The best way to create an accessible PDF is to start with an accessible Word document. An accessible Word document is one that includes:
- Heading structure created using the Styles menu.
- Alternate text for all images, or images marked as decorative.
- Tables used sparingly and with Header Row repeated.
- Color contrast sufficient for any user to be able to read.
Check accessibility in Word
For step-by-step guidance and best practices on creating accessible Word documents, refer to Microsoft’s article Make your Word documents accessible to people with disabilities.
Save as PDF
Preserve the accessibility of your Word document when you export to PDF by selecting File then Save As and choosing PDF as the file type. If given the choice, choose Best for electronic distribution.
NOTE: Do not print to PDF, as this method will not preserve the accessibility of the document.
Fix an inaccessible PDF
To modify and remediate a PDF document, you will need to have access to Adobe Acrobat Pro, which is available to all UMD Faculty and Staff at TERPware. For more information, see the WebAIM PDF Accessibility with Acrobat page.
Run the Acrobat Pro Accessibility Checker
- First, eliminate common accessibility issues in PDFs: Go to All Tools, choose Use Guided Actions and select Make Accessible.
- Follow the prompts for areas such as confirming the document title and setting the document language.
- The Accessibility Checker will open. Select Start Checking.
- The checker results appear on the right side of your screen. Expand items for more details, and right click to explain and often fix the identified issue.
- For more details, see Create and Verify PDF Accessibility (Acrobat Pro).
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