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The Basics of PDF Tagging

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Emilie Brown
The Basics of PDF Tagging

A tagged PDF provides a logical structure to govern the way the content of the PDF is presented in. If applied correctly, its hidden accessibility markups optimize the reading experience for users with screen readers and other assistive technology. It is primarily used for remediating a PDF document , making the document accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.

These tags are like behind-the-scenes coding to a PDF document where each tag defines the types of content and stores attributes associated with it. Moreover, these tags give a hierarchical structure to the PDF, adding order to the content, such as headings, lists, paragraphs, footnotes, images, and tables. The tags are similar to HTML code with heading text going into <H>, images- <figure>, paragraphs- <P>, images- <Figure> tags and so on.

How to Tag a PDF?

PDF tagging is done in two ways:

  1. Manual tagging
  2. Auto-tagging

Manual tagging requires specific tools, and Adobe Acrobat is the best among them. You can use the Reading Order tool, which was earlier known as the Touch–Up Reading Order or TURO tool.

Auto-tagging uses specific tools to automatically tag PDF documents for you. The advanced tool puts content in tags, enabling assistive technologies to read them, such as screen readers and refreshable braille displays. However, this process doesn’t guarantee 100% accurate results. 

What Are the Different Tagging Elements? 

Images

Images use text alternatives (alt-text) that explain what they portray. Alt Text tag is explicitly added for assistive technology, so it is neither seen nor read by people who are using the PDF visually. Also, images that convey crucial information must be set apart from those added for just decorative purposes. The last images are marked as artefacts, so they are not read by assistive technology. 

Headings

Headings tell readers what the content is all about and make it easier for them to find specific information in a large PDF document. However, a person using assistive technology (AT) can’t identify these headings visually, so they need heading tags. Every document must have a single heading level 1 and various levels under that. 

Tables

Each cell in a table must be tagged in relation to columns and rows to help readers understand the changes in its structure. Also, merged cells can create more confusion, so PDF tagging defines tables carefully. Table summary attached to table tags conveys how it is arranged and if there are any merged cells. 

Lists

List uses digital tags to explain the items and convey what the parents and child items are. Each item, including parent and child, must be clearly tagged to define their relationship. Also, creating tags can become tricky for a complicated list, so it must be taken care of. 

What Are the Basics of Tagged PDFs?

● A PDF document must contain tags.

● These tags should be relevant to the content.

● Tags must be added in a logical reading order.

● Add heading whenever appropriate without skipping level, like adding H3 after H1.

● Tables must use table header tags and have a proper structure.

● Images must have Alt Text if they are crucial to the content and not merely decorative.

● Links must contain Alt Text.

● PDF document content should have a core language.

● In case the document is multilingual, the appropriate language attribute must be added.

● Add correct Tab Order for links and form control.

Summing it Up

PDF tagging is quite complicated and challenging. But we hope that this blog helped you understand the basics and structure that you need to follow while adding different tags. To ensure that the tagging is as per the correct standards, there are several PDF remediation software and services available that you must consider utilizing. 

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