PDF tags are hidden markers that define document structure, making content accessible, navigable, and searchable across devices.

PDF tags are hidden markers that define the structure and meaning of the content within a document. They identify headings, paragraphs, lists, tables, and images, making PDFs accessible to screen readers and easier to navigate across different devices.

This guide will further explain what PDF tags are, how to create them, and what common mistakes to avoid. You will also learn the best tools and practices to ensure your PDFs are fully accessible and make your documents usable for everyone.

What Are PDF Tags, and Why Are They Important?

 embedded in a PDF that defines what an element is and how it relates to other elements on a page. It is similar to an HTML tag and is crucial for 

navigation, accessibility, and machine readability

Let's take a closer look at some of the key reasons why PDF tags matter:

, such as screen readers, rely on the semantic structure that PDF tags provide to interpret content accurately. Without tags, a PDF is essentially a flat image, which makes it 

inaccessible to individuals with disabilities

In the United States, accessibility standards are defined by laws such as the 

, both of which require digital documents to be accessible. Internationally, the 

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)

 reinforce the same principles by requiring documents to have a logical structure.

This means that individuals and organizations distributing untagged PDFs may face legal challenges. For example, a PDF report that lacks tags would fail to meet these PDF accessibility requirements and could result in fines or lawsuits. Beyond legal risks, 

 and exclude people who depend on accessible documents.

PDF tags help documents provide a better user experience by creating a logical structure that makes content easier to navigate. Headings, lists, and tables are 

allows users to move quickly through sections

. This structure also ensures that the reading order is clear and consistent, so users can follow the flow of information without confusion.

 across different devices. On smaller screens, such as those of phones or tablets, tagged PDFs can reflow their content so that the content remains readable without requiring constant zooming or scrolling.

, which makes it easier to locate specific information. Because headings, paragraphs, and other elements are clearly identified, search functions can 

For example, if someone is browsing your PDF catalogue, they can quickly search for a product and be taken directly to the relevant section instead of scrolling through dozens of pages.

#3. Search and Discoverability Advantages

 Headings, paragraphs, lists, and alternative text for images are all identifiable, which 

This improves how search engines interpret the document and leads to better visibility in search results. If you regularly 

, such as reports, guides, or white papers, on your website, the search engine optimization (SEO) advantages of PDF tagging help ensure your content is discoverable and can reach a wider audience.

There are different types of PDF tags; here are the

If you want to check if a PDF is tagged, you can 

use Adobe Acrobat Pro or PDF Accessibility Checker (PAC)

. Let’s take a closer look at the specific steps for each.

such as adding or editing tags for accessibility, performing full accessibility checks, and securing PDFs with passwords or permissions.

” field in the bottom left corner of the 

If you want to check the tag tree, find the 

. The tags will appear in descending order from top to bottom.

you can use to check for PDF/UA and WCAG conformity. Here’s how to use it to check if a PDF is tagged:

Get the latest PDF Accessibility Checker from the PAC website.

Open the application and upload your PDF file.

The tool will produce a report with a visual inspection and pass/fail results of accessible PDF standards.

The easiest way to create a tagged PDF is to start with well-structured source files in 

 that, when used properly, ensure your PDF is tagged at the point of export.

 for preparing your document before export:

 instead of manually changing font size or bolding text to ensure the PDF has a clear hierarchy.

Provide short, descriptive text for graphics, charts, or icons, so that screen readers can communicate their purpose.

Check if headings make sense on their own and guide the reader through the content; avoid vague labels like 

Insert lists and tables with the Office tools, not by manually spacing or formatting, so they convert into properly tagged structures.

Run the Accessibility Checker in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint by selecting

This is what it looks like in PowerPoint:

Once you are sure you have met all the necessary accessible PDF standards, follow these general steps to export the document and 

Open your Word, Excel, or PowerPoint document.

Document structure tags for accessibility

If you need to refine or repair tags after export, you can use dedicated PDF tagging software, such as Adobe Acrobat Pro or PAC. These tools allow you to check and improve tagging to satisfy PDF accessibility standards.

