14 Making PDF Documents Accessible

Use Tags

Tag the PDF to provide structure and navigation for screen readers. In Adobe Acrobat, go to “View” > “Show/Hide” > “Navigation Panes” > “Tags”.

Add Alt Text

Provide alternative text for images, charts, and other graphics. Right-click the image, select “Edit Alt Text”, and enter a description of the image.

Ensure Proper Color Contrast

Use sufficient contrast between text and background colors to ensure readability. Use tools like the Color Contrast Analyzer to check contrast ratios.

Use Accessible Fonts

Use fonts that are easy to read and supported by assistive technologies. Recommended fonts include Arial, Verdana, and Times New Roman.

Check Accessibility

Use the Accessibility Checker tool in Adobe Acrobat to identify and fix accessibility issues. Go to “Tools” > “Accessibility” > “Full Check”.