WCAG 2.1 & Adobe PDF Creation & Remediation

This success criterion does not apply to PDFs.

• Relies on the user's settings in the software program, not on the PDF creator.

This success criterion does not currently apply to PDFs. However, we can improve the user’s experience in certain instances: 

• Some users may turn on the Adobe Auto-Complete feature to help them fill out forms (found in Preferences>Forms>Auto-Complete). 
  • Auto-Complete stores information from previous forms to assist users when filling in information. 
• Form creators need to ensure form fields with specific coding (zip code, phone number, etc.) have the appropriate tooltip and are properly formatted for the specific type of information. If not formatted properly, the content stored by the end user may no longer be available to them.

We recommend exempting PDFs from this success criterion. Note: This exemption may be revoked once platforms can support reflow.

Reasoning:

• Reflow can be managed within the Acrobat Content Panel by adjusting content containers. However, moving these containers will change the order of the tags in the Tags panel, which can impact the experience for users relying on assistive technologies, such as screen readers. 
• Turning on reflow will remove colored backgrounds . As a result, white text on a blue background turns into white text on a white background, making the content unreadable.

This success criterion applies to all PDFs.

Overview 

The visual presentation of user interface components and graphical objects have a contrast ratio of at least 3:1 against adjacent colors. This includes icons that convey information, lines in line graphs, diagrams, infographics and slices in pie charts. 

How to implement

Review the Content Authoring page for more detail on non-text contrast considerations. 

How to test

Use testing tools with an eyedropper tool to select the foreground and background colors of the visual presentation. The tool will then provide a pass/fail indication.

Testing tools

• Vispero Colour Contrast Analyser (CCA)
• WebAIM Contrast Checker
• Colbindor Coblis - Color Blindness Simulator

Additional training

• W3C's Understanding non-text contrast

This success criterion does not apply to PDFs. 

• PDF creators cannot control text spacing within PDFs.

This success criterion does not currently apply to PDFs. We will continue to monitor improvements to Adobe and update if this changes.

This success criterion does not apply to PDFs.

• We do not create keyboard shortcuts within/for PDFs.

This success criterion applies only to PDFs with interactive elements (e.g., form fields, hyperlinks, etc.). 

• You can perform all gesture components by keyboard when working in a PDF, except when using Fill and Sign to add a signature, initials, or stamp. 
  • Note: The Adobe Signature field is accessible to most users, but not all. 
• There may be individuals who require accommodation for elements such as digital signatures. These should be handled on an individual basis.
  • Learn how to create digital signatures and alternative signature options (such as a boilerplate signature block) for individual accommodation or when targeting certain audiences.

This success criterion applies only to PDFs with forms and other interactive elements. 

• Acrobat Pro Form creators: When using JavaScript actions, you must use "mouse up" and "on blur" for buttons and other interactive form fields. 
• Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) Form creators: You may use any of the JavaScript events on buttons below since they may be cancelled by the user:  
  • mouseDown + click (not to be used separately). 
  • mouseUp. 
  • Do not use: 
    • mouseDown. 
    • click. 
    • mouseEnter.
    • mouseExit.

This success criterion applies only to PDF forms. 

• Recommendation: The tooltip must start with the visible text on the page. It can then have additional details added if desired.

This success criterion does not apply to PDFs.

• Motion controls are set within the user’s devices, not in the PDF creator.

This success criterion applies to AEM forms. The language in the status messages can be customized for the end user.

This success criterion does not apply to Acrobat Forms (it is intended for HTML forms). However, we can improve the user’s experience when interacting with PDF forms:

• To enhance usability, we recommend document creators apply this success criterion to form fields with specific formatting options, such as Date, Zip Code, and Phone Number (available under the Format tab in the form field Properties dialog box).

We believe it would be overly burdensome to require document creators to modify the Name field on all form fields, as these other fields do not trigger a message.