---
title: What is PDF Accessibility?
description: For those who are new to the term, we provide a basic description of what an accessible PDF is.
image: https://meetaandi.com/hubfs/20.png
---

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 Jan 2, 2024, 2:26:59 PM

# What is PDF Accessibility?

![Picture of Alex Bey](https://meetaandi.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Alex%20Headshot%20smaller.jpg?width=50&name=Alex%20Headshot%20smaller.jpg) [Alex Bey](https://meetaandi.com/blog/author/alex-bey)

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For those who are new to the term, we provide a basic description of what an accessible PDF is.

To better understand the concept of PDF Accessibility, let us first define each words individually.

# PDF

PDF, Portable Document Format, was created by Adobe Systems in 1993. It is primarily used by many because of its capability to create a print-equivalent document that is readily available on most platforms. The software to view the files is also freely available on most platforms.

# Accessibility

Accessibility, as defined by the International Standard Organization (ISO), is “the usability of a product, service, environment, of facility by people with the widest range of capabilities”. The concept of usability, on the other hand, is “the extent to which a product can be used to achieve specified goals with effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction in a specified context of use”.

What this means is, PDF Accessibility is the process of making sure a PDF File is accessible to most, if not all, assistive tools like screen readers, text-to-speech software, speech recognition software, alternative input devices, braille embossers and braille displays to make sure that the file can also be used by people with disabilities.

# Components of Accessible Documents

To make sure a PDF file is optimised for accessibility, Adobe provided a list of characteristic which they think will make a PDF file accessible.

These characteristics includes, but are not limited to:

- Searchable text;
- Fonts that allow characters to be extracted to text;
- Interactive form fields;
- Other interactive features: buttons, hyperlinks, and navigational aids;
- Document language (specified);
- Security that will not interfere with assistive technology;
- Document structure tags and proper reading order; and
- Alternative text descriptions.

Contact the team on 1300 255 733 so we can work out how we can help you be more inclusive and accessible.

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