader.

Who does this

3 roles

Forms DesignerAdministrative AssistantHR Coordinator

FAQ

about this task

Start with a well-structured document, like a Word file, but do not use Word's own form tools.
Give every form field a label, a Tooltip (description for screen readers), and a tag.
Check that the tab order is correct so users can move through fields easily.
Use simple fonts like Arial or Times, at least 11pt size.
Run the Accessibility Checker in Acrobat before you share the form.

Enabling Reader Extended PDF allows people using the free Adobe Reader program to fill out your form and save their changes. Without this, Reader users can fill the form but cannot save their typed information, which can be frustrating for them.

Method	Description	Benefit
From scratch	You build the form layout and fields directly in Acrobat.	Full control over design and field placement from the start.
Convert document	Acrobat analyzes an existing file (like a Word doc) and tries to add fields.	Faster for documents that already have a form-like structure.

No, you should not use Word's own form tools. When you convert that document to a PDF, those Word form tools do not export correctly into accessible PDF fields. It is better to start with a well-structured Word document and then add the form fields directly in Adobe Acrobat.

Form fields are interactive areas in a PDF where users can type text, select options, or check boxes. They matter because they turn a static document into a fillable form, making it easy for people to provide information digitally without needing to print and scan.

Blank Form Handoffs

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help

Video

Other guides