How to tag a link in PDF using Adobe Acrobat Pro

This post will go over how to tag a link/hyperlink within a PDF using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC.

Video Overview of How to tag a link in PDF

Lets dive right in!

Link tags need to be structured in a very specific way. Here is that way:

P > Link > Link-OBJR and Link text

Here is an example.

Example of links

Links do not always need to be children tags to P tags, but they can never exist as the parent tag themselves.

Don’t forget the link basics

  • Descriptive URLs: When adding hyperlinks in a PDF, it’s essential to use descriptive URLs that indicate the content or destination of the link. A user should be able to understand where the link will take them just by reading the URL or the accompanying text. This is especially crucial for users who navigate documents using screen readers, as the descriptive text is what they hear when they come across a hyperlink. For example, instead of using “Page 2” as the hyperlink text, use something more descriptive like “More on PDF Accessibility Guidelines.
  • Avoid www. addresses: When referring to websites within your PDF, it’s recommended to avoid using raw web addresses starting with ‘www.’ While these addresses technically serve as links, they lack descriptive context which can leave users guessing about the content they’re about to access. A more effective method would be to embed these links into meaningful text that describes the destination or content.
  • Avoid “click here” language: Phrases like “click here” or “follow this link” are not helpful in terms of accessibility. These phrases don’t provide any context about the destination of the link or what the user should expect to find there. They are also not descriptive enough for users who navigate with screen readers, or users who tab through links on a page rather than using a mouse to click on them. Instead of using “click here” language, make your link text descriptive and meaningful. For instance, instead of “Click here to learn more about PDF/UA,” use “Learn more about PDF/UA.” In this example, the latter offers a clear and immediate context for what users can expect when they select the link.

How to create links

Starting from Word

The easiest method to properly embed links is to use MS Word to create your PDF. If your links are properly formatted in Word, and you properly create your PDF, the links will come through perfectly.

Starting in PDF

In most situations, it is easier to simply delete the link completely, and re-add the link into the PDF.

Adding New Links and Managing Multiline Links

Adding new links to a document can be quick and efficient. After selecting the desired text, right-click and select ‘Create Link’. Then, specify the link destination. This method automatically adds an object reference and correctly formats the link. To ensure visibility and recognition, assign a different color to the link and underline it, if necessary.

right click the text you want to make a link and select create link

Multiline links often present a unique challenge. In these situations, it can be beneficial to delete the links and retag the entire text at once. This technique maintains the link’s accessibility and ensures it has a single link object reference.

The Importance of Alternate Text for Link Accessibility

A critical component of making PDF links accessible is the addition of alternate text. Providing additional context for the link, alternate text is a requirement for certain accessibility standards. The practice of adding alternate text to the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative link, for instance, demonstrates how this gives additional information to the user.

To add alternate text to a link follow these steps:

  1. Find the figure tag in the Tags panel
  2. Right-click and select properties
  3. Update the alternate text and include the hyperlink again
Find the figure tag in the Tags panel

Right-click and select properties

Update the alternate text and include the hyperlink again

In conclusion, while making PDF links accessible requires some effort, it is a crucial step in fostering an inclusive digital environment. With a little patience and attention to detail, this skill is within everyone’s grasp.

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How do I make hyperlinks accessible in Microsoft Word

So, you want to make your hyperlinks accessible? There are a few rules about hyperlinks for text. These exist because of how they interact with assistive technology. You can also apply hyperlinks to images and other elements.

Things to avoid

How does a screen reader interact with a link?

It depends on the software but JAWS will pull up a list of links that a user can select from. The list is generated by the on screen text that is the link. It is important that your links are clear and concise and tell the user where they are going before they are interacted with.

Video walkthrough of how to make hyperlinks accessible in Microsoft Word

Text overview of how to make hyperlinks accessible in Microsoft Word

  1. Select the text you want to make a link
  2. Right click and select Link
  3. Enter in an address
  4. Select Ok
Select the text you want to make a link

Right click and select Link

Enter in an address 

Select Ok
Order 508 documents

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How do I apply accessible hyperlinks in Canvas?

While screen readers can read a full page to a user, screen reader users may prefer to instead listen to a list of links. In that case, a screen reader may only read the link text and not the surrounding text. Accessible hyperlinks in Canvas assist with navigation.

Speech recognition software allows a user to avoid using a mouse. Users can speak the text of the link that they would like to follow.

Keyboard-only users may not be able to use a mouse to click links. They use a keyboard’s tab button to navigate through a page’s links, buttons, and form inputs. For such users, it is very important for them to see which item has a focus on at all times.

Colorblind users may not be able to perceive color cues. Typically, pages present links as a different color than their surrounding text. Adding underlines or other non-color indicators help users who may not see color. Users who are not comfortable with technology may also appreciate having links underlined.

Links should be clear and easy to understand.

The below image has two separate sites pulled up using JAWS while searching for links. The image on the left indicated the incorrect way to use links and includes link text for the full HTML URL and several wrong examples like “click here”. The image on the right represents a correct link list that uses correct link text that is descriptive and clear.

The below image has two separate sites pulled up using JAWS while searching for links. The image on the left indicated the incorrect way to use links and includes link text for the full HTML url and several wrong examples like “click here”. The image on the right represents a correct link list that uses correct link text that is descriptive and clear.

In general, content editors should avoid using images as links. If an image functions as a link, the image must have alt text that conveys the location and purpose of the link. The alt text should not describe the image. Treat image links as links, not as images.

  • Avoid link text like “Click Here,” “More,” and “Read More.” These kinds of links can be confusing when a screen reader reads them out of context.
  • Avoid using full html address: www.shawnjordison.com and instead use Check out Shawn Jordisons guide
  • Non-hypertext elements should refrain from using underlines as they can confuse sighted students who expect underlined text to be a link
  • Use judgment when linking full URLs. When linking a URL, consider users who must speak it out loud and who must listen to a screen reader announce it.

Video overview of how to apply accessible hyperlinks in Canvas

Step 1: Ensure you are in edit mode

ensure you are in edit mode
Step 2: Select the text or link you would like to edit and select link options
Canvas LMS
How do I make my Canvas page accessible?

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