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Tagging Headings and Paragraphs

Tagging Headings and Paragraphs

Owned by Daniel LaGrow, created
Last updated: May 09, 2025
3 min read

Instructions

Section 5.14: Headings

Headings create a structural framework for the document, allowing users to navigate quickly between sections and gain an overview of the content by reviewing the headings.

Headings are marked using <H1>to <H6> tags, offering six levels of hierarchy similar to those in MS Word. Additionally, a general heading tag, <H>, is also available.

If you use the Reading Order Tool,

  1. Activate the Reading Order Tool.

  2. Draw a box around the heading.

  3. Choose the button that matches the desired heading level (1 to 6). For our example, the Introduction text will be tagged as a Heading Level 2.

    A heading is highlighted with a pink border and the reading order tool is open. The 6 heading buttons are highlighted with a black box.

  4. A box will appear with a label of the tag. In this case, Heading Level 2 or H2. A Heading Level 2 tag will also appear in the Accessibility Tags pane.

    Labeled Content Example.png
    A complete Heading 2 tag. Its content is Introduction.

If you use the Tags Pane,

  1. Create a Heading Tag in the Accessibility Tags pane, in this example, it will be a Heading Level 2.

    Empty Heading Level 2 Tag.png

  2. Select the Selection Tool and highlight your heading.

  3. In the Accessibility Tags Pane, open the Options button and click on the Create Tag from Selection button.

    The four steps to create a heading tag with arrows pointing where to click

  4. In the New Tag box, choose the appropriate tag from the dropdown menu (Heading Level 1 to Heading Level 6) and click OK.

    The New Tag box with Type set to Heading Level 2.
    A Heading 2 Tag with the Introduction text inside it.

Section 5.15: Paragraph Tags

Paragraph tags should be used on all regular text that is not a heading, and you cannot use other tags for the content. It is very important that the paragraphs are tagged and in the correct order for the screen reader. Otherwise, the screen reader will jump from one paragraph to another and that would confuse the reader. You should also use paragraph tags on introductory paragraphs, abstracts, or text that is highlighted graphically, with exception to quotes. This is because they do not have specific tags.

If you use the Reading Order Tool,

  1. Open the Reading Order Tool and draw a box around the paragraph you want to tag.

  2. Click the Text/Paragraph button in the Reading Order Tool.

    A paragraph is highlighted with pink borders a box and arrow is pointing at it. The reading order tool is open with an arrow and instruction box pointing at the text and paragraph button.

If you use the Accessibility Tags Pane,

  1. Click the Selection Tool and highlight the paragraph.

    A paragraph is highlighted.

  2. Open the Options button in the Accessibility Tags Pane and select Create Tag from Selection.

    The Options button dropdown menu with Create Tag from Selection Highlighted.

  3. Select Paragraph from the drop-down and click OK.

    The New Tag box open with Type set to Paragraph
    A Paragraph tag example in Adobe Acrobat. There is content inside the tag.

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