Adobe Acrobat Pro includes accessibility features that help make PDFs usable for everyone, including people who rely on assistive technologies like screen readers.
Here are the main features:
1. Accessibility checker
The Accessibility Checker scans a PDF for accessibility issues, such as missing alt text, improper headings, or reading order problems. It provides a detailed report and suggestions for fixes.
- Why it matters: It identifies and helps resolve barriers that prevent some users from accessing the content.
2. Tagging for document structure
Tags define the structure of the PDF, such as headings, paragraphs, lists, and tables. Acrobat Pro allows you to add or adjust these tags to improve navigation for screen readers.
- Why it matters: Tags let screen readers understand the content flow, making it easier to navigate the document.
3. Alternative text for images
You can add alt text to images, charts, and graphics to describe their content to people who cannot see them.
- Why it matters: Screen reader users rely on alt text to understand visual information.
4. Reading order tool
The reading order tool lets you control the order in which content is read by screen readers. You can adjust and reorganize text, images, and other elements.
- Why it matters: Ensures content is read in a logical, meaningful order for better understanding.
5. High-contrast mode and reflow
Acrobat allows PDFs to adapt for better visibility:
- High-contrast mode changes text and background colors for users with low vision.
- Reflow rearranges text to fit the screen size, making it easier to use on mobile devices.
- Why it matters: These features improve readability for everyone.
6. Accessible forms
Acrobat Pro can create and edit accessible forms by adding labels and descriptions to fields. It supports tools like tab order and keyboard navigation.
- Why it matters: Accessible forms can be completed by users with assistive technologies.
7. Descriptive titles and document properties
You can add a document title and metadata in the File Properties to help users understand the file’s purpose before opening it.
- Why it matters: Screen readers and other tools use this information to describe the document.
8. Text-to-speech and screen reader compatibility
Acrobat Pro supports screen readers and works with text-to-speech tools to read documents aloud.
- Why it matters: It makes PDFs accessible to users with visual impairments or reading difficulties.
9. Accessible tables
Correctly tagged tables with row and column headers are defined and read logically by screen readers.
- Why it matters: Proper tagging of tables helps users understand and navigate complex data.
10. Keyboard navigation
You can design PDFs so they work perfectly with just a keyboard. This means things like links, buttons, and forms can all be used without needing a mouse.
- Why it matters: People with mobility impairments often rely on keyboards or assistive devices instead of a mouse.
Using Acrobat Pro accessibility features (PC)
Step 1: Open the PDF and the accessibility tools
- Mouse: Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro. Go to the Tools tab, scroll down, and select Accessibility.
- Keyboard: Press Alt + T to open the Tools menu. Use the arrow keys to navigate to Accessibility and press Enter.
Step 2: Run the accessibility check
- Mouse: In the Accessibility panel, click Full Check. A new window will appear. Select the options you want to check (e.g., document structure, images, or tables), then click Start Checking.
- Keyboard: Press Tab to highlight Full Check and press Enter. In the options window, press Tab to navigate through checkboxes and press Space to select or unselect them. Press Enter to start the check.
Step 3: Review the accessibility report
- After running the check, Acrobat will display an Accessibility Report with a list of issues.
- Mouse: Click on each item in the report to view details about the issue.
- Keyboard: Use the arrow keys to navigate through the list of issues. Press Enter to expand an item and read more details.
Step 4: Fix common accessibility issues
Add a title to the document
- Mouse: Go to File > Properties, then under the Description tab, type a title in the Title field. Click OK.
- Keyboard: Press Alt + F to open File, then press P for Properties. Use Tab to reach the Title field, type a title, and press Enter.
Tag the document
- Mouse: In the Accessibility panel, click Autotag Document. Acrobat will add tags to your document.
- Keyboard: Press Tab to highlight Autotag Document in the Accessibility panel and press Enter.
Add Alt Text to images
- Mouse: Right-click on an image and select Edit Alt Text. Type a short description and click OK.
- Keyboard: Press Shift + F10 when the image is selected to open the context menu. Use the arrow keys to choose Edit Alt Text and press Enter. Type the description and press Enter again.
Fix reading order
- Mouse: In the Accessibility panel, click Reading Order. Use the tool to select content and set the correct order.
- Keyboard: Press Tab to navigate to Reading Order. Use the arrow keys to select and adjust content order.
Check color contrast
Acrobat does not check contrast automatically. Use tools like the TPGi contrast checker or manually check if text and background colors are easy to read.
Step 5: Recheck accessibility
After fixing issues, rerun the Accessibility Check to confirm everything is fixed.
- Mouse: In the Accessibility panel, click Full Check again.
- Keyboard: Navigate back to Full Check using Tab and press Enter.
Using Acrobat Pro accessibility Features (Mac)
Step 1: Open the PDF and the accessibility tools
- Mouse: Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro. Go to the Tools tab at the top, scroll down, and select Accessibility.
- Keyboard: Press Control + Option + T to open the Tools menu. Use the arrow keys to navigate to Accessibility and press Return.
Step 2: Run the accessibility check
- Mouse: In the Accessibility panel, click Full Check. In the window that appears, choose the options you want to check (like document structure, images, or tables), then click Start Checking.
- Keyboard: Press Tab to highlight Full Check and press Return. In the options window, press Tab to navigate through checkboxes and press Space to check or uncheck them. Press Return to start the check.
Step 3: Review the accessibility report
After running the check, Acrobat will display an Accessibility Report with a list of issues.
- Mouse: Click on each issue in the report to view its details.
- Keyboard: Use the arrow keys to navigate through the list of issues. Press Return to expand an item and read the details.
Step 4: Fix common accessibility Issues
Add a title to the document
- Mouse: Go to File > Properties. Under the Description tab, type a title in the Title field, then click OK.
- Keyboard: Press Command + D to open Document Properties. Use Tab to move to the Title field, type your title, and press Return.
Tag the document for accessibility
- Mouse: In the Accessibility panel, click Autotag Document. Acrobat will automatically add tags to the PDF.
- Keyboard: Press Tab to highlight Autotag Document in the Accessibility panel and press Return.
Add Alt Text to images
- Mouse: click on the image and select Edit Alt Text. Type a short description, then click OK.
- Keyboard: Use Control + Option + Shift + M to open the context menu. Use the arrow keys to select Edit Alt Text and press Return. Type your description and press Return again.
Fix the reading order
- Mouse: In the Accessibility panel, click Reading Order. Use the tool to select content and set the correct order.
- Keyboard: Press Tab to navigate to Reading Order, then use the arrow keys and Tab to adjust the order.
Check color contrast
Acrobat does not automatically check color contrast. Use external tools like the TPGi contrast checker or visually ensure text and background colors have strong contrast, such as black text on a white background.
Step 5: Recheck accessibility
After making changes, rerun the Accessibility Check to confirm all issues are fixed.
- Mouse: In the Accessibility panel, click Full Check again.
- Keyboard: Press Tab to navigate back to Full Check and press Return.