Why PDF/UA
There are 11 benefits of this global accessibility standard for PDF documents.
Global Standard for PDF Accessibility
ISO Standard 14289: PDF for Universal Access - PDF/UA
- Defines based on PDF features and functions what requirements an accessible PDF has to fulfill in order to be technically accessible
- In 2012, the first version of PDF/UA was approved and published by ISO
- Current version: ISO 14289-1:2014-12
- The free PDF/UA evaluation tool available is PDF Accessibility Checker (PAC)
Benefits of PDF/UA
Clear technical requirements
Clearly defined and well-documented requirements that serve as orientation for developers, implementers, service providers and procurers.
Guaranteed compatibility
Relevant software, hardware and digital documents can work together as effectively as possible – provided they comply with the standard.
Basis for defined machine checks
108 machine verified success criteria defined in the so-called Matterhorn Protocol are a good basis for reliable validation of accessible PDF documents.
Best possible user experience
PDF/UA compliant documents deliver the best possible user experience of PDFs for people with disabilities and users of mobile devices.
Complementary to WCAG
Missing link between PDF specification and the global requirements for accessible digital content as described in WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) of W3C.
Fully addresses the PDF format
Bringing the principles of WCAG into the world of PDF and setting PDF-specific rules.
Content prepared for mobile view and re-use
Future-proof presentation of content with rich semantics and machine-readability and advanced adaptability options, such as mobile view.
Product and company independent
As a global and independent product standard, PDF/UA guarantees comparable checking results and reliable requirements on which end-users should focus when choosing software.
Globally accepted and implemented
Initially published in 2012, PDF/UA is now an accepted and widely used part of the digital accessibility and PDF ecosystem and referenced in legislation.
Focus on technical accessibility
WCAG already covers all content and layout-related aspects of digital accessibility. PDF/UA, therefore, focuses on the technical aspects.
Equal access to content for everyone
Every document is usable, readable and accessible for all users - no matter what disability they may have.
PDF/UA is an important step forward for PDF accessibility. Only an international standard will make it possible for authoring software, validation tools, browsers and assistive technology such as screen readers to accept the required technical specifications. PDF/UA creates a clear set of requirements which both software developers and PDF creators can use. And finally, this international standard gives a reference for legislators around the world.
Understanding PDF Accessibility Requirements
Between Validity and Compliancy
PDF accessibility requirements can be seen as a four-layer pyramid. Every layer builds on the previous layers:
- Level 1: PDF
- Level 2: PDF/UA
- Level 3: WCAG
- Level 4: Usability
