Export Google Docs to Tagged PDF | Google Docs Update

For years, accessibility advocates and content creators struggled with a major limitation in Google Docs: the inability to export documents as tagged PDFs. These tags are essential for screen reader users and others who rely on assistive technology. Fortunately, Google Docs now supports exporting tagged PDFs. This guide explains how the feature works, why it matters, and how it compares with a specialized, accessible design tool called Venngage.

Video Guide

What Is a Tagged PDF?

Tagged PDFs contain hidden structural elements called tags that define the logical reading order and semantic meaning of a document. These tags label headings, paragraphs, lists, tables, images, and links so assistive technologies can interpret and present the content properly. Without tags, screen readers read PDFs in a flat, unstructured way, making navigation difficult or impossible.

Google Docs Now Exports Tagged PDFs

Google Docs recently added support for exporting tagged PDFs, a long-awaited accessibility improvement. This update allows users to preserve important document structure when saving files as PDFs.

How to Export from Google Docs to a tagged PDF:

• Open your document in Google Docs
• Click File > Download > PDF Document (.pdf)
• Open the downloaded file in Adobe Acrobat or another PDF reader
• Open the Tags Panel to review the structure

Your export may not be perfect, but it significantly improves accessibility compared to earlier versions of Google Docs. When reviewing the tags panel, watch for these issues:

• Unnecessary or extra tags
• Correct heading level structure
• Google Docs does not allow you to add alt text that carries into the PDF export
• Complex layouts that may produce inconsistent tagging

Despite these drawbacks, this update marks real progress in creating accessible documents directly within Google Docs.

Google Slides Does Not Support Tagged PDFs

If you work with Google Slides, note that it still lacks support for tagged PDF exports. When you export a Google Slides file as a PDF and inspect it in Adobe Acrobat, you won’t find any tag structure. This makes it unsuitable for accessibility use cases involving screen readers.

Additional Accessible Design Option

For those working with infographics, charts, or more visual content, Venngage provides a strong alternative. It allows users to design with accessibility in mind and export fully tagged PDFs.

Key Accessibility Features in Venngage

• Add structured headings to content blocks
• Provide alt text for all visual elements
• Use the built-in accessibility checker to verify compliance before export to other platforms
• Export files as tagged and structured PDFs

Venngage simplifies the process of building professional documents that meet accessibility standards without requiring technical expertise.

Google Docs finally offers a solution for accessible document export by enabling tagged PDFs. While the feature still needs refinement, it dramatically improves accessibility for everyday users. Google Slides remains behind, but tools like Venngage provide another path for creating compliant, accessible documents, especially for visual content and structured designs.

Let me be your champion for inclusion. I offer tailored solutions (and self-paced courses!) to ensure your documents meet and exceed compliance expectations. For more detailed insights, tutorials, and in-depth discussions on accessibility and related topics, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel: The Accessibility Guy on YouTube. Subscribe for regular updates!