How to Tag Bar Charts in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC Effectively

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC offers tools for making bar charts accessible. There are two main methods. One method tags the whole chart as a figure. The other tags are separate text elements. Both make your charts easier for Assistive Technology users.

Video Guide

Steps for Tagging Bar Charts in Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

Method 1: Individual Text Elements

Sometimes it simply makes more sense to tag all of the individual components as P tags.

• Use the Reading Order Tool.
• Select text, mark it as “Text Paragraph” (p tag).
• For numbers, also mark as “Text Paragraph.”
• For data labels, make them “Heading Level 2” or “3.”
• Add ‘Actual Text’ for context in properties.

Example: For a bar showing 75% “Very Likely”, right-click p tag -> select properties -> add actual text “75% of respondents selected very likely.”

Method 2: Tagging The Entire Chart as a Figure

In certain cases, you might find it easier to tag the entire chart as a single figure. Grab your Reading Order Tool and select the entire chart. Once selected, mark it as a “Figure” and provide alternate text that describes the data in detail. However, this method is less ideal for complex bar charts with multiple data points and categories. It’s more suited to simple, straightforward bar charts.

Additional Points to Consider:

1. Color Contrast: If your bar chart uses colors, check that they have a sufficient contrast ratio to meet accessibility standards.
2. Tag Order: Once you’ve tagged your elements, ensure they are in a logical reading order for Assistive Technology users.

With either method, the goal remains the same: making your bar chart accessible to as many people as possible, including those using Assistive Technology.

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC offers the flexibility to make your bar charts accessible, whether they are simple or complex. By carefully tagging text elements or tagging the entire chart as a figure, you’re taking important steps toward making your content inclusive.

So, whether you have complex charts with numerous data points or simpler figures, you have the tools at your fingertips to make them accessible. Choose the method that works best for your specific needs and keep making strides in inclusivity.

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!