What Is PDF/UA and Where Does It Come From?
PDF/UA stands for PDF/Universal Accessibility. It’s an ISO standard (ISO 14289-1) that defines how PDF files must be structured to be truly accessible. While WCAG sets general rules for accessible digital content, PDF/UA is a format-specific standard developed to cover the unique nature of PDF files.
The standard was created by the PDF Association to ensure that PDF documents can be read and navigated by people who rely on assistive technologies—including screen readers and Braille displays. It is widely referenced in German and EU accessibility regulations.
Why PDF/UA Matters for Accessibility
At a glance, a PDF may look clean and well-designed—but unless it follows the rules of PDF/UA, it may be completely unreadable for users relying on assistive tech.
PDF/UA ensures that the document:
- Has a logical structure using tags (e.g. headings, paragraphs, lists)
- Includes meaningful alternative texts for images and graphics
- Clearly defines reading order
- Has embedded fonts
- Excludes purely decorative elements from screen reader output
Without this structure, screen readers cannot interpret the document properly, and users may miss essential content or experience navigation issues.
PDF/UA and Legal Compliance
PDF/UA is not just a best practice—in many contexts, it’s a legal requirement. In Germany, PDF/UA is cited as the technical basis for accessible PDF documents in BITV 2.0 and DIN EN 301 549. These standards apply to all digital content published by or on behalf of public institutions, as well as to many companies involved in public procurement.
In practice, this means:
- If you produce content for the public sector, your PDFs need to meet PDF/UA
- If you're responding to a German government tender, PDF/UA is often expected
- If you want to proactively meet accessibility expectations in the EU, PDF/UA is the right foundation
Tools like the PDF Accessibility Checker (PAC) test specifically for PDF/UA compliance, and are often used as part of internal or external audits.
Tagged PDF vs. PDF/UA: What’s the Difference?
Many people assume that a "tagged PDF" is automatically accessible. But that’s not the case. A tagged PDF simply contains some structural markup, which can be incomplete or incorrect. A PDF/UA-compliant file, on the other hand, is fully standardized and verifiable.
The difference lies in the level of consistency and completeness. A tagged PDF might be missing key metadata like the document language or title. Tags may be inconsistently applied, or the reading order might not match the visual layout. Images may lack alternative text, or the alt texts may not meaningfully describe the visual content. Only when a PDF passes a full PDF/UA validation can it be considered truly accessible.
Creating a PDF/UA-compliant file is not a single step—it’s a process. It starts with a properly structured source document.
Once the content is prepared, the file must be exported with accessibility settings enabled. However, this export alone rarely delivers a fully compliant PDF. Most files require post-processing in tools or similar software to correct the tag tree, add missing alternative text, and set essential metadata like document title and language.
Why Working With a Seasoned Partner Helps
Let’s be honest: most companies don’t prioritize accessible PDFs because of passion—they do it to meet legal requirements, fulfill contracts, or avoid complications. That’s absolutely valid. But even then, creating PDF/UA-compliant documents requires a level of technical detail and workflow management that many internal teams don’t have the capacity for.
Working with a partner who specializes in PDF/UA helps streamline the process. You save time and internal resources by avoiding repetitive fixes and failed validations. Formal accessibility requirements are met without relying on trial and error. Your documents maintain their brand consistency and design quality, and collaboration with public clients or auditing bodies becomes much more efficient.Looking for PDF/UA support?
PDF/UA is the technical foundation of accessible PDF documents. It’s what turns a well-designed file into something that everyone can use—including those who rely on assistive technologies. If your organization publishes PDFs in the EU or for German institutions, complying with PDF/UA isn’t optional—it’s essential. The good news: you don’t need to become an expert yourself. You just need the right partner.
We create accessible, audit-proof, and beautifully designed PDF documents for companies, agencies, and institutions. Let’s talk about your next project.
