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I am testing PDF link functionality in iPhone and Android devices, in particular links that span more than one line and have multiple OBJR annotations versus links that have only one OBJR annotation.
On a desktops/laptops computers, when PDFs are opened in Acrobat Reader, and users who can’t use the mouse use keyboard to navigate the links, multiple OBJR annotations causes extra tabbing. So, I usually make sure the Links have only one OBJR .
However, on mobile devices, these links are accessed via gestures, and activated with tapping (the navigation on mobile devices is different than on desktops/laptops).
These are my questions:
Thanks in advance, Rosana.
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Hi @rosana_10,
Hope you are doing well. Thanks for writing in!
Answering your questions point by point below:
Best Practices for OBJR Annotations
For mobile users, the key points are:
Guidance and Research
While specific studies focused on OBJR annotations may be limited, general accessibility principles apply:
In summary, using a single OBJR annotation for links is likely to improve the experience of sighted users on mobile devices or browsers. For more comprehensive insights, consider investigating user feedback and accessibility testing specific to your audience.
Hope this helps.
-Souvik
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Thanks! See this comment from https://pdfa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/TaggedPDFBestPracticeGuideSyntax.pdf:
"In the case where a single <Link> structure element encloses multiple link annotations, and where all link annotations have identical targets, and if it is semantically correct to do so, representing a single link to the user is likely to deliver a better user experience."
This is what I usaully do then links span more than one line. Would you agree with this assessment?
Neither WCAG nor PDF/UA Guidelines says having multliple OBJRs is a 508 defect. However, removing extra OBJR nested under the <Link> and just keeping one OBJR will provide a better user experience, right?
Let me know your thougths on this approach.
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I agree with the assessment that consolidating multiple link annotations into a single <Link> structure element can enhance the user experience, especially when they share identical targets. This approach simplifies navigation and clarifies it for users, particularly those using assistive technologies.
While WCAG and PDF/UA guidelines may not explicitly label multiple OBJRs as a defect, streamlining them by removing redundant ones and retaining a single OBJR can lead to a more straightforward and cohesive experience. Fewer objects can reduce confusion and make the document easier to interact with.
Overall, consolidating the links is a sound practice if the content is semantically correct and the links function as intended. Just ensure that the final structure maintains accessibility and clarity for all users.
-Souvik