How to Add Image Alt Text to a PDF in Acrobat Pro
Question details
The user wants to know if and how to add alternative text to images in PDF documents using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC for accessibility requirements.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Ensuring PDF documents meet accessibility standards by applying descriptive alternate text to images so screen readers can interpret them.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs to find the proper tags panel or accessibility tool within Acrobat Pro to apply alternative text descriptions to image elements.
Ensure you are using Adobe Acrobat Pro, as the free Adobe Acrobat Reader does not include the advanced tagging and accessibility tools required to add alt text.
Using the Tags Panel to Add Alternate Text in Acrobat Pro
The most reliable method to add alt text to images in an existing PDF is through the Accessibility and Tags tools in Acrobat Pro.
Adding alternative text guarantees that screen readers can accurately describe images to visually impaired users. By using the Tags panel, you directly embed this text into the document's structure.
Open your PDF in Acrobat Pro. Navigate to the View menu at the top, select Show/Hide, click on Navigation Panes, and then choose Tags to display the Tags panel on the left side.
Expand the document's tags tree within the panel. Look for the <Figure> tag that corresponds to the image you want to modify. You can click on the tags to see which element highlights in the document.
Right-click the specific <Figure> tag and select Properties from the context menu to open the Object Properties dialog box.
In the Object Properties window, navigate to the Tag tab. Find the Alternate Text field and type a meaningful, concise description of the image, then click Close.
After adding alt text to your images, go to the Action Wizard or Accessibility pane and run the Accessibility Checker to verify that no missing alt text issues remain.
Edit PDF Documents Seamlessly with WPS Office
While Acrobat Pro offers dedicated accessibility features, WPS Office provides a lightweight, cost-effective PDF Editor that makes modifying PDF text, adding images, and organizing pages incredibly intuitive.
- 1. Open Your PDF in WPS: Launch WPS Office and open your target PDF file using the built-in WPS PDF tool.
- 2. Enter Edit Mode: Click on the 'Edit' tab located on the top navigation bar to switch the document into editing mode.
- 3. Modify PDF Elements: Select any image or text block to resize, replace, or edit its content as required.
- 4. Save the Document: Once your edits are complete, click 'Save' or use the 'Export to PDF' feature to preserve your modifications securely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add alt text to a PDF without Adobe Acrobat Pro?
Adding alt text to tags directly in a PDF usually requires advanced editing software like Acrobat Pro. However, you can add alt text to images in the source document (such as Microsoft Word or WPS Writer) before exporting it as a PDF.
What is a Figure tag in a PDF document?
A Figure tag is an accessibility label within a PDF's structure tree that identifies an element as an image, graphic, or chart. Screen readers rely on this tag to identify images and read their associated alternate text.
How do I check if my PDF is fully accessible?
You can use the built-in Accessibility Checker tool in Acrobat Pro. It scans the document for common accessibility failures, including missing alt text, untagged reading order, and insufficient contrast, and provides a report of what needs to be fixed.
