How to Fix RTL and LTR Reading Order in Accessible PDFs
Question details
The user needs to correct the reading order for screen readers in accessible PDFs that mix Right-to-Left (RTL) and Left-to-Right (LTR) text.
- Product
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Improving PDF accessibility formatting so that a screen reader natively handles documents containing mixed-direction text formats, such as Arabic or Hebrew with English phrases.
- Observed behavior
- Screen readers read mixed RTL and LTR text out of logical sequence if the document language and structural tags are not properly defined.
Ensure you have a PDF editor with an advanced accessibility tags tree feature and a screen reader (such as NVDA or JAWS) to verify the changes.
Set Document Language and Use Span Tags for LTR Text
Define the primary right-to-left document language and isolate the left-to-right text within specific Span tags so the screen reader switches directions appropriately.
To ensure a screen reader interprets mixed-direction text accurately, the overarching paragraph must follow the primary language's rules, while the embedded foreign text needs explicit structural boundaries.
Open your PDF editor's document properties and set the primary language metadata to the appropriate right-to-left language (e.g., Arabic or Hebrew).
Access the PDF accessibility Tags pane. Locate the right-to-left paragraph containing the mixed text, and place each left-to-right expression (like an English phrase) into its own <Span> tag.
Right-click the newly created <Span> tag, select Properties, and set the language attribute to the appropriate left-to-right language (e.g., English).
Run a screen reader over the tagged PDF to verify that the mixed RTL and LTR reading order flows logically, adjusting the tag structure if further correction is necessary.
Create and Manage Documents with WPS Office
While advanced structural accessibility tagging requires dedicated PDF taggers, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office for authoring, editing, and designing your documents before converting them to PDF.
- 1. Download WPS Office: Visit the official WPS Office website to download the free installation package for your PC or mobile device.
- 2. Install the Suite: Run the installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the software.
- 3. Author Your Documents: Launch WPS Office to easily draft documents, manage multi-language text, and export them cleanly to PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does a screen reader read LTR text backwards in an RTL paragraph?
Without proper inline tagging, the screen reader assumes all text within an RTL paragraph follows the right-to-left direction, causing embedded left-to-right text (like English words) to be read completely out of logical sequence.
What is a Span tag in PDF accessibility?
A <Span> tag is an inline structural element used in accessible PDFs. It applies specific properties, such as a different language or formatting rule, to a small portion of text without breaking the overall paragraph structure.
Does the primary document language affect how tags behave?
Yes. Setting the primary document language establishes the default reading and pronunciation rules for screen readers. You only need to use Span tags to override these rules for specific sections that deviate from the primary language.
How do I test my PDF's reading order effectively?
You can test the reading order by using the 'Read Out Loud' feature in standard PDF viewers, or by testing the document with dedicated screen reading software like NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver to ensure the text flows correctly.
