What is a tagged PDF and how do I make one?
A tagged PDF contains a hidden structure that labels headings, paragraphs, lists, tables and images. Screen readers rely on it. A PDF without tags is, to a screen reader, close to a flat sheet of text.
How to tell if a PDF is tagged
The checker on this site reports it directly. In Acrobat, run the accessibility check; it has a "Tagged PDF" rule that fails when the file is untagged.
Create a tagged PDF from Word
- Use real styles in Word: Heading 1, Heading 2, list styles and built-in tables, not bold text and manual spacing.
- Add alternative text to images (right-click, then View Alt Text; older versions: Edit Alt Text).
- Use File → Save As (or Save a Copy) → PDF, open Options, and ensure "Document structure tags for accessibility" is ticked.
Use Save As or Export to PDF with the accessibility options rather than printing to a PDF printer; several university accessibility offices report that print-to-PDF paths typically drop tags.
Why fixing the source is better
Repairing tags in a finished PDF by hand is slow and has to be redone whenever the document changes. Fixing the Word source once makes every later export accessible.
Questions
Does "Print to PDF" create tags?
Typically not. Use Save As or Export with the accessibility option enabled.
Guides last checked 2026-10-18. General information, not legal advice. Menu names can differ between software versions.