Guidelines to Tag Lists

Lists are a key structural element in PDF documents. Properly tagged lists improve readability and ensure accessibility for users relying on assistive technologies. 

List tagging guidelines 

• Use correct list structures (ordered or unordered) to organize content 

• Ensure list items follow a logical reading order in the document structure tree 

• Use clear and descriptive text for each list item to convey meaning and purpose 

• Use appropriate heading levels to support hierarchy and improve navigation 

• Apply correct tagging so assistive technologies can interpret lists accurately  

• Use high-contrast colors and accessible fonts to improve readability for users with visual impairments 

• Validate list accessibility using accessibility checking tools 

Standard list tag structure 

In PDF documents, lists are typically structured using the following tags: