Set the tab order

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to set the tab order for buttons in Adobe InDesign to control keyboard navigation.

Set the tab order for buttons in InDesign to control how focus moves between interactive elements. Tab order defines the sequence in which the Tab key is processed. This helps ensure accessible and predictable navigation in documents.

Set tab order using the Set Tab Order command

Choose the page with buttons or form fields.

Select Object > Interactive > Set Tab Order.

Select an item and use Move Up or Move Down to reorder or drag to reposition from the Tab Order panel.

Repeat for all items as needed, then select OK.

Select File > Export, then choose Adobe PDF (Interactive).

Select Use Structure for Tab Order in the Advanced section.

Set tab order using the Articles panel

Select Window > Articles.

Use the Selection  tool to drag buttons or form fields in the required order.

Select the panel menu  icon, then select Use for Tagging Order in Tagged PDFs.

Select File > Export, then choose Adobe PDF (Interactive).

Select Create Tagged PDF.