How to Use PDFs Accessibly
PDFs pose particular challenges for digital accessibility. It can be difficult to determine whether a PDF is accessible, and fixing accessibility problems in an existing PDF can be complicated and time-consuming. In addition, many common methods of creating PDFs, such as scanning printed documents, do not automatically produce documents that can be properly read or navigated using assistive technologies.
Pacific University is purchasing YuJa Panorama, an accessibility tool that will help faculty identify accessibility issues in documents and provide tools and guidance for addressing many of those issues. Panorama will be integrated with Moodle and is expected to be available to all faculty in January 2027.
Until Panorama is available, we recommend using caution when posting PDFs and choosing more accessible alternatives whenever possible.
1. Use Library Resources Instead of Uploading PDFs When Possible
When assigning course readings, link directly to electronic resources available through the Pacific University Libraries whenever possible rather than uploading a separate PDF copy to Moodle. When linking to library resources, use a permalink so that students can reliably access the resource from on or off campus. See the Pacific University Libraries’ instructions for creating and using permalinks.
Library resources may provide readings in accessible HTML, ebook, or other electronic formats and can often provide students with more options for accessing the material.
If you cannot find the reading you need through the Libraries’ existing electronic resources, you can request ebooks, print books, and other resources using the Libraries’ Request-a-Purchase form. You can also request many materials through Interlibrary Loan.
If you have difficulty accessing a library resource or need help troubleshooting access, see the Libraries’ troubleshooting information.
2. Provide the Original Document Instead of a PDF When Possible
If you are providing a course document that you created yourself, such as a syllabus, assignment description, study guide, or handout, consider providing the original accessible document rather than converting it to PDF.
For example, an accessible Microsoft Word document can usually be posted directly to Moodle and may be easier for students using assistive technologies to navigate than a PDF version of the same document.
If you need to provide the document as a PDF, create the document accessibly in Microsoft Word first and then export it as a PDF. Starting with a well-structured source document—including headings, lists, descriptive hyperlinks, alternative text, and properly structured tables—can help preserve important accessibility information when the PDF is created.
Please see our How to Create Accessible Digital Documents page for guidance on creating accessible Word documents and other digital materials.
3. Avoid Scanned PDFs When Possible
A PDF created by scanning a printed page may contain only images of the pages rather than readable text. In this form, the document may not be usable with a screen reader, and students may be unable to search, select, copy, or otherwise interact with the text.
Whenever possible, look for an electronic version of the material rather than scanning a printed copy.
4. Use YuJa Panorama to Check PDFs When It Becomes Available
If a PDF is the only practical format for a course resource, we recommend using YuJa Panorama once it becomes available in Moodle. Panorama will help identify accessibility problems in PDFs and other course documents and provide tools and guidance for addressing many common issues.
We expect Panorama to be available to all Pacific University faculty in January 2027. Additional instructions for using Panorama to assess and improve course materials will be added to this site when the service becomes available.