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Introduction to saving Word Documents as Accessible PDFs

PDF documents are a common fixture in both academic and professional settings. They enable the sharing of fixed documents across a large audience, but they are often not accessible.ÌýMaking accessible documents in Microsoft Word and saving them as PDF/A retains all aspects of the document to create an accessible PDF.

The resources on this page consist of video tutorials and text directions to save Word documents as accessible PDFs on PC and Mac.

Step by Step Instructions for Saving Word Documents as Accessible PDFs (PC)

  1. Open a completed and accessible Microsoft Word document.
  2. SelectÌýFile, then select Save as Adobe PDF.
  3. SelectÌýthe location you want your file to be saved at, i.e.: Desktop, Documents folder
  4. Select the Options button at the bottom of the Save window.
  5. Check the box next to the ‘Create PDF/A-1a:2005’ then select OK to close the Options window.
  6. Select the Save button at the bottom of the Save window. The resulting PDF will maintain accessible structure from Word.

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Step by Step Instructions for Saving Word Documents as Accessible PDFs (Mac)

  1. OpenÌýa completedÌýMicrosoft Word document.
  2. ClickÌýFileÌýtab andÌýselectÌýSave As.
  3. SelectÌýthe location you want toÌýsaveÌýyour file (i.e. Desktop, Documents folder, or other location)
  4. SelectÌýPDFÌýfrom theÌýSave as TypeÌýdrop-down menu.
  5. SelectÌýthe button next to ‘Best for electronic distribution and accessibility’
  6. ClickÌýExport

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Connect with the Instructional Accessibility Group

Improve your instructional accessibility through the IAG live trainings, access checks for individual materials, or course reviews.

Have more questions or need additional assistance? Email the Instructional Accessibility Group