Dropdown options need text

PDF/UA check CHOICE_FIELD_OPT_TEXT · Forms · severity Critical · PDF/UA 8.10.3.4 Choice fields

↩ Back to the rules index · WCAG cross-reference

Why it matters#

Dropdown and list-box options with empty text are announced as blank by screen readers. Users cannot make a choice they cannot identify.

What you will see#

A dropdown or list box has options with empty display text, announced as blank entries.

How to fix#

Edit the choice field's /Opt array so every option has non-empty display text. For two-element entries [export value, display text], fill in the display string with the text users should hear for that option.

Step-by-step guide#

1. Open All tools > Prepare a form in Acrobat Pro and double-click the flagged dropdown (combo box) or list box to open its Properties dialog.
2. On the Options tab, review every entry in the Item list. Each choice needs non-empty display text that sufficiently conveys the intent of that choice (ISO 14289-2 section 8.10.3.4) - not blanks, placeholders, or internal codes.
3. Fix each empty or whitespace-only item: select it, delete it, and re-add it with meaningful Item text (the string users hear) plus its Export Value (the string processing receives).
4. If you edit the PDF directly instead, correct the /Opt array in the choice field dictionary: a plain string entry serves as both export and display text; a two-element array entry [export value, display text] must have a non-empty second element.
5. Keep export values for processing only - they are not intended to be descriptive (section 8.10.3.2.3 note) - and put the human-readable wording in the display text.

Verify: Re-run the EQChecker scan (CHOICE_FIELD_OPT_TEXT should report zero errors), then open the dropdown with a screen reader and confirm every option is announced with meaningful text instead of blank.

Note: The field and its widget must still meet the general context requirements of section 8.10.2 (tooltip or label), which FORM_FIELD_DESCRIPTION and FORM_LBL_STRUCTURE cover separately; fixing /Opt only cures the per-option text.

WCAG success criteria#

4.1.2 Name, Role, Value — Level A#

Every UI component must expose a correct name, role, and (where relevant) state/value to assistive technology.

Understanding 4.1.2

Standards#

This check contributes to the following standards:

PDF/UA WCAG A EN 301 549