Set reading order

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to use the Articles panel to define content order for accessible PDFs and digital exports in Adobe InDesign.

Setting reading order ensures that content appears in a logical sequence when exported to accessible PDFs, EPUB, or HTML formats. Reading order determines how screen readers and reflowable formats present page elements, making it essential for accessibility.

The Articles panel provides a simple way to organize content without affecting its layout.

Select Window > Articles to open the Articles panel.

Select the page objects you want to include in the reading order.

Select New Article from the panel menu to open the New Article dialog box.

Enter a descriptive name, select Include When Exporting, and select OK.

Drag items within the Articles panel to reorder them in the desired reading sequence.

Select Use for Tagging Order in Tagged PDF from the Articles panel menu.

Note

When you export to PDF with Create Tagged PDF turned on in the Export Adobe PDF dialog box, InDesign applies the reading order you defined in the Articles panel.

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