Overview
This section introduces key terms and shows you how to correctly export your files (Word, PowerPoint, or others) into accessible PDFs on both PC and Mac. You’ll find step-by-step instructions for each option, along with resources and support contacts to help reduce errors and improve accessibility in your course materials.
Definitions to Know:
Source file: The original file created in its native program (such as Word, PowerPoint, InDesign, etc.) before it is converted to a PDF.
For PC:
Note about PC Exports:
Both ways to export to PDF for a PC user have pluses and minuses. There is no way to determine the best output unless you compare each output. Feel free to use one over the other or to do both and see which one has fewer post-export accessibility errors.
Option 1 for PC Export:
- Run the accessibility checker and remediate any issues
- Go to the Acrobat Ribbon
- For Word: Select Add Links, Enable Accessibility and Reflow with tagged Adobe PDF
- For PPT: Select Add links, Enable accessibility and reflow with tagged Adobe PDF, and Convert Multimedia
- Select OK
- Select Create PDF
Option 2 for PC Export:
- Run the accessibility checker and remediate any issues
- Select File
- Go to Save As
- Select More Options
- Change Save as Type to PDF
- Select the Options... Button
- Select Document Properties and Document structure tags for accessibility
- Press OK and Save
For Mac:
- Run the accessibility checker and remediate any issues
- Select File
- Choose Save As
- Select File Format at the bottom of the window
- Use the File Format tool to choose PDF from the list of available file formats
- Select Best for electronic distribution and accessibility
- Give your file a name, if it doesn't already have one, then select Export
Resources
For more, review these additional resources:
Support
For support, email [email protected]