Add ARIA labels to objects

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to add ARIA roles and labels for objects to create accessible EPUB (Reflowable) files in Adobe InDesign.

InDesign supports ARIA Role (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) for EPUB digital publishing. ARIA roles enhance accessibility by enabling screen readers to accurately identify and announce the purpose of various content elements (e.g., math, note, chapter, credits). Apply roles at the Object, Frame, Paragraph Style, or Character Style level.

Add ARIA labels to objects in the Object Export Options panel

Select any object in InDesign.

Select Object > Object Export Options > EPUB and HTML.

Select an ARIA Label:

  • Automatic: To allow InDesign to generate a relevant ARIA label with the tag <aria-labelledby>. Ensure the following for the smooth functioning of automatic ARIA labelling:
    • Select a text frame and add one of the landmark tags (mainsectionarticlenavasideheaderfooter, or headings) in the Tag field of the Export Tagging section of the Object Style Options dialog box.
    • Select a paragraph and apply a Paragraph Style with the tag h1h2h3h4h5, or h6 in the Tag field of the Export Tagging section.
  • Custom Label: To add a custom ARIA label.
  • None: To export the object without any ARIA label.
A screenshot showing the Object Export Options dialog box with the ARIA Label drop-down menu options highlighted.
Select any option from the ARIA Label to make object accessible after exporting to EPUB (Reflowable) format.

Add ARIA labels to objects in the Object Styles panel

Select Window > Styles > Object Styles to open the Object Styles panel.

Select the Create new style   icon or double-click any existing object style.

Select Export Tagging from Basic Attributes.

Select an ARIA Label:

  • Automatic: To allow InDesign to generate a relevant ARIA label with the tag <aria-labelledby>. Ensure the following for the smooth functioning of automatic ARIA labelling:
    • Select a text frame and add one of the landmark tags (mainsectionarticlenavasideheaderfooter, or headings) in the Tag field of the Export Tagging section of the Object Style Options dialog box.
    • Select a paragraph and apply a Paragraph Style with the tag h1h2h3h4h5, or h6 in the Tag field of the Export Tagging section.
  • Custom Label: To add a custom ARIA label.
  • None: To export the object without any ARIA label.
A screenshot showing the Object Styles dialog box with the ARIA Label drop-down menu options highlighted.
Select any option from the ARIA Label to set the Export Tagging option for the selected Object Style.