How to Ensure Your PDF is Tagged | Section 508 for PDF

A key component of PDF accessibility is tagging. This guide explains how to check whether a PDF is tagged, why tagging is important, and how to add tags to ensure compliance with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) and Section 508 standards. By following these steps, you can create documents that are both accessible and compliant with legal requirements.

Video Guide

A tagged PDF contains a hidden structure that defines headings, paragraphs, lists, tables, and other elements. These tags enable assistive technologies to understand and navigate the document. Tagging is important because it ensures accessibility compliance, improves screen reader support, and enhances document navigation.

How to Check if a PDF is Tagged

To check if a PDF is tagged, open the document in Adobe Acrobat. Click on the Menu button and select Document Properties or press Ctrl + D. Under the Description tab, find the Tagged PDF status. If it says “Yes,” the document has tags. If it says “No,” the document lacks tags and needs fixing.

Next, review the Tags panel. Open the panel by going to View > Show/Hide > Navigation Panes > Tags. If the document contains tags, you will see a structured hierarchy. If the panel displays “No tags available,” the document needs manual tagging.

How to Add Tags to a PDF

If a document is untagged, use Adobe Acrobat Pro to add tags automatically. Open the document, go to Accessibility, and select Autotag Document. Acrobat will analyze the content and assign tags. After this, review the tags manually to ensure accuracy.

For better accuracy, manually add tags by opening the Tags panel. Click Options and select New Tag. Assign the correct structure, such as Heading, Paragraph, or List. Drag and drop content into the appropriate tags to organize the document properly.

Download the Free Section 508 Checklist for PDF Accessibility:

Ensuring a PDF is tagged improves accessibility and compliance. Checking the Document Properties and the Tags panel confirms the presence of tags. If a document lacks tags, users can add them automatically or manually. By following these steps, they can create accessible documents that assist screen readers and meet compliance standards.

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!