How can I check the reading order of a complex PDF?
Quick answer
Check the PDF’s logical sequence, not just whether it has tags. In Acrobat Pro, use the Reading Order tool to inspect numbered regions and their order, then manually verify the sequence in the Tags panel. Pay particular attention to columns, sidebars, figures, and captions. Correct problems in the original authoring file when possible; use PDF repair tools when appropriate. A checker or tagged status alone does not confirm that the order is correct. [S1] [S2]
The question, the details, the next step.
I have a PDF with two columns, a sidebar, and a figure. How do I check whether assistive technology will present the content in a sensible order?
Review the sequence the PDF exposes, rather than relying on how the page looks. A page can appear neatly arranged while its underlying content order is confusing. In Acrobat Pro, the Reading Order tool shows numbered, highlighted regions; inspect both the order within each region and the sequence between regions. [S1]
Start by writing down the order you intend a reader to encounter the content. For example, assuming this page has a title, two text columns, a sidebar, and a figure with a caption, your intended sequence might be:
- Title
- Left column, from top to bottom
- Right column, from top to bottom
- Sidebar heading and text
- Figure and caption
That is only an example: choose the order that makes sense for your page’s meaning and layout.
Where do I look in Acrobat, and is running its accessibility checker enough?
In Acrobat Pro, open the Reading Order tool and compare its numbered regions with your intended sequence. If a region incorrectly combines two columns or includes text that should flow separately, divide the region and reorder the regions using the Order panel or by dragging them on the page. Check that each region’s internal sequence also makes sense. [S1]
Then review the Tags panel. Adobe says the accessibility checker can report issues, but reading order still needs manual verification there; tagged status by itself does not establish that the order is correct. [S2] Treat the checker as one part of the review, not as confirmation of the reading sequence.
How should I handle the sidebar, figure, and caption? I’m not sure whether they belong before or after the main text.
Choose a sequence based on the page’s intended meaning, then check whether the PDF’s regions and tags follow it. Consider whether the sidebar belongs alongside a particular section, and whether the caption is associated with its figure in the sequence. In the Reading Order tool, inspect and, if needed, adjust the order of figures and captions. [S1]
Also distinguish sequence from description. Adobe notes that a figure needs alternate text for assistive technology to have a description; adjusting the figure’s position does not itself provide that description. You can add or correct figure tags and alternate text in the tool. [S1] There is no single placement rule for every sidebar or figure in the cited guidance, so use the document’s intended meaning as your guide.
If I find mistakes, should I fix the PDF directly or go back to the original document?
When possible, correct accessibility in the source authoring application and recreate the PDF, especially if the PDF was tagged during conversion. Adobe describes the Reading Order tool as intended for repairing PDFs tagged using Acrobat; complex tagging may require the Tags panel. [S1] If the PDF has missing tags, Adobe lists options including enabling tags in the source and recreating the PDF, automatic tagging, or using Fix Reading Order. [S2]
A useful review note is:
Page [number]: expected [sequence]; observed [problem]; proposed fix [source or PDF]; recheck [region/tags].
For example, assuming a page has two columns, write: Page 3: expected left column before right column; observed regions combine both columns; proposed fix separate and reorder regions; recheck Reading Order tool and Tags panel. After making a change, review that page again. The guidance supports manual sequence checks, but does not establish that any single check proves the PDF will be presented correctly in every assistive technology setup.
A practical checklist
Write down the intended sequence for each complex page before editing.
In Acrobat Pro’s Reading Order tool, inspect numbered regions and their sequence.
Check whether columns or unrelated text have been combined; separate and reorder regions if needed.
Review the placement of sidebars, figures, and captions against the page’s intended meaning.
Check figure tags and alternate text separately from figure placement.
Manually verify the logical sequence in the Tags panel; do not treat tagged status or a checker report as proof.
When possible, fix conversion or tagging problems in the source file, recreate the PDF, and review it again.
A few more useful answers
Does a PDF pass if Acrobat says it is tagged?
No. Adobe says tagged status alone does not establish correct reading order; manually compare the Tags panel sequence with the document’s logical order. [S2]
Can I fix a PDF that has no tags?
Adobe lists options such as enabling tags in the source and recreating the PDF, automatic tagging, or using Fix Reading Order. Which approach fits depends on the document; verify the resulting sequence manually. [S2]
Does putting a figure in the right order describe what it shows?
No. Figure sequence and figure description are separate checks. Adobe notes that alternate text is needed for a figure description to be available to assistive technology. [S1]
Sources
References used for this guide.
- [S1] Reading Order tool for PDFs (Adobe Acrobat Pro) helpx.adobe.com · Checked
- [S2] Create and verify PDF accessibility (Acrobat Pro) helpx.adobe.com · Checked