Create an Accessible Survey Using Microsoft Forms

Microsoft Forms creates web-based forms that are usually easier to access and maintain than PDF forms. This guide shows how to create a simple accessible survey using Microsoft Forms. Microsoft Forms should be used instead of PDF forms where possible.

Ghizzi D
42 steps
8 minutes

Microsoft Cloud

Create a Form

Tip! Remember to include in your Form introduction guidance - Purpose of the survey - Estimated completion time - Number and types of questions - Whether anonymous responses - What happens to the data - Alternative contact method

Click here on the Microsoft Apps waffle icon in Edge Browser

Click here to select and open Forms in a new tab

Switch to tab "Microsoft Forms"

Click "New Form"

Click into "Title" and "Form description" fields. Use meaningful names and plain language

Avoid decorative themes that may reduce readability or contrast. Click and hover to bring up formatting menu for all text entry areas

Click into text fields to edit

Click "Preview" to check you are happy with the formatting

Click "Back"

Click "Quick start with" to expand the question type menu

Choose from the options for question type listed. Click "Text"

Click into Question field. Type or paste your question text in.

**Optional** Click "Long answer" toggle

**Optional** Click "Required" toggle

Tip! Only make a question required if you genuinely need the information.

Click here to add your next question

Click "Choice"

**Optional** Click "Multiple answers" and "Required" toggles

Click "Add Option" to create your choice list or "Add "Other" option"

Preview your Form

Click "Preview"

Click "Start now"

Click this icon to open Immersive Reader. Check the text is easy to read and Read Aloud works correctly.

Click here to exit Immersive Reader view

Click "Mobile" to check the Form works on Mobile

Click here to return to Form editing window

Select Form Settings

Click "Settings"

Review and adjust the Form Settings

Tip! Consider using a progress bar for longer forms. Consider allowing respondents to edit their responses where appropriate.

Close Settings menu

Test the Form

- Preview the form. - Test Immersive Reader. - Test mobile view. - Submit a test response. - Review the response.

Click "Collect responses"

Decide whether responses should be anonymous. Click the "Record name" field.

Click this icon to get a shortened URL

Click "Copy link"

Open the form link in a new browser tab.

Click "Start now" to Test it works as you expect

Click the "Enter your answer" field.

Click "Submit"

Click "Save my response"

Tip! Remember to also test on a mobile device

View responses

Click "View responses"

Click this icon.

Open the response options menu to: - View individual responses - Delete all responses - Print a response summary - Share a summary link Delete any testing responses before you share the form to keep your data clean

Click here for sharing QR code

Click this icon to copy embed code for sharing

Click here to send an invite to specific contacts

Final Checks Before Publishing

Check you have tested: - Keyboard navigation - Press Tab to move through the form using only the keyboard. - Check the questions and controls can all be reached - Tab, Tab + Shift, Arrow Keys and Enter - Test on a mobile device. - Submit a test response.

Ask yourself: - Can everyone access the form? - Can everyone understand the form? - Can everyone complete the form? - Can everyone get help if they need it?