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.

Lock or secure fillable PDF forms after completion 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 lock all filled PDF forms in the Admin Console…+

Show me how to lock all filled PDF forms in the Admin Console for [department/team/whole organization].

when the reply comes backWould you like tips on informing users about locked forms?

BImprove — “do it better”How can I set up automatic locking for completed forms…+

How can I set up automatic locking for completed PDF forms as soon as users finish them in our organization?

when the reply comes backNeed help setting up a policy for different teams?

CDecide — “help me choose”What is the best way to secure filled forms for our org…+

What is the best way to secure filled PDF forms for our organization: password protection, digital signatures, or locking through Admin Console?

when the reply comes backWant to review how locked forms are accessed later?

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.

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

In the Admin Console, you can set a rule so that every time a user finishes a fillable PDF form, it is automatically locked and cannot be edited. This helps keep all submitted forms safe and unchanged.

Locking fillable PDF forms after they are filled prevents anyone from changing the information later. This keeps records accurate and helps your organization follow rules about document security.

Usually, once a PDF form is locked by an admin policy, it cannot be unlocked by regular users. Only admins with special access might be able to change this, depending on your organization's rules.

Saving a PDF keeps the current information, but locking it means no one can change the fields anymore. Locking is better for making sure the data stays the same.

In the Admin Console, you can set permissions so only specific admins can lock or unlock PDF forms. This helps control who can change important settings.

Lock or secure fillable PDF forms after completion

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help

Video

Other guides