5 Ways To Make Your PDF Documents More Accessible

PDF accessibility is an important consideration for all businesses, regardless of their size. As a small business owner, you may not have a dedicated team to ensure your PDFs are accessible, but it’s crucial to ensure that everyone can access your information, no matter their ability. Here are some best practices to follow when creating PDFs for your small business.

 1. Use actual text

First and foremost, make sure that all text in your PDF is selectable and searchable. This means that users can highlight, copy, and paste text, and that screen readers can accurately read the text aloud. To ensure that your text is selectable, avoid using scanned images of text or converting text to outlines or shapes as this will affect PDF accessibility. Instead, use actual text in your document and make sure that it is tagged properly.

2. Tag your document properly

Tagging your PDF document is crucial for PDF accessibility. Tags help screen readers understand the structure of your document, making it easier for users to navigate. When tagging your document, make sure to include headings, lists, tables, and images with alternative text descriptions. This will ensure that screen reader users can navigate your document with ease and understand its content.

3. Use a high-contrast color scheme

Another important consideration for PDF accessibility is color contrast. Ensure that your text and images have enough contrast between the foreground and background colors. This makes it easier for users with visual impairments to read and understand the content of your document.

A general rule of thumb is to have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 between the text and its background color. There are several online tools that can help you check the contrast ratio of your PDF.

4. Make fillable forms easier to navigate

If your PDF contains fillable forms, it’s important to make sure that they are accessible as well. Ensure that all form fields are labeled clearly and that users can navigate through the form using the keyboard.

This means that users can use the Tab key to move between form fields and the Enter key to submit the form. Additionally, make sure that form fields are tagged properly so that screen readers can understand the structure of the form.

5. Keep the end-user in mind

Finally, when creating PDFs, it’s important to keep the end-user in mind. Consider the different types of users who may access your document and their needs. For example, if you are creating a menu for your restaurant, consider including alternative text descriptions for images of your dishes, so that users with visual impairments can understand the content of the menu. Additionally, make sure that your document is organized in a logical manner and that it’s easy to navigate.

PDF accessibility for your small business website

In conclusion, PDF accessibility is an essential consideration for all businesses, regardless of their size. As a small business owner, it’s important to ensure that all users can access your information, no matter their ability.

By following these best practices, you can ensure that your PDFs are accessible and can be used by everyone. Remember to make your text selectable, tag your document properly, ensure color contrast, make your forms accessible, and keep your end user in mind.