How do I make a PDF accessible for screen readers?

First, use the 'Automatically tag PDF' tool to add structure. Then, check and fix the 'Reading Order' so text is read in the right sequence. Finally, run the 'Accessibility Checker' to find and fix any remaining issues like missing alt text for images.

Raise Typographic Standards in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

1 way to ask · copy any one

DBecome — “help me grow”Every release has small tracklist spacing issues that pile up into lost credibility. Across 30…+

Every release has small tracklist spacing issues that pile up into lost credibility. Across 30 back covers, what recurring typographic mistake costs us the most in perceived quality? Suggest one typographic standard (font pairing, tracking rules, or a micro-grid) and a brief training note for designers so this becomes the default.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open the PDF document you want to check for accessibility.
2
Click the Tools tab at the top of the Acrobat window.
3
Scroll through the list and select Accessibility to add the Accessibility tools to your workspace if they are not already visible.
Best practiceIf you do not see the Accessibility tools, you may need to add them from the Tools pane as they are not shown by default.
4
In the Accessibility tools pane, click Full Check.
5
In the Accessibility Checker Options dialog, review the settings and click Start Checking.
Best practiceFor a thorough check, ensure all checkboxes are selected before starting the check.
6
Review the results displayed in the Accessibility Checker panel on the left side of the screen.

In the appWith the API

You can right-click in the Navigation Pane to show the Accessibility tags panel for more detailed tag inspection.

This runs in the Acrobat app - there is no separate API for this task.

Glossary

words on this page

AccessibilityMaking sure everyone, including people with disabilities, can use something.ExampleThe website was designed with Accessibility in mind, so screen readers can easily navigate it.

Alt textA short description for images so people who cannot see them know what they show.ExampleA person using a screen reader hears 'a red bicycle leaning against a brick wall' when they encounter the image.

TaggingAdding labels to parts of a document so screen readers can understand it.ExampleTagging a document helps visually impaired users navigate its content with a screen reader.

Who does this

3 roles

Accessibility SpecialistInstructional DesignerDocument Remediator

FAQ

about this task

First, use the 'Automatically tag PDF' tool to add structure.
Then, check and fix the 'Reading Order' so text is read in the right sequence.
Finally, run the 'Accessibility Checker' to find and fix any remaining issues like missing alt text for images.

PDF/UA is a specific standard just for PDF documents, making sure their internal structure supports accessibility. WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is a broader set of guidelines for making all kinds of digital content accessible, not just PDFs. Many regulated tasks require you to meet both standards to ensure full accessibility across different technologies and document types.

It is much better to fix accessibility problems in the original document (like a Word file) before you make it a PDF. This is because when you export an accessible source document to PDF, many accessibility features transfer automatically. If you try to fix an untagged PDF later, it takes a lot more time and effort to add all the necessary tags and correct the structure manually.

Reading order is the sequence in which a screen reader or other assistive technology reads the content in your PDF. If the reading order is wrong, a user might hear parts of the document in a confusing or illogical sequence, making it difficult to understand the information correctly.

Yes, even if your PDF is a scanned document, you can still make it accessible. Acrobat's auto-tagging API is powered by Sensei and can tag headings, tables, lists, and paragraphs in scanned PDFs, including identifying the language. After auto-tagging, you will still need to manually check and fix things like reading order and alt text for images to ensure full accessibility.

Raise Typographic Standards

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help

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