MS Word is often used for both printable and interactive forms. The form content can be formatted for visual presentation using the styles and other features built into the software. When the document is protected, the form fields are the only editable regions of the document and user can move between fields using the TAB key.
Steps to Creating a Form
Forms are created and edited using the Forms Toolbar which is not available by default and must be activated by selecting View Menu (AltV) > Toolbars (T) Enter > Forms.
- Layout, enter and format the form including all information like title, instructions etc, placing the Field Names in a logical TAB order.
- Enter the form input fields. Forms work best if the input field and associated label is placed on a same line.
- Select the “form element” (text, check box, drop down) from the Forms Toolbar and place it next to the associated Field Label
- Open Properties Dialog Box (right click on the field or select Options from the Forms Toolbar) and configure the field as needed
- Make Form Label accessible. Depending on the form layout, accessibility is addressed in different ways.
- If form label is positioned left of field on the same line nothing more is needed
- Use the “Bookmark” option in the Properties Dialog Box to enter the Field Name. This is only needed if the form is integrated with a database.
- If form label is positioned above the field or within a table – use the “Add text help” button from
the Properties dialog box to enter the label for the field.
When using “Bookmark” for field name, do not use “Add text help” as screen readers will repeat the content of both these properties. - Select Protect Document from the Forms Toolbar. The user can now navigate the form using the Tab Key
