Why accessible PDFs?

Accessible PDF documents are usable by everyone and also easily indexable by search engines. For governments and (soon) companies, accessible PDFs are even mandatory. Do you need help making your PDF files digitally accessible? Let our specialists help you!

Make my PDFs accessible

The advantages of digitally accessible PDFs

Accessible PDFs have several advantages. The main advantage, of course, is that they are usable by everyone. Users who need reading software (screen readers), for example, can therefore understand the content. Moreover, accessible PDFs are required by law. Finally, they are also more findable in Google. In short, plenty of reasons to have your PDFs made accessible.

What is an accessible PDF?

A PDF document is accessible if it meets all the relevant success criteria of the WCAG 2.2 AA standard.

For a PDF to be accessible, it is important that the underlying codes and metadata are set up properly. This is because that way, assistive devices can interpret the PDF properly. This allows people with disabilities to use the document. For example, people who use a screen reader.

The requirements for accessible PDFs are similar to those for SEO-optimized web pages:

• Properly include the title, language of the document into the metadata. This allows users of pre-reading software to know what the document is about and allows the software to apply the appropriate language.
• Use a logical structure and indicate this with labeled sections, such as headings, lists and tables in the source file.
• Describe images and graphics using alternative text so that users of text-to-speech software know what it is about.
• Make navigating the document easy by using links, bookmarks and a table of contents.
• Does your document contain audio or video? Then provide audio descriptions and transcriptions, subtitles (for video) and dubbing if needed.
• Label fields in tables and forms so their contents are clear when using a screen reader.

If these elements are in order, you are well on your way to an accessible PDF! Another solution is to use an accessible alternative instead of a PDF.

Do you already know what is required for an accessible PDF? Then, with the right software, you can get started yourself.

This is how we make your PDF accessible

We make PDFs accessible by modifying the underlying codes and metadata with special software, such as Adobe Acrobat Pro and axesPDF. Does your document contain images? Then they must be given an alternative text. We do this in consultation with you because, after all, you are the subject matter expert. The result is a PDF that meets both the WCAG and PDF/UA standards.

Making your PDF accessible through Word and InDesign

Do you have a source file in Word or InDesign? Then we are happy to work with those. Many accessibility problems are easier to solve this way. For example using axesWord.

We also work with InDesign. We do not adjust the design (e.g. colors because of too little contrast or complex infographics). For that you have to make choices and changes. But with InDesign, we can solve many accessibility problems. For example:

• Adjust paragraph styles with the correct codes;
• Add alternative text;
• Adjust reading order;
• Link table of contents correctly;
• Set language change;
• Create cross-references;
• Export the PDF with the correct codes.

Make PDFs accessible yourself with axes4 software or have it done?

Of course we are happy to make your PDFs accessible. But with axes4's software, you can easily do it yourself. Create accessible pdf's from Word with axesWord. Or make existing pdf's accessible yourself with axesPDF. And in PowerPoint, use axesSlide to create your own beautiful accessible PDF to share. Want to know more?

Make your own PDFs accessible with axes4 software

Accessible PDFs for your whole organization

Is there no end to the flow of non-accessible PDFs in your organization? The deeper in the organization, the less control you have over it. We help you solve this organizational issue and stop the flow!

Based on your needs and goals, we determine the right pdf program together. Because every situation is different, the programs are customized. The basic program is as follows.

In six sessions, our consultant will take you through streamlining the process around making all your PDFs accessible. The result is a Basic Pdf Plan of Action. This contains:

• The goals and results to be achieved,
• The preconditions and starting points,
• The risks and bottlenecks,
• Raising awareness within the organisation.
• Who is needed to make this process successful,
• How much budget you need.

In short, with this Basic Pdf Plan of Action, you can structurally secure the digital accessibility of all your PDFs. For now and in the future.

I don't want inaccessible PDFs anymore