How to Create an Accessible PDF in Adobe InDesign
InDesign is built for complex layouts, which is exactly what makes accessibility take some setup. Done right, InDesign exports a fully tagged PDF; done carelessly, it produces a beautiful but inaccessible file. The work happens before you export.
Map paragraph styles to tags
Use paragraph styles for everything, then map each style to the correct PDF tag with "Edit All Export Tags". Headings map to H1-H6, body text to P, and so on. This is what gives the exported PDF its structure.
Set reading order with the Articles panel
In a multi-frame layout, InDesign cannot guess the reading order. Use the Articles panel to drag content into the order it should be read, and enable "Use for Reading Order in Tagged PDF".
Add alt text and structure
- Add alt text to images via Object > Object Export Options > Alt Text.
- Anchor captions and figures so they stay in the right place in the reading order.
- Set the document title and language in File > File Info and the export dialog.
- Build tables with header rows so they export with header cells.
Export as tagged PDF
- 1Choose File > Export and select Adobe PDF.
- 2In the export dialog, enable "Create Tagged PDF".
- 3Confirm bookmark and structure options are set.
- 4Open the result and verify tags and reading order, then run an accessibility check.
Even a careful InDesign export usually needs a quick review in Acrobat — check reading order and table tagging before publishing.
Upload your exported PDF here to confirm it is tagged and reads in order.