An accessible PDF is a document that can be read and used by everyone including people with disabilities. During the design process, a graphic designer can create an accessible PDF by;
- including tags that describe the structure of your document,
- adding alternative text for images and other non-text content,
- using headings and other structural elements to make the document easy to navigate and
- by using a consistent layout and font size.
The resulting pdf allows people who use assistive technologies, such as screen readers, to access the content of the document.
There are many reasons why you might want to create an accessible PDF. Here are a few:
To make your content accessible to people with disabilities.
People with disabilities may have difficulty reading or understanding traditional PDFs. Accessible PDFs can be read by screen readers, which allow people who are blind or have low vision to hear the text of a document read aloud. They can also be used by people with other disabilities, such as dyslexia, who may have difficulty reading traditional text.
To improve the usability of your PDFs for everyone.
Accessible PDFs are not just for people with disabilities. Having a document that is easy to navigate and only includes elements that are important is great for everyone. They are also easier for people who are learning English as a second language.
Get ranked higher on Google
Search engines like Google give higher rankings to websites that are accessible to people with disabilities. If your website includes the download of pdfs, then making them accessible can help you send more traffic to your website.
Improve your reputation
Using accessible PDFs can help to improve a company’s reputation and to attract and retain customers and employees with disabilities. It can also help to comply with laws and regulations that require equal access to information.
Creating accessible PDFs is an important part of making your content accessible to everyone. By following the tips above, you can create PDFs that are easy to read and understand by people with disabilities.
To make your document into an accessible PDF we will initially ensure it is well-structured and has a clear hierarchy of information. Whilst designing, we will use tags to explain the order of your document and describe what the images, forms and tables are for. We will also check there is a good contrast with text over background colours. We will then test your document to make sure it is fully accessible.
If you would like to find out more or would like us to check whether your pdf is accessible please get in touch with rosanne@silverstonedesignsolutions.com