How to Add a Table Summary in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

Adding a table summary to PDF documents is an essential step in making digital content accessible to users who rely on screen readers. Today’s post is a step-by-step guide on how to use Adobe Acrobat Pro DC to include table summaries and why these additions matter for accessibility compliance.

Video Guide

Why Accessibility Matters

Digital accessibility ensures that all users, including those with disabilities, can effectively read, understand, and navigate electronic documents. PDF files are widely used across sectors, and they must follow accessibility standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and Section 508. Including a clear table summary helps screen reader users grasp the content and purpose of tabular data.

How to Add a Table Summary

Follow these steps to add a table summary in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC:

• Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. Make sure you’re using the Pro DC version that includes accessibility tools.
• Access the Accessibility Tools.
  • Click “All Tools” in the upper-left panel.
  • Select “Prepare for Accessibility.”
• Open the Fix Reading Order Tool.
  • Choose “Reading Order” or “Fix Reading Order Tool” from the accessibility panel.
  • A visual interface will appear showing the document’s reading structure.
• Right-click the Table.
  • Find the highlighted or outlined table element in your PDF.
  • Right-click the box and select “Edit Table Summary.”
• Write a Descriptive Summary.
  • In the dialog box, type a brief, meaningful description of the table’s content.
  • Example: “This table summarizes quarterly revenue data for North America and Europe.”
  • Click “OK” to save your changes.

Benefits of Adding Table Summaries

• Improves usability for screen reader users by providing context before reading cell-by-cell content.
• Assists users with cognitive impairments who may need an overview before processing detailed data.
• Enhances document navigation, especially in long or complex documents with multiple tables.
• Supports legal compliance with accessibility standards like WCAG and Section 508.
• Increases document professionalism by ensuring inclusive design practices.

Including a table summary in your PDFs helps make your documents inclusive, accessible, and compliant with industry standards. When you follow this process as part of your document workflow, you not only improve usability for individuals with disabilities but also strengthen the overall quality and accessibility of your digital content.

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!