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Structure and reading order

Content may be read in the wrong order

A screen reader reads the page in a set order, which can differ from the way a person reads it on screen.

Who it affects

People who use screen readers or read-aloud tools.

Why it matters

Columns, sidebars and captions can get jumbled together, so sentences are cut in half and the meaning is lost.

How to fix it

  1. In Word: avoid floating text boxes and shapes. Use the Columns feature for columns, and keep text in the normal flow of the page.
  2. In Adobe Acrobat Pro: use the Reading Order tool, or the Order panel, to put the content in the right order.

What RemeDocs does

RemeDocs sets the reading order automatically. Complex layouts should still be checked by a person.

Go further

Check your own PDF

Upload a PDF to the free checker. It lists every problem it finds in plain language, with a lesson like this one for each.

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