Menu

Tag: pdf accessibility

How to tag references, footnotes, and end notes in Adobe Acrobat

At this time there is not clear guidance from WCAG on how to exactly tag references, footnotes, and end notes. This post and video aims to explore the best methods for tagging this content.

Video Overview

Instructional Guide

There are two separate components to tagging footnotes or endnotes.

The first part is the superscript number in the main body of the document. For footnotes, the second part is the note itself, which appears at the bottom of the page. Endnotes show up at the end of the document.

Implementing Reference Tags in Adobe Acrobat

The first step in adding footnotes and references in Adobe Acrobat is to create a reference tag. Contrary to what you might think, a span tag does not serve our purpose here. While span tags are visually useful, they don’t carry any real value in terms of accessibility.

To create a reference tag, right-click on the Tag, select Properties, and change it to a reference. Simple as that!

Linking References to Endnotes

Next, you should consider linking your footnotes to the corresponding endnotes. Although this is not a requirement, it significantly enhances the reader’s navigation through the document. To create this link, right-click the reference number and select Create Link. Under link action, choose Go to page view and select Next. Then, scroll down to your endnotes and click set link. This process creates a hyperlink that leads directly to the relevant spot in the document.

Three methods reference in video:

Method 1:

Apply alternate text that provides guidance on where the endnote or reference leads to. For instance, the alternate text could be “superscript one refers to endnote one on page two”. This alerts the screen reader user about what the reference or endnote signifies.

Apply alternate text that provides guidance on where the endnote or reference leads to. For instance, the alternate text could be "superscript one refers to endnote one on page two". This alerts the screen reader user about what the reference or endnote signifies.

Method 2:

Arrange the reading order so that the note is read directly after the reference. To do this, move the actual content of the note under the reference tag. In this arrangement, the paragraph is read first, followed by the reference, the note, and then the main content.

Arrange the reading order so that the note is read directly after the reference. To do this, move the actual content of the note under the reference tag. In this arrangement, the paragraph is read first, followed by the reference, the note, and then the main content.

Method 3:

Include the note’s content in the alternate text. For this, copy the note’s content and paste it onto the actual text field of the reference. The alternate text could then read “superscript one. [content of the note]”. After this, change the endnote content to an artifact and delete the tags.

Include the note's content in the alternate text. For this, copy the note's content and paste it onto the actual text field of the reference. The alternate text could then read "superscript one. [content of the note]". After this, change the endnote content to an artifact and delete the tags.

Order 508 documents

More PDF Posts

How to Auto Tag PDFs for Accessibility

Welcome to the Accessibility Guy channel, where I strive to make the digital world more accessible to everyone. In today’s video, we will be discussing how to use the Auto Tag feature in Adobe Acrobat Pro to…

by Shawn Jordison

The Make Accessible Action Wizard

The make accessible action wizard is a tool that can help get a tag structure into a PDF so that you can begin making it accessible. This workflow can be implemented with almost any document. Important note:…

by Shawn Jordison

What are PDF tags?

Tags are the basis for accessibility within a PDF. Without proper tags there is no accessibility. Tag elements provide semantic information for screen readers, control the reading order, and other important functions. An important first step is…

by Shawn Jordison

Making Tables Accessible in Adobe Acrobat Pro – A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Hello, and welcome to the Accessibility Guy channel. Today we’re going to be looking all about table accessibility in Adobe Acrobat Pro. We will cover topics like using the reading order tool to tag individual cells, setting the scope of individual cells, fixing row and column-span problems, and adding associated header IDs for a header and data cell connection.

Utilizing the Reading Order Tool for Tagging Cells

To begin, launch the reading order tool by selecting the accessibility button and then choosing “Reading Order.” You may want to deselect “Show table cells” and “Show tables and figures” to make it easier to see the text. Select the text that should be together and click on “Text Paragraph” to group them.

Cleaning Up the Tags Panel

Make sure all cells are in the correct row by going through the tags, cutting and pasting them to the right location when needed. Set all cells in the first row as table data cells, and change any incorrectly labeled paragraph tags to table data cell tags. Properly format all table rows, ensuring that table header (TH) and table data (TD) cells contain the contents of the corresponding cell.

