Today’s post shows how to tag radio buttons in PDF forms using Adobe Acrobat, ensuring that forms are fully accessible to all users, including those who rely on assistive technologies.
Video Guide
Setting Up the Form
Using the “Prepare a Form” Tool
Start by opening Adobe Acrobat and selecting the “Prepare a Form” tool. Enable auto-detection of form fields so Acrobat can identify potential input areas. Insert radio buttons by defining a group. In the companion video, we used Group 1 and specified individual choices Option 1, Option 2, and Option 3.
Positioning Fields
After inserting the radio buttons, go to the Tags Panel. Check that each form element appears in the correct location. If necessary, manually reposition the radio button tags by dragging them into the appropriate parent tags.
Configuring Field Properties
Naming and Tooltips
Right-click each radio button and select Properties. In the General tab, review and update the Field Name to match the intended label for the option. In the Options tab, adjust the export value to reflect the function of the button.
Add a tooltip, such as “Question 1”, to each radio button. The tooltip acts as a label that screen readers use to describe the form element to users with visual impairments.
Importance of Tooltips
Although field names can differ, tooltips should remain consistent across all radio buttons in the same group of options. This consistency helps users understand the purpose of each option when navigating with assistive technologies.
Verifying Accessibility
After configuring all fields, save the document. Run the Adobe Acrobat accessibility checker by selecting “Accessibility” and then “Full Check.” Review the results to confirm that all form fields, including radio buttons, comply with accessibility standards. Ensure there are no errors related to alternate descriptions or incorrect tagging.
Best Practices Summary
- Tag each radio button under a unique parent tag.
- Use the same tooltip for all radio buttons in a group.
- Update individual radio button options through the Options tab in field properties.
- Run a final accessibility check before completing the document.
- Clearly differentiate Field Name, Tooltip, and Export Value.
Conclusion
Properly tagging radio buttons in PDF forms ensures document accessibility and compliance with standards like WCAG and Section 508. Adobe Acrobat’s tools allow users to organize tags and set properties effectively. By maintaining consistent tooltips and correctly structuring tags, users can create accessible forms that pass compliance checks and deliver an inclusive user experience.
Let me be your champion for inclusion. I offer tailored solutions (and self-paced courses!) to ensure your documents meet and exceed compliance expectations. 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!
