Accessible PDF Documents

Creating an Accessible PDF Document Guide

Creating an accessible PDF document involves several steps to ensure all users can access the content. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

	Start with an Accessible Source Document Use Styles and Headings: In your word processor (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs), use built-in styles and headings to structure your document. Add Alt Text: Provide alternative text for images, graphs, and charts to describe their content. Create Lists and Tables Correctly: Use the built-in list and table functions to ensure proper structure.
	Use Accessible Fonts and Colors Choose Readable Fonts:  Use sans-serif fonts and avoid decorative fonts. Ensure Sufficient Contrast: Ensure a high contrast between text and background. Use tools like WebAIM’s Color Contrast Checker.
	Convert to PDF Using Accessible Settings Export Correctly: When saving your document as a PDF, use the “Save As” or “Export” function in your word processor (Microsoft Word, Google Docs) and select the PDF option to create a tagged PDF. This retains the structure and accessibility features from the source document that includes tags.
	Check the PDF for Accessibility Use Adobe Acrobat Pro: Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro and use the built-in accessibility checker to identify and fix issues. Go to Tools >Prepare for Accessibility > Check for accessibility. Tag Content Properly: Ensure that headings, paragraphs, lists, and tables are correctly tagged. Add Document Properties: Fill in the document’s title, author, subject, and keywords in the document properties.
	Add Accessibility Features Bookmarks: Create bookmarks for important sections of the document for easy navigation. Documents over 20 pages should include bookmarks. Adobe Bookmark Directions Reading Order: Ensure the reading order is logical and matches the visual order of the document. Adobe Reading Order Directions
	Provide Descriptive Links and Text Meaningful Links: Use descriptive text for hyperlinks rather than generic text like “click here.” Descriptive Alt Text: Ensure all images have descriptive alternative text.
	Review and Revise Keyboard Navigation: Ensure the document can be navigated using a keyboard alone. Select Accessibility Preferences: Use the Accessibility Setup Assistant. Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update the PDF to maintain accessibility standards.

Helpful Links

• Adobe Acrobat Pro: Adobe Acrobat Pro
• WebAIM Color Contrast Checker: WebAIM Contrast Checker
• WCAG Guidelines: WCAG Guidelines