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JesperDK85
JesperDK85
Participating Frequently
February 4, 2020
Answered

Add ALT tags to vector graphics to be used in InDesign?

  • February 4, 2020
  • 2 replies
  • 4709 views

Hey guys and gals!

 

Really hope one of ya'll can help me out, I'm thoroughly stuck here! I work at a municipality, producing pamphlets and other designs that are used online, which is why I am looking into accessibility. Basically, I am looking to save time by adding ALT tags to background graphics and logos that I use all the time, so I don't have to add them manually every time I import one of them to an InDesign project.

 

So far, I have tried:

  • Illustrator: Creating a 'Slice' and opening 'Settings for slice', where you can add an 'Alt'. However, when I save the vector graphic, import it to InDesign and export the PDF, the Alt disappears and the Accessibility control in Acrobat Pro doesn't find it 😞
  • Adobe Bridge: I read online that you can add ALT tags in Adobe Bridge, but I have been unable to find the option where this is possible? 😕😕
  • Acrobat Pro: I tried opening the vector graphics, selecting 'Accessibility' and 'Set alternative text', saving, importing to InDesign and exporting, but the ALT tag is still not there. 👎

 

I'm running out of options... Can it really be, that there is no way to add ALT tags in vector graphics that is imported along with the graphic in InDesign and exported as PDF to include the tags?

 

Thanks!

 

Best regards,

Jesper Pedersen

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer tonyharmer

Hey Jesper

 

If you're adding the alt tags as metadata to the files you're placing in InDesign (using File Info…in the File menu, or via Bridge) you could try making this work with an object style (in InDesign):

 

  1. Create  a new Object Style, that you will apply to the placed files;
  2. In the Object Style  export options, you will see ALT Text—select that;
  3. From the dropdown menu, select  “From XMP:” (then choose wherever you’ve stored your ALT text).

Does that work for you?

2 replies

tonyharmer
Community Expert
tonyharmerCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
February 4, 2020

Hey Jesper

 

If you're adding the alt tags as metadata to the files you're placing in InDesign (using File Info…in the File menu, or via Bridge) you could try making this work with an object style (in InDesign):

 

  1. Create  a new Object Style, that you will apply to the placed files;
  2. In the Object Style  export options, you will see ALT Text—select that;
  3. From the dropdown menu, select  “From XMP:” (then choose wherever you’ve stored your ALT text).

Does that work for you?

    JesperDK85
    JesperDK85Author
    Participating Frequently
    February 4, 2020

    Hey Tony. Thanks for your response and for trying to help me find a solution.

    When you say add the alt tags in the metadata of the files I am trying to place, where exactly do you want me to add those tags? There are no options in File Info that pertains to tags (see screenshot). Am I supposed to add it in "Description, or maybe "Keywords"?

     

    Also, I tried creating the new Object Style as you suggested, and looking at the Style export options (see screenshot), but I can't find any mention of alt texts or XMP - am I looking in the right spot (double clicking the export style I created)?

     

      tonyharmer
      Community Expert
      tonyharmerCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      February 4, 2020

      Hey Jesper

       

      I'd use the description field in the metadata.

       

      If you look at the bottom of the categories in the Object Style dialog, you should see soem export options, in which there are three:

      • Alt Text
      • Tagged PDF
      • EPUB and HTML

      Click on Alt Text and then determine the Alt Text Source from the drop-down (From XMP: Descroption).

      Does that work?

        Monika Gause
        Community Expert
        Monika GauseCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        February 4, 2020

        They can't be in the imported image. You have to assign them in InDesign.

          JesperDK85
          JesperDK85Author
          Participating Frequently
          February 4, 2020

          That is exactly what I was afraid of...

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