Making PDFs Accessible: Fonts, Color Contrast, And Alt Text

Ensuring accessibility means ensuring that all individuals, including those with disabilities, can access and utilize digital content with ease. When designing websites, apps, or other digital content like PDFs, prioritizing accessibility should be a key consideration. However, creating an accessibility-friendly PDF that meets ADA and WCAG requirements can be a challenging task. It requires time, research, and a comprehensive understanding of accessibility standards. Nonetheless, with dedication, you can overcome this challenge and create more inclusive digital content. If you are someone who is wondering how to make a pdf accessible for visually impaired

 then this article will guide you with some tips that'll help you to get the job done.

1. Choose Accessible Fonts

   Selecting the right font is a crucial step in making your PDFs accessible to all users, including those with visual impairments. The chosen font should be easy to read and distinguish from other fonts, as it can significantly affect the document's legibility. Refrain from using fancy or decorative fonts that may be challenging to read for some individuals. Instead, stick to standard sans-serif fonts like Arial, Verdana, or Helvetica, which are more readable both on-screen and in print. By selecting accessible fonts, you can ensure that your PDFs are legible to a broader audience, providing an inclusive reading experience for all users. 
   
   Best Fonts for Accessibility:
   • Verdana (sans serif)
   • Tahoma (sans serif)
   • Arial (sans serif)
   • Georgia (serif)
   • Palatino (serif)

2. Color Contrast

   Color contrast refers to the difference in brightness and color between two adjacent elements in a design. In the context of PDF accessibility, color contrast plays a critical role in making sure that text and other visual elements are easy to read for everyone, including those with visual impairments or color blindness. Insufficient color contrast can make it challenging for users to distinguish between different design elements or to read text, particularly if the text size is small. By using appropriate color contrast, designers can enhance the legibility and clarity of their documents and ensure that all users can access the content.

3. Alt Text 

   What is Alt Text?

   Alt text, also known as alternative text, is a written explanation of an image or graphic element featured on a webpage or computer application. The primary function of alt text is to provide additional information about an image, making it more accessible for users who rely on assistive technologies like screen readers.

   Alt image texts are particularly crucial for individuals with visual impairments who may not be able to perceive the images otherwise. By including descriptive information about the visual content such as product names and descriptions, illustrations, graphs, charts, and other visual elements, alt text ensures that users can access the same content as those who can see the images.

   Why is Alt Text Important?

   Alt texts are not only beneficial for individuals with visual impairments but can also enhance the readability and reach of businesses. They serve several purposes, including improving SEO, enhancing digital accessibility, explaining images that may not load properly, and boosting user experience. By including descriptive alt texts, businesses can increase their website's accessibility and ensure that all users can understand and engage with their content, ultimately leading to a more positive user experience. 

Final Thoughts

It is essential to make PDFs accessible to everyone in order to create a more equitable and inclusive digital world. Making sure that fonts, color contrast, and alt text are considered when creating these documents ensures that individuals with visual impairments can access them. With the right tools, such as Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, anyone can create PDFs that are accessible to all users.

It is important for organizations to prioritize accessibility as it has the power to open up opportunities for people with disabilities.

Author Bio:  Emilie Brown works with the Digital Marketing team at PREP, an AI-based remediation software that enables businesses to create WCAG and ADA-compliant PDFs in minutes. Her approach and methodology is simple, concise, and to the point and connect with readers seeking for solution-driven content on topics related to accessibility and remediation. Apart from her time at work, she loves to spend time with her dog, volunteer and play her guitar.