Mathematical expressions in PDFs often create accessibility barriers for users who rely on screen readers and other assistive technologies. This guide outlines a practical method to improve the accessibility of math in PDFs by converting content using Mathpix Snip and tagging it properly in Adobe Acrobat.
Video Guide
The goal is to convert a PDF with mathematical content into a more accessible format. This includes extracting LaTeX representations, editing and exporting the file, and embedding descriptive alternate text or tagging math figures appropriately.
Tools Used
- Mathpix Snip (snip.mathpix.com) for uploading PDFs and extracting LaTeX equations.
- Adobe Acrobat for reviewing structure, applying tags and alternate text, and running accessibility checks.
- Perplexity AI to convert equations into spoken descriptions.
Uploading and Converting the PDF in Mathpix
Start by uploading the PDF with math content to Mathpix. Configure the settings. In our video demo, we selected page ranges and removed equation numbering. Upload the file and allow the editor to process the content.
The editor splits the document and recognizes LaTeX for each equation, allowing direct edits. Users can also insert handwritten equations or diagrams and toggle into editor mode for more refined control.
Editing and Exporting
Use the editor to adjust LaTeX equations as needed. We exported the document as a LaTeX-enhanced PDF and as a DOCX file, both of which preserve math formatting. Open the exported document in Acrobat to assess how the math content appears and whether accessibility tagging has carried over.
Adding Accessibility Tags
In Acrobat, run the “Prepare for Accessibility” feature to automatically tag the PDF. Review the structure tree and locate all figure tags. These tags may lack alternate text.
Use Mathpix’s snipping tool to recapture the equations. Copy the LaTeX version and paste it into the alternate text field of each corresponding figure tag in Acrobat. This approach improves screen reader access to math expressions.
Using Formula Tags
Convert figure tags to formula tags in Acrobat and observe how the accessibility checker responds. Some math objects may no longer raise warnings for missing alternate text, especially if the math is rendered as live text. However, results may vary, so it is important to verify each case.
Adding Spoken Math Descriptions
Generate spoken descriptions by pasting LaTeX equations into Perplexity AI and requesting a verbal translation. Replace or supplement the alt text with these descriptions to enhance the user experience for those using audio-based screen readers.
Summary and Best Practices
- Begin by using Mathpix to extract and edit LaTeX content from math-containing PDFs.
- Use Adobe Acrobat to inspect and tag the document appropriately, manually inserting either LaTeX or spoken text as alt text when necessary.
- Test formula tags to see if they meet accessibility standards, and always confirm with an accessibility checker.
While this process may require manual effort, it provides a reliable workflow for making mathematical documents more inclusive.
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!
