Path Object not tagged | PDF / UA

Welcome to the world of document accessibility! Today, we’ll demystify a common issue that plagues many users – the ‘Path Object Not Tagged’ error – especially when working with Adobe Acrobat and files exported from InDesign.

Video Guide

Understanding the ‘Path Object Not Tagged’ Error

The PAC 2021 checker, a tool for checking PDF file accessibility, frequently reports this error. When you check a file, you might find a list of issues under the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) criteria, including the ‘Path Object Not Tagged’ error.

What causes this? Path objects in this context usually mean specific lines in a table exported from InDesign. These objects need tagging, but this cumbersome process often gets overlooked, leading to the mentioned error.

Tackling the Issue Head-On

To address this issue, let’s look at a step-by-step process using an example document exported from InDesign and now open in Adobe Acrobat:

1. Open the ‘Content’ panel located on the far left side of Adobe Acrobat. This allows you to review all the content present on each page.
2. As you inspect each page, you’ll likely notice a plethora of ‘Path’ tags.
3. Begin by selecting all these ‘Path’ tags.
4. With the path objects selected, right-click and choose ‘Create Artifacts’.
5. Confirm by selecting ‘OK’.

Download the Free Section 508 Checklist for PDF Accessibility:

Checking the Results and Final Thoughts

Having made these changes, save and close your file. On retesting with the PAC 2021 checker, you’ll notice the previous ‘Path Object Not Tagged’ errors are now resolved, and any new issues can be addressed separately.

The ‘Path Object Not Tagged’ error often crops up when exporting files from InDesign or other similar software. Remember, it’s crucial to ‘artifact’ these paths to make your document as accessible as possible. It’s not just about fixing an error – it’s about making your content reachable and usable for everyone.

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!