Lay the foundation with organized, readable content:

• Start your documents with a brief description of the form’s purpose to provide context to users.
• Use proper heading styles (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.) to define form sections.
• Chunk information using meaningful headings and lists.
• Avoid using tables to lay out the form—instead, create space using paragraph alignment and tab stops.
• Structure fields clearly using labels followed by a colon and underline, like:
  • First Name: ____________
• Use at most 2 Tab keys to add spacing and align input areas. If you need more spacing adjust the tab stops.
• If needed, include space for a signature using:
  • Signature: ________________
• For multiple-choice questions, use a bulleted list to mimic checkbox structure. These can be converted to interactive checkboxes later in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. 

Estimated Time: 15–25 minutes per page

Ensure any visuals support accessibility:

• Provide concise, meaningful alt text for informative images.
• Mark decorative images correctly so they don’t disrupt screen reader flow.
• Don’t use images of text unless absolutely necessary.

Estimated Time: Under 5 minutes per basic image; 20–30 minutes per complex image 

Make sure your form is easy to read:

• Use high contrast between text and background colors.
• Don’t rely on color alone to indicate importance—add text labels or icons as well.
• Test contrast using tools like the WebAIM Color Contrast Checker.

Estimated Time: Under 5 minutes per page 

Help users understand where links go and avoid confusion:

• Use descriptive link text that clearly indicates the destination (e.g., “Review the policy”).
• If full URLs are needed for print or copying, present them in brackets and unlinked, like:
  • [https://example.com]
• Avoid vague phrases like “click here.”

Estimated time: Under 5 minutes per hyperlink 

Structure data and checklist-style fields correctly:

• Use tables only to display data, not to organize layout or spacing.
• Avoid merged or blank cells in tables.  
• Use a header row and mark it in table settings.
• Include concise captions to describe the purpose of the table.

Estimated Time: 10 minutes per 30 cells 

• Use descriptive link text (e.g., "View the registration form" instead of "click here").
• Keep full URLs in brackets and unlinked if needed for printing or copying.
• Explain link behavior (e.g., "opens in a new tab") if relevant.

Estimated Time: Under 5 minutes per hyperlink 

Once all these elements are in place, there is more to do in Adobe Acrobat Pro to continue making your form accessible.