How do I make my PDF accessible?
All PDFs that are used to apply for, gain access to, or participate in a Berkeley service, program, or activity must meet WCAG 2.1 AA requirements.
Additionally, all PDFs posted to a berkeley.edu website after April 24, 2026 are required to meet WCAG 2.1 AA requirements.
Learn more about the ADA Title II updates.
Use a different digital format
Using a different digital format to provide your information will, in many cases, be an easier and faster process than creating or remediating a PDF.
Convert your PDF to web page content
Consider adding your information directly onto your web page in HTML instead of adding a PDF link.
Good option for:
- Text based content
- Frequently updated content
- Content that users will access on mobile
Convert your PDF to an accessible Google Doc
Google Docs are much easier to make accessible compared to PDFs and can easily be made public.
Good option for:
- Text based documents
- Documents that users may want to print
- Frequently updated content
Learn more about how to convert your PDF into a Google Doc.
Convert your PDF form to a web-based form
PDF forms are very difficult to make accessible. We recommend, if possible, converting your PDF form into a web-based form. Some options include:
Create an accessible PDF
If you must keep your file as a PDF, you will need to make sure it meets WCAG 2.1 AA requirements.
Export from an accessible source document
A source document is the original file type your PDF was created in. This could be a Word document, a Google Slide, or an InDesign file, among others.
- Build an accessible source document from another format. Learn more about building accessible source documents in Google Workspace and Microsoft Suite.
- Convert your file from a source document to a PDF. Be careful to convert your file correctly. Do not save to print. This removes all of the hard work you have done to improve the accessibility of your document.
- Run the Accessibility Checker in Adobe Acrobat. More information about the Adobe Accessibility Checker can be found here: Create and verify PDF accessibility (Acrobat Pro)
Note: Accessibility issues may still be present in your file, even if Adobe does not report any accessibility issues. A manual review is required.
Hire a vendor
We strongly recommend hiring a PDF remediation vendor for fillable forms or other complex documents.
The most up-to-date information about PDF remediation vendors can be found on our Accessibility Vendors page.
Remediate your file
As a last resort, you will need to remediating your PDF to meet WCAG 2.1 AA requirements.
This course will teach you how to remediate most documents:
- LinkedIn Learning: Creating Accessible PDFs (5 hour course)
- LinkedIn Learning: Advanced Accessible PDFs (6 hour course)