How WCAG applies to PDFs

WCAG is written for web content, but its principles map directly onto PDFs, and many accessibility laws reference it for documents too.

Perceivable and operable

Content must be perceivable (alt text, sufficient contrast) and operable (navigable by keyboard and screen reader) — the same ideas that make a website accessible.

Understandable and robust

Language must be declared, structure consistent, and the file must work across assistive technologies — "robust" in WCAG terms.

PDF/UA is the bridge

PDF/UA translates these principles into concrete PDF requirements, so meeting it largely satisfies WCAG for documents.