Environment
Adobe InDesign.
Issue
Users want to know how to create accessible PDFs in Adobe InDesign.
Resolution
PDFs created in Adobe InDesign can be accessible, but they require specific planning and settings. Follow all accessibility best practices, such as using heading styles, applying alt text to images, checking color contrast, embedding links in unique and meaningful text, etc.
Keep these PDF-specific techniques in mind as well:
- Mark decorative elements as Artifacts.
- Use the Articles Panel to set the read order of the document. Do this after you have finished adding all elements to the document, or you will have to redo it.
- When you are ready to export, make sure that "Create Tagged PDF" and "Use Structure for Tab Order" are both checked.
This guide from the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology is an excellent checklist for ensuring that you are creating an accessible PDF in InDesign.
After exporting your PDF, open it in Adobe Acrobat Pro and run the Accessibility Checker to verify that the PDF has exported correctly and with all accessibility elements preserved.
Additional Information
Need additional information or assistance? Contact the ITS Service Center.