Make a PDF Accessible
Create an accessible PDF that works for screen readers and meets compliance requirements.
This guide covers the essential steps to make a PDF accessible. For detailed information on each topic, see the Accessibility documentation.
Quick Overview
Making a PDF accessible involves:
- Adding document structure (tags)
- Setting reading order
- Adding alternative text to images
- Ensuring proper table structure
- Running the accessibility checker
Step-by-Step Guide
Set Document Properties
Start with the basics:
- Click File → Properties
- Set a descriptive Title
- Set the Language (e.g., English)
- Click OK
Auto-Tag the Document
Add structure tags automatically:
- Click Tools → Accessibility → Auto-Tag Document
- Select tagging options (detect headings, lists, tables)
- Click Apply
- Review the tag structure in the Tags panel
Check and Fix Reading Order
Ensure content reads in logical sequence:
- Click Tools → Accessibility → Reading Order
- Review the numbered content blocks
- Adjust order by dragging blocks as needed
- Click Apply
Add Alternative Text to Images
Describe images for screen reader users:
- Click Tools → Accessibility → Set Alternative Text
- For each image:
- Write a concise description
- Or mark decorative images as artifacts
- Click Done
Fix Table Structure
Ensure tables are properly structured:
- Select a table
- Right-click → Table Properties
- Mark header cells as headers
- Set header scope (row or column)
- Repeat for all tables
Run Accessibility Checker
Validate your work:
- Click Tools → Accessibility → Check Accessibility
- Select Full Check
- Click Start Checking
- Fix any errors found
- Re-run until no errors remain
Common Issues and Fixes
| Issue | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
| No document title | File → Properties → add Title |
| No language set | File → Properties → set Language |
| Untagged content | Tools → Accessibility → Auto-Tag |
| Missing alt text | Right-click image → Edit Alt Text |
| No table headers | Table Properties → mark headers |
| Skipped heading level | Change tag type (H3 → H2) |
Verification
Test with Screen Reader
For best results, test with actual assistive technology:
- NVDA (Windows, free)
- JAWS (Windows)
- VoiceOver (Mac, built-in)
Check PDF/UA Compliance
- Click Tools → Standards → Validate
- Select PDF/UA
- Review any remaining issues
Tips
- Start with well-structured source documents
- Tag documents before adding content
- Use meaningful heading hierarchy (H1 → H2 → H3)
- Keep alt text concise but descriptive
- Test with actual screen readers when possible
- Run the checker frequently during editing
Next Steps
- Document Tagging - Tag structure guide
- Reading Order - Reading order details
- Alternative Text - Alt text best practices
- Accessibility Checker - Checker documentation
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