PDF How To: Define the Tab and Reading Order
Why do I need to set the reading order?
Assistive tools rely on three orders to make your document usable:
- Tag order tells screen readers what to read first, next, and so on.
- Tab order controls how keyboard users move between links, form fields, and buttons.
- Reflow order determines how content appears on small screens or when you zoom in.
Source Files
It’s best to make your original source file (e.g., Word, InDesign) accessible before converting it to a PDF. Word and InDesign can add these tags automatically when you export to PDF, and you can tweak them in Acrobat. Always double-check that every element is tagged and your document’s structure is correct.
View how to add titles to source files.
Word
- Using Columns: Go to Page Layout > Columns. choose how many columns you need or pick More Columns to customize. Word will flow text in the order you set here, which carries over when you export to PDF.
- To ensure correct reading order, also open the Selection Pane from the Home tab (under Arrange) to review and adjust the order of content elements.
InDesign
- Reading order: Use the Articles panel (Window > Articles) to drag frames into the sequence you want.
- Tab order for forms: In Window > Interactive > Buttons and Forms, set the tab order for each form field.
Tab Order in Acrobat Pro
- Open Tools > Accessibility > Reading Order to see your document’s flow.
- Drag items up or down to fix the reading sequence.
- For form navigation, open Tools > Accessibility > Set Tab Order and choose Use Tab Order or Use Document Structure.
- To test reflow, enable View > Zoom > Reflow; your content should read in a logical sequence.
Troubleshooting
- If dragging an item doesn’t move it where you want, try nudging other elements above or below it first.
- Acrobat sometimes misplaces or “hides” items during reorder, there’s no undo.
- Save often to avoid losing your work.
Additional resources:
Accessible PDF: Reference Guide
Colorado State University: What is Reading Order?