Forms simple vertical stack
forms-simple-vertical-stack
Forms stay a simple vertical stack. Do not rearrange controls with CSS (AT follows HTML order). Vertical is the layout for limited-vision left-to-right scanning.
Description
USWDS forms stay a simple vertical stack that matches HTML source order. Do not rearrange controls with CSS, because assistive technology follows HTML order, and vertical layout supports limited-vision left-to-right scanning. CSS reorders or multi-column scrambles that AT does not match fail the template and confuse keyboard order. Keep visual order aligned with source order in one vertical flow.
When to use
Laying out form controls for predictable left-to-right limited-vision scanning.
Not when
CSS reorders or multi-column scrambles that diverge from HTML order.
Agent hint
Keep form controls in a vertical source-order stack; do not CSS-reorder fields.
Controls follow source order in a vertical stack.
CSS reorders fields away from HTML order, or a multi-column scramble that AT does not match.
Citations
USWDS — Form templates; Text input
https://designsystem.digital.gov/templates/form-templates/