How do I make my Qualtrics form accessible?

Qualtrics supports accessible forms, but you have to set them up correctly. If your form is not set up correctly it will be difficult, or impossible, for some users to complete.

Learn more about Qualtrics in the Berkeley IT Service Hub or Survey Accessibility at Qualtrics. 

Use accessible question types. 

Not all question types available in Qualtrics meet accessibility requirements. Be mindful of the type of questions you are using when setting up your Qualtrics survey.

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Question types that DO meet accessibility requirements. 

  • Text entry (all types)
  • Form field
  • Descriptive text (Text / graphic questions) - if pasting an image into the rich test editor, click the image to select it,right-click, then image properties. A pop-up box will allow you to add alt text (required for all images).
  • Multiple choice (all types)
  • File upload
  • Signature - be sure to apply the New Survey Experience to your form to use the new, accessible version of the signature field which allows respondents to type in (or draw) a signature.

The following question types are also WCAG compliant, but keep in mind that complex question types may result in barriers for people using assistive tech, with cognitive disabilities, or who are under stress:

  • Net promoter® score - Be sure to state which number is best or worst in the question text if using numbers.
  • Rank order - only text box, graphic, and radio buttons
  • Side by side
  • Constant sum - only choices (AKA text entry)
  • Drill down
  • Timing - The auto advance option is not accessible; avoid displaying the timer whenever possible.
  • Meta info
  • Captcha verification (V2) - Although this provides users with an audio option, avoid using CAPTCHA whenever possible.
  • Slider - Be sure to state which number is best or worst in the question text if using numbers.
  • Some Matrix questions may be accessible, but only if set to mobile friendly:
    • Likert
    • Rank order
    • Constant sum
    • Text entry
    • Profile
  • Signature is now accessible! But you must allow users to switch between Type and Sign options.

Question types that DO NOT meet accessibility requirements. 

Do not use the following question types. They are not accessible.

Add alt text to your images. 

Learn more about accessible images and alt text. 

You must add alt text to any graphics or images in your form. Alt text can be added in the WYSIWYG editor. 

How to add alt text:

  1. Right-click your image. 

  2. Select Image Properties. 

  3. Add your alt text in the Alternative Text form field.  

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Special considerations for the UC Berkeley Logo

The UC Berkeley Logo displayed at the top of the theme by default does not have alt text. 

To remove the logo, you will need to: 

  1. Navigate to the Look & Feel menu. 
  2. Select Theme. 
  3. Select Blank. 

If you would like to include the UC Berkeley Logo in your survey, you will need to add it as a header. 

  1. Navigate to the General tab. 
  2. Select Header. 
  3. Select Edit. 
  4. Add your logo in the WYSIWYG editor. 
  5. Add alt text to your logo. 

The look and feel menu is selected in the sidebar menu

Check your color contrast and font. 

Learn more about using accessible colors and color contrast. 

  • When using color, keep in mind: 
    • The color contrast of your text, links, images and UI elements. It is critical that folks can distinguish from your foreground and background colors. 
    • How you are using color to show meaning. Is there a way to get your point across that does not rely on color alone? 
  • Use accessible font types, like Arial, Calibri, Verdana.

Tip: The default gray text on a gray background used in the ‘Flat’ Layout under ‘Look and Feel’ does not meet accessible color contrast requirements. Use ‘Simple’, ‘Modern’, or ‘Classic’ instead.

Label your 'previous' and 'next' buttons. 

You will need to add the text 'Previous' and 'Next' to your form navigation buttons. Unfortunately, these words aren’t there by default.

For the previous button to display, you will need to:

  1. Navigate to the Survey Options menu. 
  2. Select Responses.
  3. Toggle the Back button to 'on'. 

Tip: We recommend using page breaks, instead of blocks. You can’t go back to a previous block.

Best practices for accessible Qualtrics forms. 

  • Add a progress bar. If your form displays on more than one page, use progress bars with text so users know how far along they are. 
    • Tip: This is in the Look & Feel, General settings.
  • Ask as few questions as possible. If possible, use display logic to show questions only to relevant users.
  • Use plain language. Avoid jargon and keep questions brief when possible. 
  • Test your form. Ask a few people to complete your form to help identify any areas of confusion.