Add ARIA role while exporting to EPUB

Last updated on Jun 2, 2026

Learn how to add ARIA roles and labels for hyperlinks and cross-references 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 helping screen readers to accurately identify and announce the purpose of various content elements (e.g., math, note, chapter, credits). Apply roles at the ObjectFrameParagraph Style, or Character Style level.

Add ARIA Role for hyperlinks

Select the hyperlink text.

Select the Accessibility tab in the New Hyperlink or Edit Hyperlink dialog box.

Select an ARIA Role: Custom Roledoc-backlinkdoc-biblioref, or doc-glossref.

If you select Custom Role, you can type a custom role name in the same field.

A screenshot showing the New Hyperlink dialog box with the ARIA Role drop-down menu options highlighted.
Select any option from the ARIA Role to make hyperlinks accessible after exporting to EPUB (Reflowable) format.

Export to EPUB (Reflowable) format for e-readers to recognize the selected ARIA role.

Add ARIA Role for cross-references

Select the cross-reference text.

Select the Accessibility tab in the New Cross-Reference or Edit Cross-Reference dialog box.

Select an ARIA RoleCustom Roledoc-backlinkdoc-biblioref, or doc-glossref.

If you select Custom Role, you can type a custom role name in the same field.
A screenshot showing the New Cross-Reference dialog box with the ARIA Role drop-down menu options highlighted.
Select any option from the ARIA Role to make cross-references accessible after exporting to EPUB (Reflowable) format.

Export to EPUB (Reflowable) format for e-readers to recognize the selected ARIA role.