How to fix an inaccessible PDF with Adobe Acrobat Pro

1. Add or Repair the Document’s Tag Structure

Screen readers rely on tags to understand headings, paragraphs, lists, tables, etc.

How to fix:

• Adobe Acrobat Pro:

  • Go to View → Show/Hide → Navigation Panes → Tags

  • If the PDF has no tags: Tags panel → Options → Add Tags to Document

• Check the tag tree to ensure reading order makes sense.

2. Fix the Reading Order

Even properly tagged PDFs may have a random reading order.

How to fix:

• Acrobat Pro: Accessibility → Reading Order

• Drag elements into the correct order or use the "Order" panel to reorder content.

3. Ensure All Images Have Alt Text

Images must have alternative text for screen readers.

How to fix:

• Right-click each image → Edit Alternate Text

• Use concise, descriptive alt text.

• Mark decorative images as “Decorative.”

4. Add Proper Headings (H1, H2, H3…)

Headings help users navigate.

Fix method:

• Use the Tags panel to change tag types (e.g., <P> → <H1>).

• Ensure hierarchical order (no jumping from H1 to H4, etc.)

5. Repair Tables

Tables need a logical structure: header rows, reading order, cell relationships.

Fix method:

• Select the table in Reading Order tool → Table Editor.

• Mark header cells and ensure correct cell spanning.

6. Fix Form Fields

Forms need labels, tab order, and accessible field properties.

Fix:

• Tools → Prepare Form

• Add tooltips or accessible names to fields

• Set correct tab order

7. Ensure High Color Contrast

Text must meet WCAG contrast requirements.

Tools:

• Acrobat Pro → Accessibility Checker → “Contrast” issues

• Online WCAG color contrast checkers

8. Run the Accessibility Checker

In Acrobat:

• Tools → Accessibility → Full Check

• Fix issues identified (tags, headings, links, alt text, etc.)