Option 1: Marking only the required form fields
Clearly indicate to the user whether a form field is required. Inform the user above the form how the fields are marked.
If you choose to mark the required field, include the text ‘(required)’, or an equivalent, in the label for required fields.
A required field indicator can be:
- The text ‘(required)’.
- An asterisk (*). If you use an asterisk, explain this above the form. An asterisk on the form field alone is not sufficient; not everyone has this prior knowledge.
Example
Note for developers: screen readers have specific needs for discovering required fields. Read Mark if a form field is required for screen readers about how to do this.
Indication of required fields in WordPress form plugins
Gravity Forms
Gravity Forms adds the possibility to select “Required” with each form field. In the form settings you can choose the type of Required Field Indicator. The explanation of this indicator is added automatically above the form.
Other WordPress form plugins
We want to invite people familiar with form plugins to help us add instructions for WordPress form plugins, including options, settings, and screenshots. Please contact us if you want to help us with this additional content.
Related WCAG Success Criteria
By indicating required fields, you meet WCAG success criterion 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions (Level A).
Related pages in this documentation
Resources
- NL Design System Guidelines for web forms (Dutch content).
- Faizan Ahmed on UX Design World Optimizing Form Design: Marking Required and Optional Fields in a Better Way