How to Create Article Tags for Accessible PDFs in InDesign
Question details
The user wants to know how to generate or correct <Art> (Article) tags for accessible PDFs exported from Adobe InDesign.
- Product
- Adobe InDesign / Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Exporting accessible PDFs from InDesign and ensuring proper document tagging structure.
- Observed behavior
- The required <Art> tags are missing in the exported PDF, requiring verification and manual correction in Acrobat.
Ensure you have the final version of your InDesign document saved, and Adobe Acrobat Pro installed to inspect and edit the exported PDF tag structure.
Configure InDesign Articles Panel for Export
Ensure InDesign is properly configured to map your content into PDF tags before exporting.
InDesign uses the Articles panel to determine the reading order and tag structure of the exported PDF. If your elements are not added to this panel, they might lack proper structural tags like <Art> in the final document.
In Adobe InDesign, navigate to Window > Articles to open the Articles panel.
Drag and drop your text frames, images, and other document elements into the Articles panel in the correct reading order.
Click the panel menu (hamburger icon) in the upper right of the Articles panel and select 'Use for reading order in tagged PDF'.
Go to File > Export, choose Adobe PDF (Interactive), and ensure 'Create Tagged PDF' is checked in the export dialog.
Add or Correct <Art> Tags in Adobe Acrobat
Use Adobe Acrobat Pro's tagging tools to manually insert or correct missing tags if the InDesign export failed to generate them.
Edit and Convert Documents Easily with WPS Office
While advanced accessibility tagging is handled in specialized software like Acrobat, WPS Office provides a seamless, lightweight way to create, edit, and export PDFs for everyday workflows. You can easily convert your documents into standardized PDFs with structural elements intact.
- 1. Open your file in WPS Office: Launch WPS Writer, Presentation, or Spreadsheets and open your source document.
- 2. Access PDF export options: Click on 'Menu' in the top-left corner and select 'Export to PDF'.
- 3. Adjust layout and options: In the export dialog, verify that your layout matches your intent and enable any necessary structural exports like bookmarks.
- 4. Save the PDF: Click the 'Export' button to generate and save your standard PDF file to your local drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are article tags missing in my exported InDesign PDF?
This commonly occurs if document elements were not added to the Articles panel in InDesign, or if the 'Use for reading order in tagged PDF' option was left unchecked before export.
Can I add missing tags directly in Adobe Acrobat without returning to InDesign?
Yes, you can use the Tags panel in Adobe Acrobat Pro to manually add <Art> tags, delete empty tags, or use the Autotag feature to regenerate the document structure.
What is the purpose of the <Art> tag in an accessible PDF?
The <Art> tag is a structural element used to define an article or a self-contained body of text. It helps assistive technologies, like screen readers, navigate logical blocks of content efficiently.
Should I use Interactive or Print PDF export for accessibility?
It is generally recommended to use the Adobe PDF (Interactive) export option in InDesign, as it tends to capture tagging instructions, hyperlinks, and reading order more reliably for accessible documents.
