A form can look orderly but be awkward to complete with a keyboard. Start by writing the intended question sequence, then compare that sequence with the actual focus path. Do not begin by moving boxes around to follow an accidental navigation order.

Use a four-field Acrobat desktop practice form laid out in two columns: A above C on the left, B above D on the right. Decide whether the intended progression follows the rows or completes one column first.

Inspect the navigation order

Open All tools > Prepare a form. In Fields, sort by Tab order and use Options > Show tab numbers. Ordering by row proceeds across each row; ordering by column proceeds down each column. Manual ordering lets you drag fields in the list.

For this layout, a row path is A, B, C, D; a column path is A, C, B, D. Choose the intended order and test it by keyboard. Check the transition to the first field on the next page separately.

Tab-order editing cannot move a field to another page or a radio button into a different group. If the requested path requires one of those changes, revise that separate design decision instead of continuing to drag within the navigation list.

Record the first unexpected jump

Give a reviewer the written sequence and ask them to complete the practice form without using the mouse to rescue a jump. Record the field before the unexpected transition and the field that received focus. This produces a specific navigation defect to reproduce.

Consider whether the business process itself is unclear. Two reviewers may disagree about the next question because the form mixes independent sections, not because either test was performed badly. Resolve that requirement before accepting an order.

Keep the chosen sequence with the form's revision notes. A working keyboard path is one acceptance check; it does not establish that every accessibility requirement has been examined.

Sources: Adobe: tab order.