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.

Configure organization-wide policies for PDF form creation a in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Help me set up organization-wide policies for PDF form creation in...…+

Help me set up organization-wide policies for PDF form creation in [Adobe Acrobat] for [my organization].

when the reply comes backWould you like tips for training your team on these policies?

BImprove — “do it better”Suggest ways to improve our organization-wide PDF form creation policies...…+

Suggest ways to improve our organization-wide PDF form creation policies for [Adobe Acrobat] so they are more secure and consistent.

when the reply comes backNeed help checking if your policies are working as planned?

CDecide — “help me choose”Help me choose the best policy for PDF form creation in...…+

Help me choose the best policy for PDF form creation in [Adobe Acrobat] for our organization's needs.

when the reply comes backWant advice on updating your PDF form policies in the future?

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

PolicyA policy is a rule everyone in an organization must follow.ExampleThe company policy states that all employees must complete safety training annually.

PDF FormA PDF file with boxes or fields that people can fill out.

Enterprise DeploymentRolling out a tool or setting to every user in a large organization.ExampleThe IT department managed the enterprise deployment of the new security software to all company computers.

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

Organization-wide policies let you control who can create, edit, or share PDF forms in Adobe Acrobat across your whole company. This helps keep things consistent and secure for everyone.

Setting these policies helps prevent mistakes, keeps sensitive information safe, and makes sure everyone follows the same rules when making forms.

Individual settings only affect one user, while organization-wide settings apply to everyone in the company, making sure all users follow the same rules.

Yes, you can set policies so only specific groups or departments have permission to create PDF forms, while others can just view or fill them.

You should remind your team about the policies, offer training if needed, and check your settings to make sure they are correctly applied to all users.

Configure organization-wide policies for PDF form creation a

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help

Video

Other guides