Image Alt text fails to display on mouse hover

[TechWriter2020]

I've tagged a PDF. I've added alternernate text to figures. However, the figures alt text is failing to display when I hover over the figure.

How do I fix this? I've added alt text to the "Set Alternate Text" in the figures.

[Abhishek34218778tovi · Accepted solution]

I experienced a similar scenario with linked .eps files and alt text not appearing on PDF hover. I converted the .eps files to .png, relinked them, and reapplied the alt text. This workaround resolved the display issue. Perhaps giving that a try might help you, too.

[scooterbyrd2003]

I have this same problem.

[sapryan]

I also have this problem. I've been told there is no way to control the hover feature.

I have a question in with Customer Support, but I'm not getting very far with them.

[Abhishek34218778tovi · Accepted solution]

I experienced a similar scenario with linked .eps files and alt text not appearing on PDF hover. I converted the .eps files to .png, relinked them, and reapplied the alt text. This workaround resolved the display issue. Perhaps giving that a try might help you, too.

[Tariq Ahmad · Accepted solution]

Hi @Abhishek34218778tovi,

Thanks for reaching out and sharing your observation.

You’re absolutely right — alt text in Adobe Acrobat is intended primarily for screen readers and assistive technologies, not for display as tooltips on mouse hover. This can definitely be confusing, especially if you’re coming from platforms like HTML or Word, where alt text often shows as a tooltip.

If your goal is to provide visible tooltips or hover text for images within a PDF, here are a couple of workarounds you might consider:

Workaround Options:

1. Use a pop-up text annotation (comment):

   • Select Comment > Add a sticky note, and place it near the image.

   • You can hide the icon or place it subtly, and the note will display on hover.

2. Use a Button Field (in a form):

   • Go to Prepare Form > add a Button over the image.

   • In the Tooltip field for the button’s properties, enter your hover text.

   • Set the button to have no visible appearance (no border/fill) and No action.

   This way, users hovering over the image will see the tooltip you’ve defined.

~Tariq