How to Fix PDF Accessibility with AI in Minutes

But with AI, you can solve these common challenges in just minutes. At Smallpdf, we’ve made this process simple, efficient, and effective using our AI PDF tools.

Even if your goal is to make PDFs screen-reader friendly or to meet compliance standards, here are the most common problems and how to fix them using AI PDF.

4 Common PDF Accessibility Issues

1. Improperly Tagged Headings

Screen readers depend on properly tagged headings to communicate the structure of your document. Without this, users could get lost navigating your content.

How Smallpdf AI fixes it

Upload your file to AI PDF. Our tool automatically identifies and tags headings based on the structure of your document. Now, screen readers can properly outline your PDF’s flow, making navigation seamless.

2. Lists Without Semantic Tags

Lists without proper tags confuse screen readers, which can jumble or misinterpret information.

How Smallpdf AI fixes it

Smallpdf’s AI PDF precisely tags lists, correctly marking ordered (numbered) and unordered (bulleted) lists. Accurate tagging ensures information is read and interpreted exactly as intended.

3. Missing Image Descriptions

Images without alt text exclude visually impaired users from engaging with the content. Alt text explains what the image represents.

How Smallpdf AI fixes it

Generate alt text easily with Smallpdf AI. Use the Chat with PDF to provide accurate, meaningful descriptions for all images in seconds, ensuring inclusivity for visually impaired users.

4. Non-Keyboard Accessible Links

Links that can’t be accessed using a keyboard create major barriers for users with motor disabilities.

How Smallpdf AI fixes it

Our tool scans your PDF for every link, identifies accessibility issues, and ensures all links are fully keyboard-navigable. Simple fixes, big impact.

The Solution You Need – AI PDF Accessibility by Smallpdf

Smallpdf does more than just fix PDF accessibility with AI. It simplifies the entire process. Here’s how to use Smallpdf’s AI tools to remediate your PDFs effectively:

1. Upload your PDF

Visit Smallpdf’s AI PDF Tools and import your file.

2. Fix accessibility issues

Use the Chat with PDF prompt to review your document. Query the AI to check headings, lists, tables, links, and images for accessibility issues.

3. Generate alt text automatically

Use the Chat with PDF to generate and add meaningful descriptions to images.

4. Tag structures intelligently

Ask the AI to ensure headings, lists, and tables are semantically tagged.

5. Run additional edits

Need the PDF compressed, converted, or edited? Smallpdf includes 21 tools to manage your file in one place.

6. Save and share

Once fixed, download your accessible PDF. It’s ready to distribute to everyone, regardless of their abilities. Smallpdf makes it easy to create an accessible PDF with AI, so your documents are clear, inclusive, and professional.

Why Accessibility Matters

Every document represents your brand. An inaccessible PDF can alienate users, especially in contexts like education, business, or government services.

By fixing PDFs with AI, you’re not just improving usability; you’re building trust, strengthening your brand, and ensuring compliance with accessibility laws like ADA, WCAG, and Section 508.

FAQs

Which AI tools can auto-tag PDFs for screen readers?

Smallpdf’s AI PDF tool automatically tags headings, lists, and tables to improve screen reader navigation.

Can ChatGPT help add alt-text to images in a PDF?

Yes! Smallpdf integrates ChatGPT technology, allowing you to generate alt-text for images with our Chat with PDF.

How do I make PDF forms accessible to visually impaired users?

Ensure form fields are clearly labeled and keyboard-accessible. Smallpdf’s AI tools can help review and fix form accessibility.

Do I need special software besides AI to meet compliance standards?

Smallpdf’s AI PDF Tools are sufficient for tackling most accessibility challenges, but you might also consider manual checks for specialized needs.