PDF Accessibility Checklist
A practical review for readable structure, keyboard access, and assistive technology.
Start with real text and structure
Accessible PDFs need text that assistive technology can interpret, a logical reading order, meaningful headings, lists, tables, and document language. OCR may create text but does not automatically create correct structure.
- Set a descriptive title and document language
- Use heading levels in order
- Add alternative text for meaningful images
Check navigation and interaction
Links need useful names, form controls need labels, and keyboard focus should follow a predictable order. Tables require clear headers and simple relationships whenever possible.
- Test all controls with a keyboard
- Include bookmarks for long documents
- Avoid using color alone to convey meaning
Validate with people and tools
Automated checkers find missing properties but cannot judge whether alternative text is useful or reading order makes sense. Combine automated checks, screen-reader testing, zoom and contrast review, and human evaluation.