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Accessible PDFs | HTML Version

Accessible PDFs

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Students Affected: Students who are blind.Students with low vision.

Principles: Provide Meaningful Alternatives, Follow Web Standards


What it Means | How it Works

What It Means

Adobe Acrobat does not always add appropriate clues, or "tags," to PDF files to allow Link opens in new window.screen readers and Link opens in new window.Braille displays to read them. You can improve accessibility by using the "accessibility tagging" feature available in Acrobat version 5 and later.

If You Do It Wrong: Students with visual impairments cannot access PDF content.

If You Do It Right: Accessibility tags help screen readers identify the structure of PDF files (for example, page titles, headings, and navigation), making it easier for students with visual impairments to access the content.


How It Works

Tip. Creating accessible PDF files is somewhat complicated. Even with accessibility tags, PDFs may not be completely accessible. The best way to make PDF files accessible is to create an equivalent Link opens in new window.HTML version (see the next page for more information).


  1. Make sure you have the most recent version of Acrobat.

  2. Use a program that supports automatic creation of tagged PDF files. Options include Microsoft Word, Adobe InDesign, and Adobe PageMaker.

  3. Follow Adobe's instructions for creating accessible PDF files and check to make sure that the tags are applied correctly.

    More Info. The Adobe Acrobat Accessibility Web site contains information and resources that can help you create more accessible Adobe PDF documents. It includes a step-by-step guide for creating accessible PDF files.

  4. Provide a link to a page where students can download the most recent version of the Acrobat Reader.

    More Info.
    		 It is best to link to link to the accessible Acrobat Reader download page, located at http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/alternate.html.

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