LaTeX → Tagged PDF
This page documents a workflow for producing tagged PDF documents from LaTeX source files.
1. Set Up Your Document Once
By setting up your preamble in a certain way, you can ensure that all of your math notation is represented/embedded as MathML for accessibility, with no changes to your writing.
1.1. Required: Use LuaLaTeX and TeX Live 2025 or Later
LuaLaTeX is the only engine that can automatically generate MathML for equations and integrate it into tagged PDFs. Other engines such as pdfLaTeX require manual MathML files or fallback methods. LuaLaTeX exists in previous versions of TeX Live, but accessibility features are fragmented and require workarounds.
Visit the TeX Users Group website to download TeX Live.
1.2. Add document metadata and enable tagging
Paste the code below before anything else, including your documentclass.
\DocumentMetadata{
lang = en-US,
tagging = on,
tagging-setup = {math/setup=mathml-SE}
}
\tagpdfsetup{math/alt/use}1.3. Add packages if needed
Depending on what is in your document, add:
\usepackage{graphicx} % If you have figures. Required to include images; supports alt text with tagging.
\usepackage{hyperref} % If you have links or headings. Creates link objects, PDF bookmarks, and navigation. 2. Writing Habits
A few changes to your TeX authoring habits will ensure maximum benefit from the tagging functionality.
2.1. Use structural commands
Use semantic commands, not manual formatting:
\section,\subsection,\subsubsection, not\textbfor\Large\begin{itemize}/\begin{enumerate}, not manual dashes or numbers.\title{}and\maketitle
2.2. Add alt text for images
Use the graphicx package and provide alternative text. If your image is decorative, mark it as an artifact.
\includegraphics[width=\linewidth,alt={Graph of y equals x squared showing upward curve}]{graph.png}
\includegraphics[width=.5\linewidth,artifact]{sillypicture.png}2.3. Format tables properly
If your table is a data table, meaning that there is a consistent relationship across rows and each cell’s meaning depends on its column header, then you should tag your first row as a header row.
\tagpdfsetup{table/header-rows={1}}
\begin{tabular}{l|r}
Item & Quantity \\\hline
Desks & 40 \\
Chairs & 45
\end{tabular}Other “rules” for tables:
Use tables only for structured data, and avoid using tables for layout if possible.
Keep tables simple (avoid merged cells and nested tables)
Ensure content is readable from left to right, top to bottom.
2.4. Write clear link text
Make link text descriptive and self-contained.
Avoid vague phrases like click here, this link.
Describe the destination: Download the syllabus, View the assignment guidelines.
Keep link text concise, specific, and meaningful when read out of context.
\href{https://www.latex-project.org}{LaTeX Project website} % Displays "LaTeX Project website"
\url{https://example.com} % Displays raw HTML2.5. Use color carefully
Ensure sufficient contrast between text/foreground and background.
You want a contrast ratio of 4.5:1. You can test colors you are already using via WebAIM Contrast Checker.
There are a variety of tools that can help you generate a new high-contrast palette.
Do not rely on color alone to convey meaning. Use labels, patterns, or text in addition to color.
Download example: Compile with LuaLaTeX.
3. Check Your Output
Recommended for verification. Required if the document is shared publicly or used in instruction.
Export the PDF
Compile with LuaLaTeX
Confirm no errors or missing elements
Run an Accessibility Checker. Recommended tools:
Ally (Canvas integration): Fast, high-level feedback that flags common issues like images, structure, and contrast.
Adobe Acrobat Accessibility Checker: More detailed, PDF-focused feedback. Inspect tags, reading order, and document structure.
4. Sample Document
5. Further Reading
