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The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration



Section 508 Resources

SAMHSA's Section 508 Resources

Adobe PDF FAQs

How do I tag an image and then add my descriptive (Alt) text?

All images and charts require an alternative text (Alt text) description. The Alt Text allows screen readers to read the image description out loud. If it is not added, the document cannot be read correctly with a reader or an accessibility scan.

Steps for tagging an image and aadding the Alt text description in a PDF doucment

  1. Under the ADVANCED menu, select the "Accessibility option, then scroll down and click the "TouchUp Reading Order" button.

    TouchUp Reader Order Option

  2. Now that the "TouchUp Reading Order" menu is visible, click the T1 button in the upper far right of the menu to ensure that the cursor can capture items on the PDF page.

    Show Order Panel

  3. Take the mouse and capture the image by encircling the image with the cursor, the options for tagging is now highlighted.

    Capture Image of SAMHSA Logo

  4. Select the Figure option from the "TouchUp Reading Order" menu.

    Logo Selected

  5. The Image is now tagged: however, it still needs an alt description added.

    SAMHSA Logo Tagged

  6. Place the cursor over the text "Figure - No Alternate Text Exist" or the "X" out image; then right click. Select the "Edit Alternate Text" option.

    Edit Alternate Text
  7. The "Edit Alternate Text" option will open a window.

    Alternate Text Window

  8. Fill the window in with a description of the image.

    Filled In Description Window

  9. Press okay and now the Figure reads the description (Image of SAMHSA Logo).

    Filled Described SAMHSA Logo
 

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Last Update: 11/14/2008