Accessible InDesign Documents
When working with InDesign, it's best practice to build accessibility into your document as you work and then use Acrobat for any remaining work. Below are a few important steps to start making your InDesign documents accessible.
Tips for Making InDesign Documents Accessible
Use Paragraph and Character Styles
Paragraph Styles create the tag structure for the text of your PDF. Use Character Styles for each unique set of font attributes within a document. Changing attributes with the font panel can create unwanted Span Tags in your document.
Use Layers and Articles Panels
Both the Articles Panel and the Layers Panel affect reading order. Items in each Layers Panel layer read from the bottom up. Items in the Articles Panel read from the top down. Add both text and images to your Articles Panel for proper reading order.
Use Alt Text
Make sure informative and concise alt text descriptions exist for all non-text elements that are not purely decorative. Decorative images should be artifacted.
Check Role Map in Acrobat Pro
InDesign enables designers to create meaningful style names, but Acrobat may assign different roles. Check Role Map to confirm heading structure is correct.
Find these tips and more when you download the Accessibility Quick Card for InDesign Documents or download the complete set for more important tips.
InDesign Resources
- Creating Accessible Documents with Adobe InDesign - 2019 Version (PDF)
- Creating Accessible Documents with Adobe InDesign - Updated Content (Web)
What to Learn Next
PowerPoint
Learn how to make your presentations accessible with Microsoft PowerPoint.
Excel
Learn how to make your spreadsheets and charts accessible in Microsoft Excel.
Word
Learn how to use the features in Microsoft Word to create accessible documents.
Learn how to make your PDF documents accessible using Acrobat’s built-in features.