What Is an Accessible PDF?
An overview of what makes PDF documents accessible and how accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.2 and PDF/UA apply.
An accessible PDF is a document designed so it can be read and navigated by people with disabilities using assistive technologies such as screen readers, keyboard navigation, and other accessibility tools.
This page explains accessibility concepts only and does not replace formal testing or remediation.
Accessible PDFs ensure that all users can perceive, understand, and interact with document content, regardless of ability. They are commonly required for public communication, regulated industries, and organizations subject to accessibility standards or legislation.
Accessibility Compliance
Accessible PDFs are important for both usability and compliance. Documents that are not accessible can create barriers for users with visual, cognitive, or motor disabilities and may expose organizations to legal or regulatory risk.
- Organizations often require accessible PDFs to:
- Meet legal and regulatory obligations
- Comply with procurement or publishing standards
- Ensure equal access to information
- Reduce the risk of accessibility complaints or audits
Accessibility improves usability for everyone, not just users with disabilities.
Accessible PDFs, WCAG, and PDF/UA
Accessibility requirements for PDFs are defined by recognized standards rather than visual appearance alone.
- WCAG 2.2 defines accessibility success criteria used across many laws and regulations.
- PDF/UA (ISO 14289) is the international standard specifically for accessible PDF documents.
In many cases, accessible PDFs must conform to both WCAG requirements and PDF/UA technical specifications to meet compliance, audit, or procurement standards.
For a detailed overview of these standards, see our Accessibility Standards & Legislation page for detailed regulatory requirements.
How PDFs Are Made Accessible
Making a PDF accessible usually involves a process called accessibility remediation. This includes manually correcting structural, technical, and usability issues so the document conforms to accessibility standards.
Accessibility remediation may involve:
- Adding or correcting tags
- Fixing reading order
- Adding alternative text
- Correcting form fields and interactive elements
- Verifying compliance with WCAG and PDF/UA
Organizations often rely on PDF accessibility remediation services to ensure documents are accurate, compliant, and defensible.
Key Features of an Accessible PDF
An accessible PDF includes specific technical and structural features that allow assistive technologies to interpret and present content correctly. These typically include:
- Proper document tagging and structure
- Logical reading order
- Descriptive alternative text for images and graphics
- Accessible headings, lists, and tables
- Labeled form fields and interactive elements
- Compatibility with screen readers and keyboard navigation
Without these elements, PDFs may appear readable visually but remain inaccessible to assistive technologies.
How to Tell If a PDF Is Accessible
Determining whether a PDF is accessible typically requires more than automated checks. While automated tools can identify some issues, they cannot reliably evaluate structure, reading order, or usability with assistive technologies.
A proper accessibility evaluation often includes:
- Automated testing
- Manual review
- Screen reader testing
If you are unsure whether your documents meet accessibility requirements, you can start with free PDF accessibility testing to identify potential issues.
When You May Need Accessible PDFs
You may need accessible PDFs if:
- You distribute documents to the public or customers
- You operate in a regulated or public-sector environment
- You publish reports, forms, or essential information online
- You respond to accessibility complaints or audits
- You participate in government or enterprise procurement
Accessible PDFs help ensure compliance, usability, and equal access to information.