Option 2: Marking only the non-required form fields
Clearly indicate to the user if a form field is optional.
Assuming that you only request essential information in forms, most fields will be required. Then, non-required fields are the exception. You can choose to mark only the optional fields visually. Do this by informing the user above the field and by including the text ‘(optional)’ in the label for non-required fields.
Example
Note for developers: for screen reader users the indication if a field is required must be added in the code with a form field. Read Mark if a form field is required for screen readers about how to do this.
Indication non-required fields in WordPress form plugins
We’d like to invite people familiar with form plugins to help us add instructions for WordPress form plugins. Like possibilities, 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