{"id":1601,"date":"2026-03-11T14:32:55","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T19:32:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/digital-accessibility\/?post_type=documentation_guides&p=1601"},"modified":"2026-03-11T14:33:21","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T19:33:21","slug":"publishing-pdfs-for-downloading-printing-only-digital-accessibility-requirements","status":"publish","type":"documentation_guides","link":"https:\/\/uwm.edu\/digital-accessibility\/documentation-guides\/documents\/publishing-pdfs-for-downloading-printing-only-digital-accessibility-requirements\/","title":{"rendered":"Publishing PDFs for Downloading & Printing Only: Digital Accessibility Requirements"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A common question at 51ÁÔÆæ and across other UW institutions is whether a PDF posted on the university\u2019s website solely for the purpose of downloading and printing still needs to be digitally accessible. The guidance below answers this question based on current WCAG 2.1 AA and ADA Title II requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is PDF the Right Format?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First, confirm that PDF is the right format for publishing content.<\/a> If the answer is yes, then use the following guidance to ensure you are publishing the PDF in a way that\u2019s compliant with digital accessibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a PDF is Downloadable from a Website, It is Considered Digital Content<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Even if the document is designed for print and published only for the purpose of making it available to be downloaded and printed, the moment it is posted online for download, it becomes part of the university\u2019s digital information environment. As a result, a downloadable PDF must meet WCAG 2.1 AA if it contains program, service or activity information that a user may rely on.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exception: The PDF May Be Labeled as a “Print Version” Only if an Accessible Webpage Provides the Same Complete Information<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If the full, accurate content is already available on an accessible webpage\u2014and the PDF clearly points users to that webpage\u2014you may also provide a print-formatted PDF for convenience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this scenario, compliance is achieved when all the following conditions are met:<\/p>\n\n\n\n