Common Mistakes With PDF Tags and How to Avoid Them

Here are the most common mistakes with PDF tags and how to avoid them:

When headings are skipped or applied out of order, screen readers and navigation tools cannot guide users properly through the content. To avoid this, you should always use built-in heading styles in Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, and check whether they follow a logical sequence.

 Graphics, charts, and icons without descriptive text leave users relying on screen readers unable to understand the visual content. To prevent this, you should add alternative text for every non-decorative image before 

 and ensure that the description doesn’t rely on context from surrounding text.

Many users create tables using spaces or tabs instead of the table tool, which prevents screen readers from interpreting rows and columns correctly. Always use the table functions in your document and check that the PDF tags reflect proper table structure after export.

Decorative elements tagged unnecessarily. 

This can create clutter in the document structure. Elements like background images, borders, or purely visual icons should be marked as artifacts or left untagged so that they are ignored by assistive technologies. As such, your document structure stays clear, and users can focus on the content that matters.

You can easily take your documents to the next level with our handy, browser-based tool. Our best features include 

 that improve readability, and automatic page numbering for easier navigation.

 alongside proper tagging ensures that your documents are both polished and accessible, providing users with a professional and seamless experience.

PDF tags are essential for creating accessible, navigable, and user-friendly documents. They provide a clear structure, improve screen reader PDF compatibility, and make content easier to search and understand.

Checking existing PDFs, properly tagging new documents, and following best practices will ensure that your files meet accessibility standards and serve all users effectively. Remember that using the right tools simplifies the process and helps avoid common mistakes.

#1. What is the difference between tagged and untagged PDFs?

The difference between tagged and untagged PDFs is that 

the former includes a clear PDF structure tree with headings, lists, tables, and alt text

, making them compatible with screen reader PDF compatibility. The latter lack this structure, which makes navigation, searching, and accessibility for assistive technologies difficult.

 PDFs are automatically tagged; only PDFs exported from certain applications with tagging enabled, or edited with tools to add PDF tags. Scanned documents or ones created from simple conversions are often untagged.

 add tags to an existing PDF using PDF tagging software like Adobe Acrobat Pro. This improves accessibility and ensures compatibility with screen readers without recreating the document.

by accessibility laws in many countries, such as the ADA in the U.S. Proper 

help meet these standards and ensure documents are usable for all readers.

What Are PDF Tags: A Beginner’s Guide to Accessible PDFs 

To make a PDF mobile-friendly, use clear fonts, simple layouts, reflow options, and optimized images for readability and accessibility.

To make a PDF mobile-friendly, you need to design with small screens in mind. This means using clear fonts, simple layouts, and clickable elements, along with other adjustments that improve readability and usability.

Given that mobile devices now dominate with 60.65% of global market share, users increasingly expect documents that work seamlessly on their phones and tablets. Therefore, in this guide, we cover

 the key features of a mobile-friendly PDF

 and the best practices for creating one.

A mobile-friendly PDF is a file designed to be 

 preserves layouts well, a document that’s not mobile-friendly can still be difficult to navigate because the screen it’s being read on is smaller; the content might not scale properly and may require 

A mobile-optimized format typically includes:

Text adjusts to fit the screen, so reading is easier without constant zooming or scrolling.

Images, tables, and graphics scale correctly for smaller screens.

 Compressed content ensures faster loading on mobile networks.

Clickable links and navigational elements. 

Hyperlinks, bookmarks, and table of contents work seamlessly on touchscreens.

Buttons, forms, and interactive elements are easy to tap.

How to Make a PDF Document Mobile-Friendly

To make a PDF document mobile-friendly, you should:

#1. Use Tools That Support Mobile Optimization

Tools that support mobile optimization can help you format your document so that text, images, and interactive elements 

 on smaller screens. Since small screens can make reading frustrating, optimizing for mobile 

 across different screen sizes. You should look for one that includes 

 on smartphones and tablets before finalizing.

Using structured tags and headings helps 

 that allows users to jump between sections.

This is especially important for long documents, such as PDF e-books, as it prevents confusion and 

for screen readers. You should also include bookmarks, numbered headings, and descriptive titles so users can find information quickly.

Selecting the right fonts and formatting is 

that remain legible at smaller sizes, and 

, while the sans-serif fonts to consider include 

for headings, paragraphs, and lists is also important to prevent layout issues, such as 

, when the PDF is viewed on different devices.

