FormAssembly makes it easier to build accessible online forms by providing built-in tools that support compliance with WCAG guidelines – without requiring code. Ultimately, accessibility is about your design decisions, and FormAssembly empowers you to make the right ones.
When it comes to online accessibility, there’s no silver bullet. While platforms can help support accessibility, the responsibility still lies in how you structure, label, and test your forms. FormAssembly provides several native features – such as ARIA support, semantic markup, mobile previews, and accessible error handling – that help you build compliant and user-friendly forms out of the box.
Watch this clip from our annual virtual user conference, FormFest 2025, for a closer look at what was covered in the session on accessibility, or read on for more information.
Accessibility Is a Mindset, Not Just a Feature
The session began with a powerful reminder: Accessibility is platform-agnostic. Tools like FormAssembly can support your efforts, but they can’t make your forms accessible for you. You need to:
- Follow design best practices
- Use clear labels and instructions
- Test your forms with accessibility tools
FormAssembly simplifies this process by giving you the building blocks to do it right – without custom code.
Built-In Features That Support Accessibility
Predefined Content With Accessibility Markup
FormAssembly allows users to reuse common fields – like name, email, and address – through predefined content. These saved elements come with accessibility-friendly settings, including:
- Autocomplete attributes (e.g., given-name, email) that assist both browsers and screen readers
- Input validation to guide proper data entry
- Required field markers that trigger accessible error messages
This makes form creation faster and ensures consistency across forms.
Designing With Visual and Mobile Accessibility in Mind
Mobile-Friendly Form Preview
With mobile accessibility becoming increasingly important in WCAG 2.2, FormAssembly includes a mobile preview mode in the form builder. You can easily check how your form appears on smaller screens – no external emulator required.
WCAG-Compliant Themes
All of FormAssembly’s public themes are rated for WCAG 2.1 AA compliance. Users can:
- Apply any default theme with confidence
- Customize themes using the built-in Theme Editor
- Adjust font sizes
- Modify contrast ratios
- Enhance readability
- Adjust font sizes
Testing Accessibility Without Leaving the Browser
FormAssembly forms can be audited using built-in browser tools and third-party plugins, including:
- Lighthouse (in Chrome DevTools): Offers an accessibility audit and scoring system
- axe DevTools: Popular browser extension for scanning pages against WCAG 2.1 AA
These tools help users identify potential accessibility issues quickly and accurately.
Integrations With Broader Accessibility Tools
The session also highlighted compatibility with other tools and communities, such as:
- Siteimprove – Website performance and accessibility monitoring
- AccessiBe – AI-powered accessibility solutions
- DarkReader – A browser plugin that enables dark mode by converting colors semantically
Thanks to FormAssembly’s semantic HTML structure, these tools work well with your forms, offering flexibility and a better user experience.
Final Takeaway: Accessibility Benefits Everyone
Accessibility isn’t just for individuals with disabilities – it enhances usability for all. Features like mobile optimization, clear labels, and theme customization improve the experience across the board.
FormAssembly gives you the tools to build compliant forms, but more importantly, it gives you the flexibility to design forms that work for everyone.
