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Making PDFs Accessible

PDFs are a frequent hidden accessibility gap — menus, intake forms, and brochures are often scanned images or untagged documents a screen reader can’t read.

Tag the document

Accessible PDFs need a tag tree that defines reading order, headings, lists, and tables. Export from the source document with tags enabled rather than printing to PDF.

Avoid image-only PDFs

A scanned menu is just a picture — invisible to assistive tech. Recreate it as real text, or better, publish the content as an accessible HTML page.

Add alt text and a title

Give images inside the PDF alt text and set the document title and language in the file’s properties.

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More guides

The WCAG 2.1 AA Checklist for Small BusinessesADA Website Lawsuits, ExplainedHow to Write Alt Text (With Examples)Color Contrast Requirements (WCAG 1.4.3)How to Build Accessible FormsKeyboard Navigation & Focus