How to create accessible Portable Document Format (PDF) documents that conform to the Revised 508 Standards.
Guidance
The resources in this section were developed by the Accessible Electronic Documents Community of Practice (AED COP).
Training Videos
Adobe Acrobat DC Portable Document Format (PDF)
- PDF Testing and Remediation Guide (MS Word, March 2019)
- PDF Testing Checklist (MS Word, June 2019)
Adobe Acrobat Pro (Older Versions)
- PDF Baseline Test Process (MS Word, September 2017)
- PDF Detailed Checklist (MS Word, September 2017)
- PDF Printable Checklist (MS Word, September 2017)
Other Tips
- When generating PDF documents through conversion from another format, or through an automated tool, ensure the resulting PDF file is properly tagged to support accessibility.
- If using an authoring tool, make sure the tool is capable of generating accessible PDF documents that conform to PDF/UA (some do not).
Agency-Developed Guidance
The resources in this section were developed by Federal agencies, and shared here for your convenience. Note, much of this guidance predates the Revised 508 Standards.
- Resources for Developers and Document Authors - Guidance on how to develop and author accessible electronic content
- Making Files Accessible - Issues, testing, and remediation suggestions
- Alternate Text For Images (PDF, July 2011) - Developed by SSA
Related Resources
- Create Accessible Digital Products
- Review WebAIM Alternative Text for appropriate use of alternative text.
- Review W3C's Alt Decision Tree for guidance on how to describe images.
- Adobe Acrobat accessibility support
- Web Accessibility Tutorials and Presentations - Guidance from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)
Before You Go
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Reviewed/Updated: January 2020