If you're looking for a powerful tool to help you create stunning visual designs, then InDesign is the right choice for you. This desktop publishing software from Adobe is used by professionals all over the world to create everything from magazines and books to advertisements and online publications. The InDesign document may be exported into several types of files like Adobe PDF or an HTML file.
InDesign has several tools available to make the content you create accessible.
Here are some tips on how to make your InDesign documents more accessible. These steps make it easier to ensure that the document is accessible when exported to PDF or an HTML format.
Logical Headings & Structure
First, when creating your document, be sure to use headings and structure your text in a logical way. This will make it easier for people using screen readers to navigate your document.
Colour Contrast
Make sure that appropriate contrast exists between text and the background. Do not rely on colour alone to convey information.
Alternative Text for Images
Be sure to use alternative text for all images, charts, and graphs. Ensure a clear alternate description or alt text is provided for the objects/images in your document.
Check out our blog on 5 Tips for writing effective Alternative Text for Images.
Anchor to Images
If you want to add some flair to your InDesign images, you can use anchors. Adding anchors to your images not only gives them a more polished look but also allow screen readers to read images in the flow of text.
Threading Text
By threading text, you can control how text flows from one text frame to another. This can be especially useful when working with long blocks of text. Threading text can be a great way to create a more cohesive look for your documents and it also allows a screen reader to read the content in a continuous order.
Adding Bookmarks
Bookmarks are a great way to add navigation to your InDesign documents. You can use them to link to specific pages or sections of your document, making it easy for your readers to find what they're looking for.
Adding Metadata
Adding metadata to your Adobe InDesign files can be a great way to keep track of your work and make sure your files are properly organized. Metadata is simply data about your content, and it can be used to track things like who created a file, when it was created, and what software was used to create it.
Reading Order
When creating a document in InDesign, it is important to consider the order in which a screen reader will read the document. Screen readers generally read documents from top to bottom and left to right. This means that the order in which elements are placed on the page can affect how accessible the document is.
By following these tips, you can make sure that your InDesign documents when exported to a PDF or HTML file, is accessible to everyone.
At 247 Accessible Documents, our accessible InDesign remediation services ensures that your documents meet the accessibility standards & guidelines and is accessible to people with disabilities. Get in touch with us to discuss how we can support to ensure your InDesign documents are inclusive & accessible.
