Back to the original question:
<Quote>Are double-page spreads okay for a 508 compliant PDF or must it be single converted to single pages?</Quote>
Keep in mind that accessibility is not just for those who are blind or use screen readers; it's for everyone with a disability or impairment that affects their use of digital media and digital documents. The issue about spreads is not specifically addressed by the PDF/UA-1 standard.
There are 2 ways a PDF can show spreads (left/right mirrored pages).
- Use the PDF viewing options to show individual pages side-by-side. View / Page Display / Two Page View (and its options). This is controlled in Acrobat and whoever creates the PDF can set this as the default view in File / Properties / Initial View and then save the file.
- Benefits: The view can also be changed by the individuial users to meet their needs, and the printed page numbers match those in the PDFs (see the PDF's thumbnails for an example).
- Merge the 2-page spread into one page when the PDF is exported from its source file. This is common in InDesign which has the option to export spreads as individual pages or as spreads.
- Benefit: for high-design items like magazines and advertising materials, this can retain the printed appearance, especially when graphics span 2 or more pages.
- Drawbacks: Doesn't adjust well enough for all assistive technologies. Example, those using Zoom text will have a difficult time viewing the content across the spreads. Also, the PDF's digital page numbers don't match the printed page numbers. The first spread with pages 2 and 3 is called "page 2" in the PDF, the next spread of pages 4 and 5 is called "page 3," etc. That means when someone uses the "go to page 3" command to navigate in the PDF, they'll end up on the merged spread of pages 4 and 5. This produces a confusing error for those who have sight or cognitive disabilities.
- Screen capture of the problem and accessibility failure:
Recommendation:
As an art director, I understand completely where your designers are coming from; they design for spreads in InDesign and want to maintain that visual appearance the final, accessible PDF. The solution:
- Export as individual pages, NEVER as spreads. This will keep the PDF as accessible and flexible as possible for all assistive technologies and users.
- Adjust the PDF in File / Properties / Initial View / Page layout to open the PDF as Two-Up (Cover Page). This will give the designers a "faux" spread that is still accessible.
The Result: individual pages for accessibility and faux spreads for visual appearance.
AdChoices