On occasion, when processing a PDF with a complex or ambiguous structure, Flow will order the content in a different way than was intended.
Why Content Ordering Issues Occur
Unlike a PDF, which positions content using fixed coordinates on a page, Flow must determine how content should be arranged in a linear reading experience.
This process generally works well, but certain layouts can make the intended reading order difficult to interpret.
Common examples include:
- Multi-column layouts
- Sidebars and callout boxes
- Pull quotes
- Captions positioned away from images
- Complex magazine-style designs
- Overlapping content elements
When this occurs, Flow might place content in an order that differs from the original design. This can be easily fixed by grabbing the label for the relevant element, and dragging it up or down the page before dropping it into its new position.