Running the Accessibility Checker

Run the accessibility checker to identify any issues with rows and columns in your table. If the table fails regularity, check for any merged cells that may need column and row span adjustments. After fixing any issues, run the accessibility checker again to ensure regularity is passing.

Setting the Scope of Table Headers

With the reading order tool open, right-click on the table and select “Table Editor.” Select all table header cells at the top of the table, right-click and select “Table Cell Properties,” and change the scope from none to “Column.” If you have table headers on the row side, you can set the scope to “Row” as needed.

Making a Data Connection Between Table Headers and Contents

Right-click in the table and select “Table Editor,” followed by “Auto Generate Header Cell IDs.” This will provide a name for each heading tag. For each group of table data cells, right-click and select “Table Cell Properties.” Add the corresponding header ID to the “Associated Header Cell IDs” section.

Conclusion

This comprehensive guide has demonstrated how to make tables accessible in Adobe Acrobat Pro using various tools, including the reading order tool, setting scope, and more. By following these best practices, you can ensure your tables are accessible to all users. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more personalized tips and instructions on accessibility best practices.

How to Auto Tag PDFs for Accessibility

Welcome to the Accessibility Guy channel, where I strive to make the digital world more accessible to everyone. In today’s video, we will be discussing how to use the Auto Tag feature in Adobe Acrobat Pro to add tags to a PDF document quickly.

Video Overview | View on YouTube

Auto tagging is a feature within Adobe Acrobat Pro that applies a tag structure to your document, making it easier to navigate for users with disabilities. This feature is especially useful when working with documents that do not have any tags and require a structure that can be manipulated using the reading order tool or other accessibility features.

To use the Auto Tag feature, open your PDF document in Adobe Acrobat Pro and navigate to the Accessibility button from the tools menu on the right-hand side. At the very top of the menu, you will see the Auto Tag Document feature. Simply click on this button, and Adobe Acrobat will apply a tag structure to the rest of the file.

To view the tags that have been added, select the Tags panel from the left-hand menu, and expand the tags button. You can then expand some of the part tags to see the structure that has been added.

It is important to note that after using the Auto Tag feature or any other automated tagging features, it is essential to apply the rest of the accessibility features to the file. For more information on how to do this, check out some of my other videos, which I will link below.

My goal is to be your personal accessibility expert, and I am dedicated to making the digital world more accessible. So, hit that like and subscribe button for more accessibility best practices and tips.

In conclusion, the Auto Tag feature in Adobe Acrobat Pro is a quick and easy way to add tags to a PDF document, making it more accessible to users with disabilities. I hope you found this video helpful and informative. Thank you for watching, and I’ll see you in my next video.

Dont want to do the work?

Order 508 documents

The Make Accessible Action Wizard

The make accessible action wizard is a tool that can help get a tag structure into a PDF so that you can begin making it accessible. This workflow can be implemented with almost any document. Important note: this process may overwrite any other work you have done in any other programs.

Add the Action Wizard from the tools menu

The first step is to ensure you have the proper tool setup in Adobe acrobat pro.

  1. Select the tools menu
  2. Find the Action Wizard tool under customize
  3. Select Add
Select the tools menu Find the Action Wizard tool under customize Select Add

Run the Action Wizard Video Overview

The following videos can be used to review the action wizard: Action Wizard Playlist on YouTube

Text Overview of how to Run the Action Wizard

1. Select Action Wizard from the Tools Menu

2. Then select Make Accessible

Select Action Wizard from the Tools Menu Then select Make Accessible

3. Select Start

Select Start

4. Run through all of the pop up windows

Each one of the pop ups provides a significant piece to the accessibility process.

  • Set the meta data
  • Recognize Text
  • Form fields
  • Set Reading Language
  • Apply alternate text to images
  • Accessibility checker

5. Review the tags panel and continue making accessible

This process is meant to get a tag structure into the document. It does NOT mean your document is now accessible.

Order 508 documents