PDF security settings block assistive technology on Webflow
What this is
3 PDF documents have security settings that do not allow text to be read out by assistive technology.
Who it affects
- Screen reader users
- People with low vision
Standards
How to fix it
- Open the PDF security settings (Acrobat: File → Properties → Security) and allow "Content copying for accessibility" (or remove the password restrictions).
- If a password is required to open the file, the document cannot be accessible to everyone: offer it another way.
- Replace the file on your site.
On Webflow
Fix the PDF in the program it was made with (Word, Google Docs, InDesign): turn on the accessibility options when exporting ("Tagged PDF" / "Create accessible PDF"), set the document title and language in the file properties, then export again. Upload the new file in the Assets panel and relink the elements that point to the old one.
Other platforms
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More fixes
Automated testing detects only a portion of WCAG issues. Manual testing is required to assess full conformance.