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PDF Accessibility Checker
The PDF Accessibility Checker scans and audits the PDF document against the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and Section 508 accessibility guidelines. When the audit is complete, the Checker issues a thorough report, detailing the remediation process and any accessibility issues that remain.
The PDF Accessibility Checker incorporates EqualWeb’s AI technology, powerfully enhancing the speed and efficiency of auditing auto-tagged remediated PDFs. The advanced AI technology enables precise identification of document elements, resulting in accurate, detailed, and friendly-to-gauge accessibility reports.
What does the Checker check?
EqualWeb’s PDF Accessibility Checker scans the remediated PDF document for accessibility issues. It shows the number of accessibility issues fixed and the number of accessibility issues that remain. These are comprised of 7 main categories: Document, Page Content, Forms, Alternate Text, Tables, Lists, and Headings. Each category breaks down the accessibility issues that passed WCAG and Section 508 standards, issues that require manual auditing, and issues that failed. The issues are stipulated by “Rule Name” and a short description. In the next section, we will take you through the categories one by one.
PDF Auditory Report
The PDF Auditory Report is comprised of two main parts. The first is a general accessibility overview of the remediated PDF document. The second is a detailed description of accessibility issues that passed WCAG guidelines, issues that require further manual review, or issues that failed to pass WCAG guidelines. Let’s now examine the second part in more detail.
Document
An overview assessment of the PDF document. Accessibility issues such as title showing in title bar, tags, specified text language, structure, and more are detailed in this category.
Page Content
An assessment of PDF pages. Accessibility issues such as tagged content and annotations, tab order, tagged multimedia, screen not flickering, navigation links, and more are detailed in this category.
Forms
An assessment of PDF forms. Accessibility issues in this category are detailed under two Rule Names: tagged form fields and field descriptions. Checker scans to ensure fields are tagged and have descriptions.
Alternate Text
An assessment of PDF Alt Text. Accessibility issues in this category consist of figures requiring alternate text, nested alternate text, annotation that isn’t hidden by alternate text, and more.
Tables
An assessment of PDF tables. Accessibility issues in this category consist of rows, table headers, consistency in columns, tables summaries, and more.
Lists
An assessment of PDF lists. Accessibility issues in this category are detailed under two Rule Names: List items and Lbl and LBody.
Heading
The heading category shows accessibility issues as applied to appropriate nesting
Want to try out the Checker?
Upload your PDF files to test their accessibility levels.
Checker scans your document for accessibility issues.
Step 3
Auto-Tag API remediates your PDF according to latest WCAG guidelines.
Step 4
Checker audits auto-tagged PDF document for the second time.
Step 5
Checker generates an auditory report of original document and auto-tagged document.
PDF AI-Tag remediation process
The PDF Accessibility Checker works in tandem with the PDF AI-Tag Remediation tool. After uploading a PDF file via your dashboard, the Checker will scan the document, and then any accessibility issues detected will be automatically remediated by the powerful AI technology. Within seconds after uploading your PDF, the remediation tool makes your document accessible according to WCAG 2.2 Level AA standards. The AI remediation tool, powered by Adobe’s Auto-Tag software, automatically tags the non-accessible elements on the PDF, significantly improving its accessibility results for the sake of people with disabilities
What is PDF tagging?
Users with disabilities who use assistive technology, like screen readers or other text-to-speech tools, require a PDF to be structured in order to read it properly and engage with its content. This is achieved by automatically tagging your PDF files with Adobe’s AI-powered PDF Accessibility Auto-Tag software. Adding tags enables the identification of a PDF’s elements such as Headings, Tables, Lists, and Paragraphs.
PDF structure tags define the reading order as well as headings, paragraphs, sections, tables, and other page elements. The tags structure also allows documents to be resized and reflowed for viewing at larger sizes and on mobile devices.
How does the API work?
1. Upload a PDF file
The user uploads the PDF file for Auto-Tag remediation.
2. Automatic tagging
The Auto-Tag automatically identifies and tags important elements in the document.
3. Reading order determination
The software determines the correct reading order for the content, facilitating easier navigation for screen reader users.
4.Checker report
The Checker generates a report detailing the tags found in the original document and the auto-tagged document.
API benefits
Accuracy: The Auto-Tag employs advanced technology for the precise identification of document elements, resulting in accurate tagging and improved accessibility.
Scalability: The software tags individual documents or large collections, enabling efficient accessibility improvements at scale.
Time: Automatic tagging saves significant time compared to manual tagging, allowing for accessibility enhancements in a shorter timeframe.
Compatibility: The AI software is compatible with various document styles and formats, enhancing accessibility across a wide range of documents.
Limitations
The AI tagging and reviewing cannot replace human scrutiny. Despite the technology’s high accuracy, manual review is recommended to ensure correctness and address any errors that may remain in the document. Complex PDF documents that require extensive image descriptions will probably require manual tagging for optimal accessibility. The Checker report lists accessibility errors with instructions on how to fix them manually.
We are ready to help
Check your PDF documents now for accessibility compliance.
If you need further assistance or would like to ask anything about this subject, feel free to contact one of our accessibility experts.
“ADA compliance was definitely a factor with our decision to choose EqualWeb.
In today’s digital landscape, meeting ADA laws that cater to customers with disabilities has become crucial for businesses. EqualWeb understands this need completely, which is why tens of thousands of companies, ranging from Fortune 500 firms to small businesses, trust us to remediate their websites against the highest and most up-to-date international digital accessibility standards. We are honored to partner with companies like Motor Bookstore, who prioritize smart solutions that are not only cost-effective but also ensure inclusivity for all.
“I think everybody should provide [the EqualWeb] functionality to their websites.
Nuwber, after an extensive search for the best web accessibility solution, found that EqualWeb stood out as the top choice for website remediation. We are thrilled to offer our premier web accessibility services to fulfill Nuwber’s accessibility and compliance needs. At EqualWeb, we pride ourselves on delivering the highest level of service to our clients and are grateful for their trust and support. Our commitment to exceptional accessibility solutions is exemplified by our loyal customers. Take a moment to hear the warm testimonial that Nuwber graciously shared with us.
“I have to say that the EqualWeb team has been one of the best partners for Lenovo.
EqualWeb is delighted to cooperate with the world’s leading PC company, Lenovo. We take great pride in providing top-notch web accessibility solutions for Lenovo’s platforms. With Lenovo joining our esteemed list of loyal clients, we are grateful for their trust and support. We also extend our gratitude to Salo for her kind remarks, which attest to our strong partnership. Our collaboration with Lenovo reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional accessibility solutions.
Hanna Salo, Senior Manager of the E-Commerce Business Unit, at Lenovo
