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.

Integrate PDF form workflows with third-party platforms in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Show me how to send PDF form data to [platform]...…+

Show me how to send PDF form data from Acrobat to [platform] automatically when someone fills out a form.

when the reply comes backWant to add an automatic email alert when a form is filled?

BImprove — “do it better”How can I make my PDF form integration with [platform] faster or...…+

How can I make my PDF form integration with [platform] faster or more reliable?

when the reply comes backNeed tips for mapping PDF fields to your other app?

CDecide — “help me choose”Should I use Power Automate, Zapier, or another tool for...…+

Should I use Power Automate, Zapier, or another tool for connecting Acrobat PDF forms to [platform]? What are the pros and cons?

when the reply comes backCurious about tracking every form submission in a spreadsheet?

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

IntegrationConnecting two different apps so they work together automatically.ExampleThe integration between the calendar and email apps sends meeting invites automatically.

WorkflowA series of steps followed to complete a task, often using different apps.ExampleThe workflow for approving an expense report involves submitting it, then manager review, then finance processing.

Third-party platformA different software or service, like Teams or Salesforce, that works with your main tool.ExampleYou connect your document editor to a third-party platform like Dropbox to save files directly to cloud storage.

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

You can use integration tools like Power Automate to set up a workflow that sends a message to a Teams channel whenever someone fills out and submits a PDF form. This helps your team stay updated without checking each form manually.

Integrating PDF forms with Salesforce means that information entered into a PDF form can be automatically sent to Salesforce, creating or updating records without needing to retype anything.

Yes, Power Automate can watch for new PDF form submissions and automatically save the filled forms to a folder in OneDrive, making it easy to organize and find them later.

Manual workflows require you to move or copy form data by hand, while automated workflows use integrations to send data and files where they need to go without extra work from you.

Integrating PDF forms saves time, reduces mistakes, and keeps your information organized by sending data directly where it needs to go, like into a database or chat app.

Integrate PDF form workflows with third-party platforms

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help

Video

Other guides