Move to a PC

All documents must be tested on a PC using the PAC 2024 Checker and the JAWS Reader.

These programs are free but not available for Mac OS.

The online PAC Checker works on all platforms does not provide a detailed error report. It only indicates “pass” or “fail.”

Test with the PAC Checker

No automated checker in any software tests against the PDF/UA Standards for accessible documents.

The only automated checker that tests against standards is the PAC 2024 Checker.

  1. Test your document with PAC 2024.
  2. Fix any errors PAC identifies in your source document and re-export if possible.
  3. If it’s not possible to fix the error in source, remediate the PDF.
  4. Rerun PAC 2024 until no errors remain.

NOTE: If you use the Preflight Fixup to “Set PDF/UA-1 Entry” on your documents, it MUST actually pass the PAC 2024 Checker. This setting tells users that the document is PDF/UA compliant, so don’t use this unless your document really is accessible.

Listen with a Screen Reader

JAWS Reader is the best way to ensure your document reads properly for all users. It is free and runs on PC. 

NVDA Reader is also free and runs on PC.

Automated checkers are not a substitute for humans – they can only spot the things they are programmed to spot. Listening with a screen reader helps ensure your documents read fluidly and coherently, like an audiobook or a podcast, and that there are no barriers for users with disability.