Some ALT text tags not displaying in exported PDF

[Fem]

Hello. I have added custom ALT text with the tags panel to two images in a large Affinity Publisher V2 document (with many images, but only two need ALT text). The problem is that not both ALT texts display in the exported PDF. Only one of the ALT text tags worked in the large document. I have created a new Affinity Publisher file with the images that have custom ALT text and the exported PDF that does not display the ALT text of both images (it seems so random when it works and when not, and I can’t figure out what the reason is). I made sure the tagged PDF box was ticked during exporting. I have tried using .PNG, .JPEG, and .PDF files for the images, and that does not seem to solve the issue either. I am really at a loss of what to do now. 

Do you have an idea what is going wrong? 

Thanks!

Affinity support forum.afpub Affinity support forum.pdf

[Hangman]

Hi @Fem and welcome to the forums,

Is it Alt Text for Screen Readers or Bookmarks for PDF navigation that you're referencing? I think you may be mixing the two up...

A screen reader reads both Alt Tags in your PDF file though not in the correct order. Version 2.6 which is currently in Beta includes the addition of a Reading Order Panel. This allows control over the order in which content is read by screen readers...

Your PDF only includes one bookmark for the graphic title on the second page. If you're referring to Bookmarks, because your first graphic's title is embedded as part of the Placed PDF you'd need to select the graphic, insert an anchor using the Anchor panel (Window → References → Anchors), name it manually and select Export as PDF Bookmark...

 

When you export your Publisher document to PDF make sure you tick Include bookmarks and it will include both Bookmarks as per the attached updated files...

Updated Files

Affinity Support Forum.afpub Affinity Support Forum Updated.pdf

[Fem]

Hi @Hangman, thanks for your quick reply. I am referring to ALT text (tags) for accessibility purposes and not to bookmarks. I do notice that the ALT text on page two of the updated PDF is showing (displayed in the grey text box), and still not by the image on the first page. Do I understand you correctly that this is the result of a screen reading order issue? And any suggestions how can I correct this? Thanks again!  

[Hangman]

Hi @Fem,

I believe the Alt Text can't be attached to a Placed PDF for display purposes but the Alt Tag can still be read by screen readers as is the case with your file...

If you replace the Placed PDF on Page 1 with a PNG or JPEG version and add your Custom Alt Text to the new file then it displays the Alt Text... though I have noticed an odd issue with Page 2. When the text below the Fig. 8. graphic is visible the Alt Text isn't displayed, when the text is hidden it is, though this appears to be an Acrobat Reader issue... The Custom Alt Text displays correctly when the text is visible in FoxIt PDF Reader...

See the two versions attached below, one with and one without the text below the graphic on Page 2 and the Page 1 graphic swapped for a PNG version...
 

ToC Design with Text Below.pdf ToC Design without Text Below.pdf

[Fem]

Hi @Hangman, 

Thanks for finding out the difference between the ‘with' and 'without text below’ the image options, it resolved the issue! It seems there needs to be a minimum space available under the image. I managed to get the ALT text with the other text below it, placed lower than in the original text. This has been so helpful, really appreciate the effort. 🙏

[Hangman]

Hi @Fem,

I think it is actually an issue with Acrobat Reader since the Alt Text displays correctly in FoxIt PDF Reader without the need to make any adjustments to the text position but I'm glad the above helped and you now have a resolution...