How do I make sure my PDF is truly accessible after using auto-tagging?

Use the 'Automatically tag PDF' tool first. This adds basic structure. Manually check the reading order with the 'Reading Order' tool. Automation often needs human help here. Review all images and add 'alt text' descriptions for them. Run the 'Accessibility Checker' to find and fix any remaining issues.

What is the difference between WCAG and PDF/UA when making a PDF accessible?

Standard Focus When it matters. WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) General guidelines for all web content, technology-agnostic. Often required by law for digital content, including PDFs. PDF/UA (PDF - Universal Accessibility) Specific standard for PDF documents only, ensures technical accessibility. Important for highly regulated work where PDF-specific compliance is needed.

Archive Exit Summaries in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

2 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Combine exit interview notes and the departing employee's checklist into a single PDF, add…+

Combine exit interview notes and the departing employee's checklist into a single PDF, add Bates numbers, and save the archive to the HR departures folder so we can spot recurring reasons people leave.

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

BImprove — “do it better”Before archiving exit interviews, make analysis simpler: merge the interview summary, manager…+

Before archiving exit interviews, make analysis simpler: merge the interview summary, manager notes, and checklist into one PDF, add Bates numbering and a one-page index with reason-for-leaving tags, and save to the shared HR departures folder so the talent analyst can run trends without manual preparation.

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.

TagsHidden labels in a PDF that tell screen readers what each part of the document is (like a heading or a paragraph).ExampleScreen readers use hidden tags to tell users whether a part of the document is a list item or a table.

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.

Who does this

3 roles

Accessibility SpecialistInstructional DesignerDocument Remediator

FAQ

about this task

Use the 'Automatically tag PDF' tool first. This adds basic structure.
Manually check the reading order with the 'Reading Order' tool. Automation often needs human help here.
Review all images and add 'alt text' descriptions for them.
Run the 'Accessibility Checker' to find and fix any remaining issues.

Standard	Focus	When it matters
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines)	General guidelines for all web content, technology-agnostic.	Often required by law for digital content, including PDFs.
PDF/UA (PDF - Universal Accessibility)	Specific standard for PDF documents only, ensures technical accessibility.	Important for highly regulated work where PDF-specific compliance is needed.

It is always better to fix accessibility problems in the original document, like a Word file, before you create the PDF. When you make an accessible Word document, the PDF exported from it will often be accessible too. This saves a lot of time and effort compared to fixing an untagged PDF later, which can be very difficult and time-consuming.

Yes, you can. Acrobat's auto-tagging tool uses smart technology to add tags to both native and scanned PDFs. It can identify headings, tables, lists, and paragraphs even in scanned documents. However, you will still need to check and adjust the reading order and add alt text manually.

The single most important thing for PDF accessibility is tagging. Tags provide the structure of the document to screen readers. Without proper tags, a PDF is very difficult for people with visual impairments to understand. Always make sure your PDF is tagged correctly.

Archive Exit Summaries

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help

Other guides