PDFs

PDFs are great for one thing: Printing.

PDFs are not good because

• making PDFs accessible is hard
• they are difficult to read on small screens
• there are more accessible ways to give information

For the most part, there is no reason to use a PDF. If it’s information that should be available all the time, make a web page. If you need to get information out quickly use Google Docs, and then make a web page.

Here’s an example of a good use of a PDF. It’s for deaf people to print out and take to their doctor for a COVID-19 Symptom Check (opens in a new tab).

Don’t use PDFs

Why GOV.UK content should be published in HTML and not PDF - Government Digital Service (opens in a new tab)

If you must make a PDF, use a reputable company to make sure it’s accessible.

PDF accessibility service, PDF tagging, testing and auditing (opens in a new tab)

If you want to make your own PDF follow Adobe Acrobat PDF Accessibility Overview (opens in a new tab) advice.