How to Make PDFs Accessible

Step 1: Convert PDF to Word

1. In Word go to File.

A screenshot of the Word tool bar with an arrow pointing to File.

2. Click Open and navigate to the file you want to open (you may need to click the Browse at the bottom of the screen).

Screenshot of the File menu in Word with the Open button circled.

3. Select the PDF you want to convert and click Open.

4. The following message will pop up. Click OK to proceed.

A screenshot of a Word pop up letting us know that Word will convert the document. with the OK button circled.

Step 2: Make the Word Document Accessible

After opening the converted Word file, follow these steps:

  1. Run Word’s Accessibility Checker
  • Click "Review" → "Check Accessibility."
  • Follow the suggestions to fix accessibility issues.

Screenshot of the Word tool bar with the Review tab, Check Accessibility and Check Accessibility tab circled.

Step 3: Save as an Accessible PDF

  1. Click "File" → "Save As."
  2. Choose PDF as the file format.

A screenshot of the Save as options with the PDF (*.pdf) option from the drop down circled.

  1. Click "More options" → "Options."

A screenshot of the Save as options with he More options circled.

Screenshot of the Save as options with the Options button circled.

  1. Check "Document structure tags for accessibility."

A screenshot of the options window with the Document structure tags for accessibility check box circled.

  1. Click "OK" and then "Save."
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