How to Make PDFs Accessible (ADA Compliance Guide)

Create ADA-compliant accessible PDFs. Learn about screen readers, alt text, and accessibility requirements.

Understanding PDF Accessibility

Accessible PDFs ensure people with disabilities can access your content, including those using:

•Screen readers
•Magnification software
•Braille displays
•Keyboard navigation

Legal Requirements

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)

Requires accessible digital content for public entities and businesses.

Section 508

Federal agencies must make electronic content accessible.

WCAG 2.1

International guidelines for web content accessibility.

Key Accessibility Features

1. Document Structure

•Use headings properly (H1, H2, H3)
•Create logical reading order
•Use lists and tables correctly

2. Alternative Text

•Add descriptions to images
•Explain charts and graphs
•Describe decorative vs. informative images

3. Color and Contrast

•Ensure sufficient contrast ratio
•Don't rely on color alone
•Test with color blindness simulators

4. Links

•Use descriptive link text
•Avoid "click here"
•Indicate file types and sizes

Accessibility Checklist

☐ Proper heading structure ☐ Alt text for images ☐ Tagged PDF format ☐ Logical reading order ☐ Sufficient color contrast ☐ Descriptive links ☐ Table headers defined ☐ Language specified