Alternate text must be present for hidden form fields

Rule ID: alt-hidden-formfield
Ruleset: axe-pdf 2.0
User Impact: Critical
Guidelines: WCAG 2.1 (A), WCAG 2.0 (A), PDF/UA

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Compliance Data & Impact

User Impact

Critical
Minor
Critical

Disabilities Affected

  • Blind
  • Deafblind
  • Mobility

Standard(s)

  • WCAG 2.1 (A)
  • WCAG 2.0 (A)
  • PDF/UA

WCAG Success Criteria [WCAG 2.1 (A)]

  • 1.3.1: MUST: Info and Relationships

WCAG Success Criteria [WCAG 2.0 (A)]

  • 1.3.1: MUST: Info and Relationships

    How to Fix the Problem

    In Adobe Acrobat Pro:

    1. Open the Form Editor by clicking Tools > Prepare Form.
    2. Right click the form and choose Properties.
    3. Add the appropriate form description within the Tooltip field.

    Why it Matters

    Assistive technology users must be able to recognize and understand the form fields, make selections, and provide input to complete the forms, and submit the form, just as sighted users can. Understandable labels that convey the purpose of each form control are essential to form accessibility. (Source: Technique PDF10)

    Rule Description

    Form inputs generally have labels and instructions to help users understand what information is required and how to fill in the form. Unless these labels are programmatically associated with the relevant fields, assistive technology might not be able to associate them correctly, and thus users might not understand how to complete the form. (Source: Technique PDF10)

    The Algorithm (in simple terms)

    Add a descriptive tooltip to each form field in the PDF.

    Resources

    Other Resources

    You may also want to check out these other resources.

    Refer to the complete list of axe 2.0 rules.

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