PDF accessibility

1. PDFs are difficult to read on mobile devices and can be time-consuming and expensive to make accessible.
2. Webpages are a better fit for most, but not all, types of digital content.
3. Before creating a PDF, ask yourself if PDF is the right format for the job.
4. If you decide to make a PDF, use an accessible design tool to create it. Just remember that a PDF created with an accessible tool will still need to be tested.
5. Get your PDF tested and remediated by someone who's been trained.

PDF accessibility includes 5 types of checkpoints. All 5 checkpoints must be successfully completed for a PDF to be as accessible as possible.

Visually accessible

First, it's important that the content can be easily read and understood.

• Review, and revise if necessary, the source document before converting it to PDF. See our platform-specific checklists on the Resources page for guidance.

Machine readable

The text must be selectable.

• If the PDF was correctly converted from an accessible tool (e.g., Microsoft Word), then it will be machine readable.
• If the PDF was converted from an inaccessible tool or created by scanning a paper document, then OCR (optical character recognition) may be necessary.

Tagged

The PDF must have tags.

• If the PDF was correctly converted from an accessible tool, then it should be tagged.
• If the PDF was converted from an inaccessible tool or created by scanning a paper document and then OCR'd, tags may be missing.

Auto checked

Another important checkpoint is to pass an automated accessibility checker. Options include, but are not limited to:

• Acrobat Pro's "Accessibility Check."
• PDF Accessibility Checker (PAC) 2024.

Human checked

Finally, someone with proper training must manually inspect and pass the PDF.

• Thorough research and vetting should be done for any training or remediation contractors.

The information provided by Marin County’s Digital Accessibility Team is intended to increase people’s awareness of digital accessibility. Links are provided because they have information that may be useful. The County of Marin does not warrant the accuracy of any information contained in the links and neither endorses nor intends to promote the advertising of the resources listed herein. The County of Marin is not responsible for any kind of loss or damage arising from your use of the links or information provided herein.