Reading Order Overview -2

 

Introducing the Reading Order (formally known as the Touch-Up Reading Order Tool - TUROT)

 

Need to verify tag type or add tags to an untagged PDF? 

The Reading Order tool is a useful tool that can identify the content type or tag type of each object on a page. Recall that objects include text, images, and tables.

The Reading Order tool can also help with tagging page objects, so they appear in the Tags Panel. For example, if specific text content is intended to be classified as a Heading 1, the Reading Order tool can confirm this or change the content type or tag type to "H1" for this specific content.
 

Can I use the Reading Order Tool to control Logical Reading Order?

No, this is not a function of the Reading Order tool. Given its name, you would think it could help control the logical reading order, right? Unfortunately, the Reading Order tool is limited. Read further:

 Reading Order Tool 

Primarily rely on it as a content object type identifier (...not as a tool that edits Reading Order...)

The Reading Order tool reveals the semantic structure and, to some degree, content sequencing.
Monster attacks ship - be aware of PDF tools!Although one can use the Reading Order Pane to manipulate the reading sequence, it is not recommended to use it to fix logical reading order issues as it may cause additional issues in the tag structure, and/or cost more effort. 

Unfortunately, the Reading Order tool is a bit of a misnomer. Correcting logical reading with the Reading Order tool and Order Pane may not be accurately reflected in the Tags Panel. 

 Use the Tags Panel to correctly structure reading order. 

The Tags Panel is the definitive source on the logical reading order for an accessible PDF document per the PDF/UA-1 standard. 
 

Watch the following video for an introduction to using Reading Order:

  • Estimated Total Viewing Time
  • 4 Minute, 15 Seconds

 

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

 
  • Use Reading Order to apply tags to an untagged document.
  • Examine PDF accessibility with Reading Order.