How do I make sure my PDF is accessible to everyone?

Start by fixing the original document (like a Word file) before making it a PDF. This is the easiest way. If you have an existing PDF, use Acrobat's 'Automatically tag PDF' feature. Then, manually check and adjust the 'Reading Order' of content. Add 'Alt text' to all images so screen readers can describe them. Finally, run the 'Accessibility Checker' to find and fix any remaining issues.

What is the difference between WCAG and PDF/UA?

Feature WCAG PDF/UA. Purpose General rules for all digital content accessibility. Specific rules for making PDF documents accessible. Scope Works for websites, apps, and documents. Only for PDF files. Requirement Often needed for legal and government rules. Often needed for very strict document rules, sometimes along with WCAG.

Can I automate the process of checking PDF accessibility?

Yes, you can use the 'PDF Accessibility Auto-Tag API' to automatically add tags to many PDFs at once. There is also a beta 'Accessibility Checker API' that can help identify problems in bulk. While automation helps a lot, you will still need a human to review complex parts like reading order, alt text for images, and tables to ensure full compliance.

Ensure WCAG Compliance in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

2 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Create an accessible PDF version of the Unit 3 lesson packet with proper headings and tagged…+

Create an accessible PDF version of the Unit 3 lesson packet with proper headings and tagged images so students using screen readers can access it, add an audio file of the main text, and verify accessibility compliance before [deadline=Friday].

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

BImprove — “do it better”Make the lesson packet truly accessible: restructure content with semantic headings, add alt…+

Make the lesson packet truly accessible: restructure content with semantic headings, add alt text for every image, embed a narrated audio track of the lesson, run the accessibility checker, and produce a tagged PDF plus a one-paragraph teacher guide explaining navigation for students using assistive tech.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open the PDF file to be checked in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
2
Select Tools in the upper left, then add or open the Accessibility tool.
3
In the Accessibility pane, select Full Check.
4
In the dialog that opens, under Report Options, ensure Create accessibility report is checked.
5
Under Checking Options, select the desired standard (e.g., WCAG 2.0 or PDF/UA) if available.
NoteIf your version of Acrobat does not list PDF/UA or WCAG options, the checker will still test for core accessibility issues relevant to both standards.
6
Click Start Checking to run the accessibility check.
7
Review the results in the Accessibility Checker panel; expand each section to see issues flagged.
8
Address all issues marked as Failed or Needs manual check by following the recommended fixes or using the Fix option where available.
Best practiceFor best results, avoid using 'Print to PDF' when creating documents, as this removes accessibility tags and formatting.
9
Repeat the accessibility check after making corrections to confirm compliance.
10
Save a copy of the accessibility report for documentation or auditing purposes.
Best practiceAlways verify that text is selectable and not an image; scanned PDFs are not accessible and should be remediated or recreated.

In the appWith the API

The Accessibility Checker panel provides a detailed breakdown of compliance issues and links directly to problem elements in your PDF.

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

Glossary

words on this page

WCAGInternational guidelines for making web content accessible to all users.ExampleFollowing WCAG ensures that a website can be used by people with visual impairments.

Alt textA short description for images so people who cannot see them know what they show.ExampleA person using a screen reader hears 'a red bicycle leaning against a brick wall' when they encounter the image.

PDF/UAA specific standard for making PDFs accessible.ExampleA company creates a PDF/UA document so visually impaired users can access its content.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

Create an accessible version of lesson materials so students with disabilities can use screen readers.

FAQ

about this task

Start by fixing the original document (like a Word file) before making it a PDF. This is the easiest way.
If you have an existing PDF, use Acrobat's 'Automatically tag PDF' feature.
Then, manually check and adjust the 'Reading Order' of content.
Add 'Alt text' to all images so screen readers can describe them.
Finally, run the 'Accessibility Checker' to find and fix any remaining issues.

Feature	WCAG	PDF/UA
Purpose	General rules for all digital content accessibility.	Specific rules for making PDF documents accessible.
Scope	Works for websites, apps, and documents.	Only for PDF files.
Requirement	Often needed for legal and government rules.	Often needed for very strict document rules, sometimes along with WCAG.

Tagging a PDF adds a hidden structure to the document. This structure tells screen readers and other assistive technologies what each part of the document is (like a heading, a paragraph, or a list). Without tags, these tools cannot understand the document's layout or content, making it impossible for someone with a visual impairment to navigate or read it properly. It's the foundation for all other accessibility features.

Yes, even scanned PDFs can be made accessible. Acrobat's 'Automatically tag PDF' feature uses smart technology to recognize text and structure in scanned documents. However, scanned documents often need more manual checking and fixing. You will likely need to correct the reading order and add alt text for any images or charts that were part of the original scan, as automation might not get them perfectly right.

Yes, you can use the 'PDF Accessibility Auto-Tag API' to automatically add tags to many PDFs at once.
There is also a beta 'Accessibility Checker API' that can help identify problems in bulk.
While automation helps a lot, you will still need a human to review complex parts like reading order, alt text for images, and tables to ensure full compliance.

Ensure WCAG Compliance

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help

Other guides