Reflow options automatically adjust your content to fit

different screen sizes and orientations. They 

, keeping fonts and the order of headings, lists, and tables consistent.

When creating or exporting your document, 

choose settings that support PDF reflow for mobile. 

 to confirm that all elements display correctly before sharing your PDF with anyone else.

slow down loading and make your PDF difficult

 on mobile devices. Compress images without sacrificing quality and use formats that scale well on small screens, like 

. Also, consider reducing unnecessary graphics or converting them to more efficient file types, such as 

 also ensures faster downloads and smoother navigation, especially on slower networks. By 

balancing image quality with file efficiency, 

 that looks good, loads quickly, and remains user-friendly on smartphones and tablets.

Structure your content in single-column formats that 

 for a mobile-friendly PDF layout. Multi-column layouts often become unreadable on smartphones and tablets, which can be frustrating for users.

use consistent margins, keep table structures simple, and ensure text flows logically

 from top to bottom to avoid PDF viewer mobile issues. When tables are necessary, 

breaking them into multiple smaller tables 

eliminates the need for horizontal scrolling and creates a more intuitive reading experience.

 such as clickable links, buttons, forms, or embedded media can enhance the mobile PDF experience. Remember that they all 

 on a touchscreen. The WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) recommends a minimum touch target of 

no features disrupt the reading flow, and pages are not overcrowded

, which can make navigation confusing. When designed thoughtfully and tested on multiple devices, interactivity improves usability.

#8. Select Mobile-Friendly Color Schemes and Contrast

Color choices strongly influence how readable a PDF is on small screens. 

 that are easy on the eyes work best, but they also need to 

meet accessibility standards for contrast

, normal text requires a minimum contrast ratio of 

. To maintain consistent readability, view your document in both light and 

 and check it across multiple devices, since OLED and LCD screens can render colors differently.

Many mobile users face unreliable Internet connections, so a well-prepared PDF should also 

. Embed fonts, images, and other resources directly into the file instead of linking to external sources.

 document ensures consistent usability in airplane mode or areas with poor coverage, strengthening overall PDF accessibility on mobile. Before sharing, test your PDF by opening it in offline mode to confirm that all features still work as intended.

3 Tools You Can Use to Create Mobile-Friendly PDFs

Among the best tools you can use to create mobile-friendly PDFs is 

enhance a document’s readability and usability.

 in the top toolbar and then anywhere on your page to add a text box. 

Click Text in the top toolbar and then anywhere on your page to add a text box.

Choose a readable font and color from the floating bar that appears. You can also click the dropdown to adjust the font size. 

Choose from the three compression levels available.

Another option for creating a mobile-friendly PDF is to use Word, run the built-in accessibility checker, which largely overlaps with mobile-friendliness, and then 

 to save a PDF file that is easier to share and store.

 for fine-tuning PDFs for mobile use. You can embed fonts, compress images, and adjust text reflow to improve readability on smartphones and tablets.

check your PDF tags and overall accessibility

. Moreover, testing directly in Acrobat’s mobile preview helps confirm that everything looks and functions correctly before sharing.

Google Docs offers an alternative browser-based method for creating PDFs, with mobile optimization in mind.

 with headings (H1, H2, H3, etc.) that will translate well into the PDF format. Tables, lists, and links can also be structured in a way that 

 when the file is exported. However, remember that a single-column layout is still the best option.

 so that the text wraps effectively, which is crucial for smaller screens. Once your document is ready, exporting it as a PDF preserves these formatting choices while keeping the file lightweight for faster mobile loading.

To guarantee the best PDF format on mobile, keep these tips in mind:

Test on multiple devices and screen sizes

. Validate your PDF's performance across various smartphones, tablets, and operating systems before distribution. What looks good on one screen might be problematic on another; use both iOS and Android devices with different screen dimensions to identify potential issues.

 forms with mobile users in mind by reducing the number of required fields and simplifying input methods. Complex forms can be frustrating on touchscreens. Don’t forget to group related fields togeth

er and use clear labels that remain visible when users are typing.

Consider landscape vs. portrait orientation. 

