Creating accessible Word forms

Find out how to create or add accessible Word forms suitable for publishing on our website.

Creating accessible Word documents

If you are looking for more general advice on setting up a Word document, or are looking to insert a form into a Word document, view creating an accessible Word document first.

You should create accessible Word documents using a Microsoft Windows computer. It is possible to create them using an Apple computer, however the functionality is limited to the legacy tools.

• Text entry fields
  • Click on the Developer tab in the Ribbon.
  • Write the question or title for the form field. This can be set in a table or some other styling element.
  • In the Controls section of the Ribbon choose Plain Text Content Control. This will place a text box on your page.
  • Highlight the text box and click Properties in the Ribbon.
  • Write a Title for the text box. This will be read out by a screen reader, so explain to the user what they need to include in the text box.
  • Select OK.
• Check boxes
  • Click on the Developer tab in the Ribbon.
  • Write the question or title for the form field. This can be set in a table or some other styling element.
  • In the Controls section of the Ribbon choose Check Box Content Control. This will place a check box on your page.
  • Highlight the check box and click Properties in the Ribbon.
  • Write a Title for the check box. This will be read out by a screen reader so explain to the user what the check box relates to.
  • Select OK.
• Drop-down selection boxes
  • Click on the Developer tab in the Ribbon.
  • Write the question or title for the form field. This can be set in a table or some other styling element.
  • In the Controls section of the Ribbon choose Drop Down List Content Control. This will place a drop down list on your page.
  • Highlight the drop-down-list and click Properties in the Ribbon.
  • Write a Title for the drop down list. This will be read out by a screen reader so explain to the user what the drop-down options relate to.
  • To add items to the drop-down list click Add. A pop-up window will appear allowing you to enter a Display Name and/or value for each item.
  • Select OK when you have added all items to the list.
• Date pickers
  • Click on the Developer tab in the Ribbon.
  • Write the question or title for the form field. This can be set in a table or some other styling element.
  • In the Controls section of the Ribbon choose Date Picker Content Control. This will place a date picker on your page.
  • Highlight the date picker and click Properties in the Ribbon.
  • Write a Title for the date picker. This will be read out by a screen reader so explain to the user what the chosen date relates to.
  • There are a series of other options in which you can pick the date style, calendar and location.
  • Select OK.