PDF accessibility - complex data tables

[johnqpublic975]

Dear sirs, 

Is there a "recommended tool(s)" for handling complex data tables in terms of PDF accessibility. For example, as far as I know, CommonLook PDF and axesPDF can handle complex data tables.

[Bevi Chagnon - PubCom.com · Accepted solution]

It's always best to make tables accessible in their source program, before the PDF is exported. (MS Word, PowerPoint, Adobe InDesign, etc.)

Also, minimize the use of complex tables; even those that are technically accessible are very difficult for end users to navigate and use.

Adobe Acrobat Pro does have some tools for correcting tables and other tagged content in a PDF.

• General accessibility tools are covered here: https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/using/create-verify-pdf-accessibility.html
• Delve a few pages into this online tutorial and you'll find info about Acrobat's Table Editor for accessibility. https://webaim.org/techniques/acrobat/

[Bevi Chagnon - PubCom.com · Accepted solution]

It's always best to make tables accessible in their source program, before the PDF is exported. (MS Word, PowerPoint, Adobe InDesign, etc.)

Also, minimize the use of complex tables; even those that are technically accessible are very difficult for end users to navigate and use.

Adobe Acrobat Pro does have some tools for correcting tables and other tagged content in a PDF.

• General accessibility tools are covered here: https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/using/create-verify-pdf-accessibility.html
• Delve a few pages into this online tutorial and you'll find info about Acrobat's Table Editor for accessibility. https://webaim.org/techniques/acrobat/

[johnqpublic975]

Thank you for the helpful information. Is there any resource(s) that compares and contrasts PDF accessiblity tools?

[Bevi Chagnon - PubCom.com · Accepted solution]

Not that I'm aware of.

Keep in mind that some parts of the accessibility standards can be interpreted differently, so any comparison might be biased to either a) what the reviewer knows about accessibility standards and different interpretations for specific documents; b) knowledge of the various tools, and c) their personal preference for one method or tool over another.