How do I make sure my PDF form is easy for everyone to use, including people with disabilities?

Start with a simple, well-structured document (like a Word file) before converting to PDF. Add a label and a Tooltip for every form field you create in Acrobat. Make sure the tab order is correct, so users can navigate fields logically. Use simple fonts like Arial or Times, at least 11pt size. Run the Accessibility Checker in Acrobat before sharing your form.

What types of form fields can I add to my PDF checklist in Acrobat?

Text boxes: For typing short answers or notes. Dropdown lists: For choosing one option from a list. Radio buttons: For selecting only one choice from a group. Checkboxes: For marking items as done or selecting multiple options. List boxes: For showing a list of options where you can select one or more.

Create Restock Checklist in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

2 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Produce a restocking checklist: create a one-page PDF checklist of displays needing restock,…+

Produce a restocking checklist: create a one-page PDF checklist of displays needing restock, add comments for priority items and locations, and circulate to the closing team to complete before Saturday morning.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

BImprove — “do it better”Make the checklist actionable for the closing team: order displays by sales priority, add exact…+

Make the checklist actionable for the closing team: order displays by sales priority, add exact aisle and bin numbers, include estimated refill quantities, and leave a single checkbox and comment field per display so I can verify completion quickly.

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 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

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'.

Accessibility CheckerA tool that checks if your document is easy for all people, including those with disabilities, to use.ExampleRunning the Accessibility Checker helped identify images missing alternative text descriptions.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

Produce a checklist showing which displays need restocking before the weekend rush.

FAQ

about this task

Start with a simple, well-structured document (like a Word file) before converting to PDF.
Add a label and a Tooltip for every form field you create in Acrobat.
Make sure the tab order is correct, so users can navigate fields logically.
Use simple fonts like Arial or Times, at least 11pt size.
Run the Accessibility Checker in Acrobat before sharing your form.

A 'Reader Extended PDF' is a special version of your form. It allows people who only have the free Adobe Reader program to fill out and save the form. Without extending the PDF, Reader users can fill it but cannot save their changes, which is important for many forms.

While Acrobat can try to detect fields in any document, starting with a blurry scanned document makes it harder. Acrobat might not correctly find all the form fields, and you will need to add many fields manually. It is always best to start with a clear, digital document for the best results when creating fillable forms.

You should avoid Word's form tools because they do not export correctly to accessible PDF fields. If you use them, your PDF form might not work as expected in Acrobat, and it will likely not be accessible for users with screen readers. It's better to create the form fields directly in Acrobat for proper function and accessibility.

Text boxes: For typing short answers or notes.
Dropdown lists: For choosing one option from a list.
Radio buttons: For selecting only one choice from a group.
Checkboxes: For marking items as done or selecting multiple options.
List boxes: For showing a list of options where you can select one or more.

Create Restock Checklist

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help

Video

Other guides