How do I make a PDF accessible for people with disabilities?

First, use the 'Automatically tag PDF' tool to add basic structure. Then, use the 'Fix reading order' tool to correct how text flows. Finally, run the 'Accessibility Checker' to find and fix any remaining issues like missing alt text or incorrect headings.

What is the difference between PDF/UA and WCAG for PDF accessibility?

Feature PDF/UA WCAG. Focus Specific to PDF documents General for all web content Purpose Ensures PDF technical accessibility Provides guidelines for content accessibility Compliance Often required in regulated fields Widely adopted standard for digital accessibility

Preserve Accessibility Metadata in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”I have a one‑page [brochure] that must meet accessibility standards before [deadline=Monday].…+

I have a one‑page [brochure] that must meet accessibility standards before [deadline=Monday]. Export the brochure PDF with accessibility tags, including headings and alt text for images, and save as [filename=Brochure_A11y.pdf].

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

BImprove — “do it better”The communications director will forward this to procurement only if it appears accessible.…+

The communications director will forward this to procurement only if it appears accessible. Export the [brochure] to a tagged PDF with proper reading order, heading structure, and image descriptions. Mark any missing alt text and recommend concise alt text for the hero image. Save as [filename=Brochure_A11y.pdf].

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

CDecide — “help me choose”Marketing delivered a three‑page [brochure] with two complex images and text boxes layered over…+

Marketing delivered a three‑page [brochure] with two complex images and text boxes layered over art; procurement requires an accessible tagged PDF for the RFP. I must not ship a file that fails basic checks. Create a tagged PDF with correct reading order, assign headings, and add alt text for the hero and process images. If automatic tags miss the layered text, tell me what to fix and provide two short alt text options for each image before I save [filename=Brochure_A11y.pdf].

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.

FAQ

about this task

First, use the 'Automatically tag PDF' tool to add basic structure.
Then, use the 'Fix reading order' tool to correct how text flows.
Finally, run the 'Accessibility Checker' to find and fix any remaining issues like missing alt text or incorrect headings.

Feature	PDF/UA	WCAG
Focus	Specific to PDF documents	General for all web content
Purpose	Ensures PDF technical accessibility	Provides guidelines for content accessibility
Compliance	Often required in regulated fields	Widely adopted standard for digital accessibility

It is always best to fix accessibility issues in the original document, like a Word file, before converting it to PDF. When you fix the source, all future PDFs created from that source will already be accessible. This saves a lot of time and effort compared to fixing each PDF after it has been created.

Yes, the auto-tagging feature in Acrobat is powered by Sensei technology. It can tag headings, tables, lists, and paragraphs in both native and scanned PDFs. This helps add structure to scanned documents that might otherwise be just images.

The Accessibility Checker is a tool in Acrobat that scans your PDF for common accessibility problems. It flags issues like incorrect tab order, missing alt text for images, or problems with headings. After it runs, you can see a list of items to fix, helping you make your PDF compliant with accessibility standards.

Preserve Accessibility Metadata

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help

Other guides