Tab order and hyperlinks

[SeanM-123]

We have created several multi-page forms. The top of the first pages often have one or more hyperlinks. When trying to tab from the last field on the page to the first field on the next, the tab jumps to the hyperlinks. It only seems to jump to the hyperlinks that create a rollover icon that has an extended pointer finger and a "W" in it.

Links with just the pointer finger aren't an issue.

What is the best way to fix this issue? We want users to easily tab through the fields without jumping to the top of the page. Users don't need to tab to the links. Is there a way to exclude hyperlinks from the tab order?

[try67 · Accepted solution]

No, there isn't a way to exclude those links from the tab order. And the links that are excluded are not real links, but one generated by the application from plain-text URLs in your file. So I guess if you do want to exclude them then you should include their URL in your file, and remove any links that you placed on top of them...

[CalicoCat5000]

I'm having a similar issue, tabbing jumps from fields to links, and not even in correct order but I guess depending on when I created the links.  I would prefer that tabbing excludes links.  I tried creating a blank text field over the document text instead of a link, but when I mouse over the text field (which I had set to visible, read-only, thin underline, mouse up-open a web link), the field doesn't act like a link.  I imagine I could set some additional parameters to make the arrow change to a hand and make the field invert or give some indication that it's a link, but I'd still have to draw hundreds, maybe a thousand text boxes in alot of documents and set all the web links, so I'm looking for a more efficient way.

try67 when you say you say "you should include their URL in your file" do you mean actually write it out / include it in the document text that readers see? or is there someplace in one of the Adobe Pro DC functions where I should include the URLs?

[try67]

Yes, I meant write out the full URL as plain-text.

Another option is to convert your links into button fields. That way you'll at least be able to control where they appear in the tab order...

[CalicoCat5000]

Thank you for the suggestion; it's going to be time consuming but I'll be able to give users a correct tabbing order.  Is there a way to exclude buttons or other fields (like checkboxes) from tabbing?

[try67]

Only by setting them as read-only, but then they can't be used...

If you're interested in an automated solution to convert your links to button fields feel free to contact me privately at try6767 at gmail.com.