Do PDFs need to be accessible?

Yes, PDF documents are a form of web content and must meet the accessibility standards outlined in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG).

Here are some basic rules to follow when creating accessible PDF documents:

• Create PDFs from an accessible source document: Many applications allow you to export content to PDF (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs, InDesign). It’s crucial to structure your document using proper formatting and tags.
• Use Document Metadata: Ensure your document contains all required metadata information, including title, author, and language.
• Use Alt Text for Images: Provide text descriptions (alternative text) for images, and mark decorative images appropriately using the Artifact tag.
• Use Headings: Structure your source document with headings to identify each section. Maintain a consistent heading hierarchy that follows a logical outline structure.
• Check for Color Contrast: Use colors with adequate contrast between text and background elements. WCAG 2.1 AA requires a minimum contrast ratio of 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text.

This list is not exhaustive but covers the majority of issues related to PDF document accessibility. For more info, check out the Harvard Digital Accessibility Services Team’s guide on creating accessible PDFs.