Files and documents

It is best to publish content in HTML where possible, so that people can use any custom browser setting and adapt as needed to suit their particular requirements and preferences.

There may be times when you have to create content as a non-HTML document, such as a Microsoft Word file or a PDF document. The advice provided elsewhere in this guide is still relevant as a starting point, although you will need to rely on whatever formatting options are provided by your software, and you may need to take extra steps for accessibility.

Microsoft Office

• Make your Word documents accessible to people with disabilities
• Make your PowerPoint presentations accessible to people with disabilities
• Make your Excel documents accessible to people with disabilities
• Microsoft: improve accessibility with the Accessibility Checker

Google Docs

• Google: make your document, presentation and sheets more accessible
• For Google Workspace there are free extensions for checking Google Docs, Google Slides and Google Sheets (free of charge with paid features)

PDF documents

Be aware that PDFs are often inaccessible and are tricky to make accessible. They are not designed to be flexible with their layout and adaptable for people who use Assistive Technology.

Companion video: Inaccessible PDF example read with screen reader

• Microsoft: create accessible PDFs
• Adobe Acrobat Pro: Create and verify PDF accessibility
• Adobe InDesign: creating accessible PDFs
• A guide to creating accessible PDFs using free tools
• axesCheck PDF Accessibility Checker
• PAC PDF Accessibility Checker (a download for Windows).
• PAVE 2.0 is an online tool for remediating PDFs.