What is the difference between PDF/UA and WCAG for PDF accessibility?

PDF/UA is a specific standard for PDF documents, making sure they are accessible. WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) is a broader set of rules for all web content, not just PDFs. Often, regulated work needs to meet both standards for full accessibility.

How can I make sure my PDF's reading order is correct?

Go to 'All tools' > 'Prepare for accessibility'. Select 'Reading Order tool'. Visually check the numbered boxes to ensure text flows logically. Drag and drop elements if needed to change their order.

Why is it better to fix accessibility problems in the source document, like Microsoft Word?

It is much better to fix accessibility issues in the original document, like a Word file, before you save it as a PDF. If you fix the source, all new PDFs you make from that source will already be accessible. This saves a lot of time and effort compared to fixing an untagged PDF after it's already created, which can be very time-consuming.

What does 'cloud-based auto-tagging' mean for PDF accessibility?

Cloud-based auto-tagging means that Adobe's powerful Sensei AI technology, running on the internet (in the cloud), automatically adds tags to your PDF. It can identify headings, tables, lists, and paragraphs. This works for both native PDFs (made from digital files) and scanned PDFs (images of documents).

If my PDF is a scanned document, can I still make it accessible?

Yes, even scanned PDFs can be made accessible. Adobe's auto-tagging feature uses AI to recognize text and structure in scanned documents. It will add tags for headings, paragraphs, and other elements, which is the first step to making your scanned PDF usable by screen readers.

Set up Acrobat workstation for accessibility tasks — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

3 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Show me how to set up Acrobat for accessibility tasks like...…+

Show me how to set up Acrobat for accessibility tasks like [checking PDFs, adding tags, or using accessibility tools].

when the reply comes backWant tips on making PDFs even more accessible?

BImprove — “do it better”Suggest ways to improve my Acrobat workstation for accessibility...…+

Suggest ways to improve my Acrobat workstation for accessibility work, such as [adding shortcuts, customizing toolbars, or installing helpful plugins].

when the reply comes backNeed help learning what each Acrobat accessibility tool does?

CDecide — “help me choose”Help me choose which Acrobat tools are best for...…+

Help me choose which Acrobat tools are best for accessibility tasks like [tagging, checking reading order, or running accessibility checks].

when the reply comes backReady to test your PDF for accessibility issues?

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader.
2
Open the Preferences dialog (Windows: select the hamburger menu > Preferences; macOS: select Acrobat/Adobe Acrobat Reader > Preferences).
3
Select Accessibility from the categories list on the left.
4
Review and adjust settings such as Replace Document Colors, Use High-Contrast Colors, or Always use Page Layout Style to suit your visual needs.
Best practiceCustomizing document colors or contrast can significantly improve readability for users with low vision or color blindness.
5
Scroll to the Accessibility section and adjust options like reading order, screen reader options, and Read Out Loud settings as needed.
NoteSelecting the correct reading order and screen reader options helps ensure assistive technologies interpret the document correctly.
6
Click OK to save your accessibility preferences.

In the appWith the API

You can quickly launch the Accessibility Setup Assistant from the Tools menu to guide you through recommended accessibility settings.

This runs in the Acrobat app - there is no separate API for this task.

Glossary

words on this page

AccessibilityMaking sure everyone, including people with disabilities, can use something.ExampleThe website was designed with Accessibility in mind, so screen readers can easily navigate it.

AcrobatA program from Adobe that opens and works with PDF files.ExampleShe used Acrobat to combine several separate documents into one PDF file.

WorkstationA computer setup where you do your tasks or work.ExampleYour workstation includes a monitor, keyboard, mouse, and the computer tower.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

Want to make all my public scholarship reliably accessible without last-minute fixes

FAQ

about this task

To set up Acrobat for accessibility, open the program and make sure the accessibility tools are visible. You can find these under the 'Tools' section. Adding the Accessibility tool to your main workspace makes it easier to check and fix PDFs for everyone.

Accessibility in a PDF means the document can be used by everyone, including people who use screen readers or need bigger text. This involves adding tags, clear reading order, and helpful descriptions for images.

You should use Acrobat's accessibility features whenever you are sharing important documents, especially with people who may have disabilities. For example, school assignments, work reports, or public information should all be checked for accessibility.

No, Acrobat is a popular and powerful tool, but there are other programs that can also help make PDFs accessible. However, Acrobat is widely used and has many built-in features for this purpose.

Setting up your workstation for accessibility tasks saves time and helps you make sure every document you work on is easy for everyone to use. It also helps you find and use the right tools quickly.

Set up Acrobat workstation for accessibility tasks

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help

Other guides