How to Tag a PDF Document

Tagging a PDF document is essential for making it accessible to users who rely on assistive technologies like screen readers. Tags define the structure and order of the content, enabling assistive tools to interpret and present the information correctly.

What Are Tags in a PDF?

Tags provide a logical structure to the document, identifying elements like headings, paragraphs, lists, tables, images, and links. They are similar to HTML tags in a webpage.

  1. Open the PDF

    • Launch Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and open the document you want to tag.

  2. Check for Existing Tags

    • Go to View > Show/Hide > Navigation Panes > Tags.
    • The Tags pane will appear on the left. If it's empty, the document is not tagged.

  3. Add Tags Automatically

    • Select Accessibility > Autotag Document from the Tools menu.
    • Acrobat will attempt to tag the document automatically.

  4. Manually Add or Edit Tags

    • In the Tags pane, right-click and choose New Tag to create a new tag (e.g., Heading, Paragraph, Figure).
    • Drag and drop content into the appropriate tag.
    • Right-click on images and add alternate text under Properties.

  5. Check Reading Order

    • Open Accessibility > Reading Order.
    • Review and adjust the order of elements to ensure they are logical.

  6. Run an Accessibility Check

    • Go to Tools > Accessibility > Full Check.
    • Acrobat will generate a report highlighting accessibility issues, including tagging errors.

Best Practices for Tagging PDFs

  • Ensure a logical reading order for assistive technologies by using a proper tagging structure.
  • Use nested tags to maintain hierarchy, such as <H1> for main headings and <H2> for subheadings.
  • Maintain a correct document structure, including headings, paragraphs, lists, and tables.