How to Create a Fillable PDF Form in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

Today’s post is an in-depth guide on crafting fillable PDF forms using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. Following this process closely will ensure your forms are inclusive and user-friendly.

Video Guide

Crafting Fillable PDF Forms

1. Understanding the Basics: To initiate the process, launch Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and navigate to the ‘Prepare a Form’ option located in the All Tools menu on the left-hand side.
2. Selecting Your Document: Once in the ‘Prepare a Form’ interface, choose the document you wish to convert into a fillable form. Options include starting from a blank page, scanning a document, or creating a web form.
3. Generating Form Fields: With your document selected, proceed to click ‘Create Form’ to automatically generate form fields within your document. This swift method lays the foundation for a user-friendly form interface.

Refining Your Fillable PDF Form

1. Customizing Form Fields: Tailor each form field to suit your specific requirements by right-clicking on a field and selecting ‘Properties.’ Here, you have the flexibility to fine-tune appearance, font size, color, tooltips, default values, and more, ensuring a seamless user experience.
2. Ensuring Accessibility: Run the accessibility checker to identify any untagged form fields. Manually tag these fields in the tags panel, ensuring each form element is appropriately labeled for screen reader navigation and accessibility compliance.
3. Refining Tooltips: To enhance usability, meticulously review and update tooltips for each form field. Clear and concise tooltips provide vital instructions for users interacting with the form, promoting inclusivity and comprehension.

Make That Fillable PDF Form Accessible

1. Run the Accessibility Checker: Correct the errors found. Common examples relate to reading order, unmarked annotations, and parentless child tags.
2. Testing with Screen Readers: Validate the accessibility of your form by testing it with screen reader software such as Jaws.
3. Final Touches for Accessibility: Conduct a thorough review to address any elements that may pose challenges for assistive technology users. Adjust text fields or properties as needed to optimize accessibility and user experience.

By following these steps, you’ll successfully create an accessible fillable PDF form in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.

Download the Free Section 508 Checklist for PDF Accessibility:

Remember, I can be your accessibility expert. For more detailed insights, tutorials, and in-depth discussions on accessibility and related topics, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel: The Accessibility Guy on YouTube. Subscribe for regular updates!