WCAG and the ADA apply to document content, not just HTML pages. A scanned, untagged PDF is invisible to a screen reader — and PDFs (statements, guides, forms) are often the most important documents on a site. Here is how to make them conformant.
Why PDFs are an accessibility blind spot
Teams audit their web pages and forget the PDFs linked from them. But a fee schedule, a benefits guide, or an application form in PDF is subject to the same WCAG criteria. An untagged PDF fails WCAG 1.3.1 (Info and Relationships), 1.1.1 (Non-text Content), and more.
The checklist
Tags and reading order
The PDF must have a tag tree that reflects the logical reading order. This is the single most important fix — it is what lets a screen reader navigate headings, paragraphs, and lists.
Document structure
Use real heading tags (H1, H2, H3) in order, real lists, and real paragraphs — not just visually styled text.
Alt text on images
Every informative image needs alternative text; decorative images are marked as artifacts so they are skipped.
Tables
Data tables need header cells defined so screen readers can associate each value with its row and column.
Document language and title
Set the document language (so the screen reader uses the right pronunciation) and a descriptive document title in the metadata.
Forms
PDF form fields need labels (tooltips), a logical tab order, and accessible instructions.
Color and contrast
Same thresholds as the web: 4.5:1 for normal text. Never use color alone to convey meaning.
How to check a PDF
Adobe Acrobat Pro has a built-in Accessibility Checker (Prepare for accessibility). The free PAC (PDF Accessibility Checker) tests against PDF/UA and WCAG. Always finish with a manual screen-reader pass — tags can be present but illogical.
The better long-term fix
Where you can, publish content as HTML instead of PDF. HTML is accessible by default when authored correctly, reflows on mobile, and is far easier to keep conformant than a binary document.
How AccessProof helps
AccessProof audits the HTML pages of your site and flags where PDF downloads are linked, so you can route those documents into a PDF remediation workflow. For the web layer itself, a free scan shows your current WCAG status in under a minute.