Accessibility
Create accessible PDFs that work for everyone, including users of assistive technologies.
Why Accessibility Matters
Accessible PDFs ensure that:
- Screen reader users can navigate and understand content
- Users with visual impairments can access information
- Your documents comply with legal requirements (ADA, Section 508)
- Search engines can better index your content
PDF accessibility follows the PDF/UA (Universal Accessibility) standard and WCAG 2.1 guidelines.
Accessibility Features
Add structure tags to define headings, paragraphs, and lists
Document TaggingSet the correct reading sequence for content
Reading OrderAdd descriptions to images and figures
Alternative TextDefine table headers and structure
Table AccessibilityValidate and fix accessibility issues
Accessibility CheckerQuick Start
Run the Accessibility Checker
- Open your document in Penvio
- Click Tools → Accessibility → Check Accessibility
- Review the issues found
- Use Auto-Fix to resolve common problems
Key Requirements
For a fully accessible PDF:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Document title | Set a meaningful title in document properties |
| Language | Specify the document language |
| Structure tags | All content should be tagged |
| Reading order | Logical reading sequence |
| Alt text | All images have descriptions |
| Table headers | Tables have defined header cells |
| Bookmarks | Long documents have navigation bookmarks |
Accessibility Standards
PDF/UA (ISO 14289)
The PDF/UA standard defines requirements for accessible PDFs:
- All content must be tagged
- Tags must be semantically correct
- Reading order must be logical
- Images need alternative text
- Tables need proper structure
WCAG 2.1
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines apply to PDFs:
- Level A: Minimum accessibility
- Level AA: Standard compliance target
- Level AAA: Enhanced accessibility
Many organizations require WCAG 2.1 Level AA compliance for public documents.
Next Steps
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