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How-To GuidesMake PDF Accessible

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:

  1. Adding document structure (tags)
  2. Setting reading order
  3. Adding alternative text to images
  4. Ensuring proper table structure
  5. Running the accessibility checker

Step-by-Step Guide

Set Document Properties

Start with the basics:

  1. Click FileProperties
  2. Set a descriptive Title
  3. Set the Language (e.g., English)
  4. Click OK

Auto-Tag the Document

Add structure tags automatically:

  1. Click ToolsAccessibilityAuto-Tag Document
  2. Select tagging options (detect headings, lists, tables)
  3. Click Apply
  4. Review the tag structure in the Tags panel

Check and Fix Reading Order

Ensure content reads in logical sequence:

  1. Click ToolsAccessibilityReading Order
  2. Review the numbered content blocks
  3. Adjust order by dragging blocks as needed
  4. Click Apply

Add Alternative Text to Images

Describe images for screen reader users:

  1. Click ToolsAccessibilitySet Alternative Text
  2. For each image:
    • Write a concise description
    • Or mark decorative images as artifacts
  3. Click Done

Fix Table Structure

Ensure tables are properly structured:

  1. Select a table
  2. Right-click → Table Properties
  3. Mark header cells as headers
  4. Set header scope (row or column)
  5. Repeat for all tables

Run Accessibility Checker

Validate your work:

  1. Click ToolsAccessibilityCheck Accessibility
  2. Select Full Check
  3. Click Start Checking
  4. Fix any errors found
  5. Re-run until no errors remain

Common Issues and Fixes

IssueQuick Fix
No document titleFile → Properties → add Title
No language setFile → Properties → set Language
Untagged contentTools → Accessibility → Auto-Tag
Missing alt textRight-click image → Edit Alt Text
No table headersTable Properties → mark headers
Skipped heading levelChange 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

  1. Click ToolsStandardsValidate
  2. Select PDF/UA
  3. 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

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