Creating Accessible PDFs in Word

The best way to create an accessible PDF is to create a fully accessible Word document (using properly formatted headings, alt text, links, and lists) and "Save As" a PDF. The "Save As" function carries over the accessible features of your document.

Fixing Inaccessible PDFs

Adobe Acrobat Pro

If you have Adobe Acrobat Pro installed on your computer, you can convert an inaccessible PDF into an accessible PDF by following these steps:

1. Convert to text - in Tools > Text Recognition. This is the most important step in making your document readable.
2. Add tags to indicate heading structure - in Tools > Accessibility > Add Tags to Document. This is important for navigating long and complex documents, such as textbooks.
3. Add alt text to images - in Tools > Accessibility > Set Alternate Text. If your document contains information that is conveyed visually, add alt text to describe that content.
4. Set reading order - in Tools > Accessibility > Touch Up Reading Order. This step is important for forms or other documents with complex layouts.
5. Set language - in File > Properties > Advanced > Reading Options. This setting helps screen readers switch to the correct language.

Convert Doc

If you have an inaccessible PDF and do not have Adobe Acrobat Pro or access to the original word-processing file for the document, your PDF can be converted into an accessible PDF with the OCR document converter created by University of Montana.

Further information

• Creating and Verifying PDF Accessibility
• PDF Techniques for WCAG 2.0