Design your content to work effectively in both orientations without losing functionality or readability. Many mobile users frequently rotate their devices while reading and expect the content to adapt seamlessly. Test how your PDF format in mobile appears and functions to ensure the user experience stays consistent.

Plan page divisions thoughtfully to avoid splitting important content across pages in awkward ways. Poor 

 can separate related information or cut off crucial details when viewed on smaller displays. It is important to consider how content will flow when users scroll through a converted PDF on mobile devices.

Create Mobile-Friendly Files with Ease Thanks to PDF.net

With PDF.net, there’s the flexibility to fine-tune every detail 

. Fonts, sizes, and colors can be adjusted until the text is comfortable to read, and 

 that make it easy to keep formatting consistent across documents. Even larger files can be resized so they open quickly without losing clarity. Therefore, when using PDF.net, a smoother mobile experience is 

Knowing how to make PDFs mobile-friendly is no longer optional, since so many readers now rely on phones and tablets. A document that loads quickly, adapts to different screen sizes, and remains accessible in any environment creates a far better experience.

Applying the strategies above, like structured headings, optimized images, single-column layouts, and offline functionality, will help you make sure your PDFs are both professional and practical.

#1. How to make PDFs more readable on a phone?

 Optimizing images, ensuring proper color contrast, and embedding all resources also help

These adjustments reduce zooming and scrolling, which creates a smoother reading experience on smaller screens.

#2. Will the quality be lower in a mobile-optimized PDF?

 lower in a mobile-optimized PDF. When done correctly, text remains sharp and images can be compressed without noticeable loss.

#3. Can all PDFs be converted to a mobile-friendly format?

Not all PDFs can be easily converted to a mobile-friendly format

, especially complex documents with intricate layouts, large tables, or heavy graphics. Simple text-based documents convert most successfully while ensuring PDF readability on smartphones, tablets, and other devices.

#4. What size should a PDF be for mobile viewing?

no single fixed size a PDF should be for mobile viewing

 for mobile users. Smaller file sizes load faster and work better with limited connectivity. Also, be sure to use a responsive PDF design to ensure content adapts smoothly to different screen dimensions.

How to Make a PDF Mobile-Friendly: Full Guide + Best Practices

An accessible PDF uses clear structure and tags to ensure readability and can be created with MS Word, Adobe Acrobat, or online tools.

Many PDFs are created without accessibility in mind. For example, screen readers can’t interpret scanned images, poorly tagged structures confuse navigation, and missing alt text leaves out vital context.

This not only excludes millions of users but can also put organizations at risk of failing to meet compliance standards such as the ADA and Section 508. Therefore, 

 are important because they ensure inclusivity and help individuals and organizations comply with legal standards.

In this guide, we’ll define PDF accessibility, what it should include, provide an accessible PDF example and the tools to create one, as well as simple fixes for common issues.

An accessible PDF is a digital document designed so that all users—including those with visual, motor, or cognitive disabilities—can understand its content. This means the PDF 

, like screen readers, magnification tools, and keyboard navigation options.

Let’s take a closer look at why accessible PDFs matter and how they differ from a regular PDF.

Accessible PDFs matter because they create an inclusive digital environment that serves everyone, regardless of their abilities or the technologies they use to access information.

Many jurisdictions have legal requirements for digital accessibility. In the United States, 

require federal agencies and many businesses to provide accessible digital content.

of ensuring equal access to information because accessible PDFs serve a diverse range of users.

 rely on screen readers that convert text, which only function correctly with well-structured, tagged PDFs.

 benefit from clear headings, consistent layouts, and descriptive links that make content easier to understand.

 use keyboard navigation instead of a mouse, which relies on PDFs with proper tab orders and focus indicators.

Nonetheless, the principles that make PDFs accessible often improve the experience for 

 make documents easier to scan. This leads to

 (KPI) for digital documents, as it increases the chances of conversions and supports search engine optimization (SEO) efforts.

 living with disabilities in the United States alone, accessibility represents a substantial audience. It also 

 by reflecting your commitment to inclusion, equity, and quality.

To understand the benefits of accessible PDFs better, consider these scenarios.

Regular PDF vs. Accessible PDF: What’s the Difference?

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How to Make a PDF Mobile-Friendly: Full Guide + Best Practices

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