Alt Text Not Displaying for EPS Files in PDF Export

[MrZZY]

I've been able to get alt text to display in PDF for JPG/PNG using 'Object' > 'Object Export Options' > 'Alt Text Source' > 'Custom', but any vector images (AI, SVG, EPS) in the same document doesn't show the alt text in the resulting PDF.

Is this normal?

<Title renamed by MOD>

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

@Laubender

But @MrZZY has a problem with vectors - not bitmaps - but on the other hand - it works perfectly fine for me?

[Laubender]

Hi @Robert at ID-Tasker ,

my sandwich method is just a workaround for the issue with placed vector graphics.

Perhaps I did get you wrong, is your method of nesting frames working?

You said:

"This is from Acrobat - I'm not including nested version - as it doesn't display Alternative text - so it won't work - but works for the PDF."

This statement seems a bit contradictory…

Let me ask you:

How exactly does it work for you?

Regards,
Uwe Laubender
( Adobe Community Expert )

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

@Laubender

My initial "nesting" suggestion was from the phone.

Later, after checking - it doesn't work. 

What's working for me is setting Alt Text to the PDF - vector - which isn't working for OP. 

You've shown your example on the PSD file - but you are right, it should work for ANY kind of linked file.

[MrZZY]

That's a good hack for getting around this (trans pixel). I guess you'd have to artifact the original image just in case. 

It's sounding like this is an omission or bug, as no-one has said anything like "Correct, InDesign specifically doesn't and won't ever do this becuase [some reasong that makes sense that I hadn't thought of]". 

I think Robert has now said that he isn't able to show alt tags for (for example) AI, now, or is there a workaround which doesn't involve a hack? (with no disrespect to hacks!).

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

@MrZZY

Applying Alt Text for a PDF is working fine for me.

[MrZZY]

@Laubender 
Hi Uwe

can you confirm your're seeing the same issue as me? If so, are you on ID 2025 Mac?

[Laubender]

@MrZZY said: "…can you confirm your're seeing the same issue as me? If so, are you on ID 2025 Mac?"

Absolutely. I'm on macOS 12.7.1 with InDesign 2025 version 20.0.0.95 and can confirm the issue.

What is not working for me is a placed and linked PDF that I attached the Alt Text to. Saved the PDF from Adobe Illustrator 2025 as PDF/X4 and placed and linked it with InDesign 2025. The page was finally exported as PDF/X-4.

@Robert at ID-Tasker said: "…Applying Alt Text for a PDF is working fine for me."

How was the placed and linked PDF saved? How did you export the PDF from the InDesign page?

Could you please attach your sample PDF and your sample InDesign document so that I can have a look?

Thanks,
Uwe Laubender
( Adobe Community Expert )

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

@Laubender

Yes, I'll post it later. 

[MrZZY]

Hi Uwe

Is this a bug then? No-one has offered an explanation for why this behaviour is correct, and every seems to assume that placed vector graphics should show alt-text when exported as PDF (provided all the correct export conditions have been set of course). How do I go about checking whether this is already know, or bring it to the attention of those that need to know, in the right way?

[Frans v.d. Geest]

Is 'create tagged pdf' checked?

[MrZZY]

Hi, yes

In the same inDesign and outputted PDF are numerous frames working with JPG/PNG. Exactly the same frame types but with any vector (AI, EPS, SVG) do not show alt-text in outputted PDF, right alongside frames that do with JPG etc.

[Robert at ID-Tasker]

Hi, yes

In the same inDesign and outputted PDF are numerous frames working with JPG/PNG. Exactly the same frame types but with any vector (AI, EPS, SVG) do not show alt-text in outputted PDF, right alongside frames that do with JPG etc.

By @MrZZY

Can you do a small test - place JPEG, add tag, export to check if tag has been exported - then place PDF in to the same frame - export again.