Option 2: Marking only the optional 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, optional 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 optional fields.

Example

[Screenshot form indicating non-required fields] In this screenshot: Above the form the text: "All questions are required except the questions marked as (optional)". This information is also in the label text: Your Pronouns (optional).

Note for developers: for screen reader users, the indication if a field is required must be added in the code with a form field. Learn how to Indicate required fields for screen readers.

Resources

WCAG Success Criteria for required fields

By indicating required fields, you meet WCAG success criterion 3.3.2 Labels or Instructions (Level A).

Related pages in this documentation

• Option 1: Marking only the required form fields in Standards and best practice, Web forms.
• Indicate required fields for screen readers in Standards and best practice, Web forms.

Indication of optional fields in WordPress form plugins

Help wanted: 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.

Other resources

• Guidelines for web forms (Dutch content) by the NL Design System.
• Optimizing Form Design: Marking Required and Optional Fields in a Better Way by Faizan Ahmed on UX Design World.

• First published: October 10, 2025
• Last updated: August 06, 2026
• Edit article: Improve it on GitHub

Other pages in: Required fields

• Mark required form fields

  Clearly indicate to the user if a form field is required.

• Indicate required fields for screen readers

  Screen readers announce form fields as required if they have the HTML attributes aria-required or required on the form field.

← Back to: Required fields

Quick links and main topics

Disclaimer: This documentation is intended to help the WordPress community understand and implement accessible practices. It is not a replacement for the official Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Please read the full disclaimer.

↑ Back to top