Introduction:
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on creating accessible PDF forms using Abbyy FineReader PDF 16 and Adobe Acrobat. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of adding form fields, ensuring proper tagging, and making your PDFs accessible and compliant with WCAG 2.1 standards. By following these steps, you’ll provide an inclusive user experience for all.
Adding Form Fields with Abbyy FineReader PDF 16
Abbyy FineReader PDF 16 allows you to add various form fields to your PDFs, such as text fields, checkboxes, radio buttons, drop-down lists, list boxes, and signatures. To begin, select the Form Editor on the right side of the screen, which will bring up a drop-down menu where you can choose the appropriate form field.
For example, when adding a text field, drag and drop it to the desired location within the document. Right-click the text field to access its properties and adjust settings like field name, tooltip, maximum number of symbols, and appearance. You can also set the format for text or date and choose between single-line or multi-line input.
Making Your PDF Forms Accessible with Adobe Acrobat
After creating your PDF form using Abbyy FineReader PDF 16, it’s crucial to ensure its accessibility. Open your document in Adobe Acrobat and use the built-in accessibility tools to make necessary adjustments. Here are the key steps to making your PDF forms accessible:
- Set the proper reading language and ensure all images have alternative text (alt text).
- Use the Tags panel to adjust the document structure, such as headers and paragraphs.
- Ensure proper form field tagging, with appropriate nesting and parent tag types.
- Run the Accessibility Checker to identify and fix any issues.
- Use the PAC 2021 checker to ensure WCAG 2.1 compliance.
By following these steps, your PDF forms will be accessible and compliant with WCAG 2.1 standards.
Best Practices for Creating Accessible PDF Forms with Abbyy FineReader PDF 16 and Adobe Acrobat
To create accessible PDF forms that cater to all users, consider these best practices:
- Use clear and descriptive field names and tooltips to help users understand the purpose of each field.
- Set the proper tab order for form fields to enable easy navigation using the Tab key.
- Choose accessible fonts and colors, sticking to high-contrast color combinations and avoiding small font sizes.
- Test and validate your accessible PDF form using various accessibility checkers and real users.
By incorporating these best practices, you’ll provide an inclusive and compliant user experience for all.
Conclusion:
Abbyy FineReader PDF 16 and Adobe Acrobat make it simple to create accessible PDF forms that comply with WCAG 2.1 standards. By following the steps outlined in this guide and implementing the best practices, you can ensure an inclusive user experience that caters to everyone.
