Untagged PDF

An untagged PDF lacks the underlying structure that assistive technologies rely on to interpret content. Without tags, screen readers cannot identify headings, paragraphs, lists, or reading order, causing content to be read inaccurately or skipped entirely. Moreover, untagged PDFs violate accessibility requirements under WCAG, Section 508, PDF/UA, and regulatory frameworks such as the European Accessibility Act (EAA) and Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act.

Solution:

• Apply a logical tag structure to define headings, paragraphs, lists, and sections.
• Ensure the reading order follows a natural top-to-bottom, left-to-right flow.
• Validate tags using accessibility checkers and manual review.

Absence of a Meaningful Document Title

Without a meaningful PDF document title, screen readers are unable to identify and differentiate documents. Titles help users understand the document’s purpose before reading its content.

Solution:

• Add a clear, concise document title in the PDF metadata.
• Ensure the title accurately reflects the document’s content and purpose.

Undefined PDF Document Language

When the document language is not defined, screen readers may mispronounce text or apply incorrect reading rules. This is especially problematic for multilingual or technical documents.

Solution:

• Always set the primary document language in the PDF properties.
• Specify language changes within the document when multiple languages are used.

Images & Visuals Without Alt Text

Images without alternative text prevent screen reader users from understanding visual information. Charts, icons, and informational images become invisible without proper descriptions.

Solution:

• Add concise, meaningful alt text for all informative images.
• Mark decorative images as artifacts so they are ignored by assistive technologies.

No Bookmarks for Long PDF Documents

Lengthy PDFs without bookmarks are difficult to navigate, particularly for users who rely on keyboards or screen readers.

Solution:

• Add bookmarks that reflect the document’s heading structure.
• Use clear, descriptive bookmark labels for quick navigation.

Incorrect Reading Order

Another common PDF accessibility error to address is incorrect reading order. Without a proper reading order, screen readers may read content out of sequence, causing confusion and loss of meaning.

Solution:

• Verify reading order using the tag tree and order panels.
• Ensure content flows logically across columns, tables, and sidebars.

Undefined Table Headers

Tables without properly defined headers make it impossible for screen readers to associate data cells with the correct row or column context. This leads to misinterpretation of data.

Solution:

• Define table headers using appropriate header tags.
• Avoid using tables for layout purposes.

Related Read: Table Accessibility Issues

Using Image-Only Content

Scanned PDFs often contain text as images, making content unreadable by assistive technologies and unsearchable for all users.

Solution:

• Apply OCR to convert images into selectable text.
• Follow OCR with proper tagging and structural remediation.

Incorrectly Marked or Completely Unmarked Artifacts

Decorative elements such as logos, footers, and background graphics can interrupt screen reader flow if not marked correctly.

Solution:

• Mark all decorative elements as artifacts.
• Ensure only meaningful content is exposed to assistive technologies.

Insufficient Color Contrast & Complex PDF Designs

Low contrast text and visually complex layouts make content unreadable for users with low vision or color-blindness.

Solution:

• Ensure there’s sufficient color contrast between the text and its background.
• Avoid relying on color alone to convey meaning.
• Simplify visual layouts where possible.

Missing Table of Contents & Document Summary

Without a table of contents or summary, users will struggle to understand the scope and structure of the document, especially in long PDFs.

Solution:

• Add a table of contents linked to document sections.
• Include a summary explaining the document’s purpose.

Overlooked Accessibility Across Formats & Devices

PDFs may appear accessible on desktop, but the same files may fail on mobile devices or different screen sizes.

Solution:

• Test PDFs across devices and screen sizes.
• Ensure content supports reflow and zoom without loss of readability.

Non-Descriptive Links

Links labeled “click here” or “read more” provide no context for screen reader users navigating links out of sequence.

Solution:

• Use descriptive link text that explains the destination or action.

Non-Accessible Forms

Forms without labels, instructions, or correct tab order are difficult or impossible to complete using assistive technologies.

Solution:

• Label all form fields clearly.
• Define logical tab order and provide error feedback.