How to Tag New Pages After Merging Remediated PDFs
Question details
The user needs to fix missing tags and restore the correct reading order after merging additional pages into an already accessible PDF.
- Product
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Merging new, untagged or differently structured pages into an existing remediated and tagged PDF document.
- Observed behavior
- The merging process introduces untagged content and disrupts the original document's logical reading order and tag structure.
Ensure you have saved a backup copy of your originally tagged PDF before merging, as combining documents can drastically alter existing accessibility structures.
Manually Tag New Pages Using the Tags Panel
The most reliable way to restore accessibility after merging is to locate the untagged pages in the tag tree and manually apply the correct tags and reading order.
Automated merging often strips or scrambles tags to maintain file stability. By manually intervening in the Tags panel, you ensure that screen readers process the new pages logically without breaking the previously remediated sections.
Navigate to the Navigation Pane on the left side of your PDF editor and click on the 'Tags' icon to view the document's tag tree.
Scroll down the tag tree to identify the newly merged pages. They will typically appear as untagged content or grouped in an unstructured block at the end of the tree.
Select the Reading Order tool from the Accessibility menu. Highlight the text, tables, and figures on the new pages and assign the appropriate structural tags (e.g., Heading 1, Text, Figure).
Drag and drop the newly created tags within the Tags panel to place them in the correct logical reading sequence relative to the rest of the document.
Run the built-in Accessibility Checker again to confirm that all missing tags have been resolved and the document meets structural standards.
Merge and Edit PDFs Seamlessly with WPS Office
WPS Office provides a comprehensive PDF toolset that allows you to effortlessly merge, split, and edit PDF documents without compromising formatting.
- 1. Open WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and click on the 'PDF' tab located on the home screen.
- 2. Select Merge PDF: Choose the 'Merge PDF' tool from the top navigation or the PDF toolkit menu.
- 3. Add Files: Click 'Add Files' and select the PDF documents you wish to combine.
- 4. Merge and Save: Drag the files to arrange them in your preferred reading order, then click 'Merge'. Your combined PDF will be ready instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do tags disappear when I merge PDFs?
When merging PDFs from different sources or software, underlying structural tags can conflict. The PDF editor often strips out these conflicting tags to prevent file corruption, resulting in untagged pages in the final document.
Can I auto-tag the new pages instead of doing it manually?
Yes, you can use the 'Autotag Document' feature. However, automated tagging can sometimes misinterpret complex layouts like tables or layered figures, so you must carefully review the results in the Tags panel.
How do I check if my merged PDF is accessible?
You should use the built-in Accessibility Checker in your PDF software. It scans the document for missing tags, missing alternative text, and improper reading orders, generating a detailed report of issues to fix.
