Accessible Digital Documents

Word Documents and PDFs

If you need to upload downloadable files, ​we suggest converting an accessible Word document to a PDF.

This gives your users the accessibility benefits of a Word document and the convenience of a PDF.​

  • Use Styles as much as possible for formatting
     
    • Examples:
       
    • Headings instead of bold text
       
    • Lists instead of tables
       
  • Provide concise and accurate alt text for images
     
  • Make hyperlinks accessible by describing where the link will take the user
     
  • Run the Word Accessibility Checker to look for warnings or errors

If you're saving on a Mac:​

  1. Go to File and choose Save As

  2. Select PDF as your file format​

  3. Check the circle that says: ​“best for electronic distribution and accessibility”​

  4. Save the file​
     

If you're saving on a PC:​

  1. Go to  File and choose Save As

  2. Select PDF in your Save as Type menu​

  3. Click the Options button below the ​drop-down menu

  4. To the right of Optimize for, check the circle for Standard (publishing online and printing)​

BuckeyeLearn Skills Trainings

Ohio State provides tools to engage faculty, staff and student employees in training and professional development.

To access Buckeyelearn, the skills training resource, you will need to log in with your university credentials.