PDF accessibility guide
How to check PDF tags, language and reading order
Tags, document language and a logical structure are foundational evidence. They still need to be interpreted against the visual document and the intended reading sequence.
Check title and language
Confirm that the document exposes a useful title and an appropriate primary language. Missing metadata can affect navigation and pronunciation in assistive technology.
Inspect the structure tree
Look for tagged structure, semantic elements and figure entries. Record missing or incomplete signals by page and remediation owner.
Review figure text alternatives
Identify figures without Alt or ActualText, then have a knowledgeable author decide whether the image needs a description or should be marked decorative.
Confirm reading order manually
Compare the structure order with the visual layout and intended sequence. Columns, callouts and repeated furniture are common places where a purely structural check is insufficient.