Ensuring that everyone can access and interact with digital content isn’t just good practice—it’s essential. Digital accessibility creates a more inclusive society, and for businesses, it’s both a legal requirement and an ethical responsibility. PDFs are everywhere, but not all of them are accessible to people who rely on assistive technologies like screen readers. This is where the PDF/UA standard comes in, and why GrackleDocs has placed it at the core of our mission.
What is PDF/UA and Why Does It Matter?
PDF/UA, or PDF/Universal Accessibility, is the internationally recognized standard (ISO 14289) for creating accessible PDF documents. Published in 2012, it provides a clear set of technical requirements to ensure that people with disabilities, who may rely on assistive technologies like screen readers, can navigate and consume PDF content effectively. Think of it as the WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) specifically for PDFs.
The benefits of adhering to the PDF/UA standard are far-reaching. For users with disabilities, it means equal access to information, enabling them to engage with everything from educational materials and financial statements to government forms and product manuals. For businesses, embracing PDF/UA is not just about compliance; it’s about expanding your audience, enhancing user experience for everyone, and demonstrating a commitment to corporate social responsibility. PDF/UA-compliant documents are more reliable, searchable, and mobile-friendly, which benefits all users.
GrackleDocs’ Unwavering Commitment to PDF/UA
GrackleDocs has long been a vocal advocate for digital accessibility, and our commitment to the PDF/UA standard is a testament to this. In September 2025, we proudly announced our sponsorship of the PDF/UA standard, reinforcing our dedication to making digital content accessible to all.
“Standards are the bedrock of accessibility, providing a common language and a clear path for creating truly inclusive digital experiences,” said Jeff Mills, co-CEO of GrackleDocs. “We are thrilled to support the PDF/UA standard, an essential resource for ensuring that PDF documents are accessible to everyone. Our sponsorship reflects our deep commitment to the principles of universal design and our belief that access to information is a fundamental human right.”
This sponsorship is more than just a financial contribution; it’s a reflection of our core values. We believe that by supporting the PDF Association in making these standards freely available, we can empower more organizations to create accessible documents and contribute to a more inclusive digital landscape.
How GrackleDocs Products Make PDF/UA a Reality
At GrackleDocs, we don’t just advocate for PDF/UA; we build powerful, user-friendly tools that make it easy to achieve. Our suite of products is designed to integrate seamlessly into your existing workflows, whether you’re creating new documents or remediating existing ones.
Grackle Workspace: Accessibility from the Start
For organizations using Google Workspace, Grackle Workspace is a game-changer. This add-on for Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides allows you to check for accessibility issues as you create your content. With just a few clicks, you can run a series of checks against WCAG and PDF/UA standards, and the guided remediation helps you fix any issues on the spot. When you’re ready to export, Grackle Workspace helps create a tagged, PDF/UA-compliant PDF, ensuring your documents are accessible from the moment they’re created.
Grackle PDF: Powerful Remediation Made Simple
What about your existing PDFs? Grackle PDF is our next-generation remediation software that simplifies the process of making any PDF accessible. It offers a built-in PDF/UA validator, real-time issue detection, and a suite of powerful wizards to tackle even the most complex remediation challenges, such as tables and tagging. Grackle PDF eliminates the guesswork, making it a powerful and cost-effective alternative to other tools on the market
Grackle Stream: High-Volume Accessibility, Automated
For organizations that generate a high volume of transactional documents like statements, invoices, or notices, Grackle Stream provides an automated, scalable solution. It’s a PDF/UA-compliant solution that can transform millions of records into fully accessible and compliant formats in near real-time. By integrating seamlessly with your existing systems, Grackle Stream ensures that every document you produce meets the highest accessibility standards, without manual intervention.
Conclusion: A More Accessible Future for All
The journey to full digital accessibility is ongoing, but with standards like PDF/UA and tools like those from GrackleDocs, it’s a future that’s well within our reach. By prioritizing accessibility, we can create a digital world that is more equitable, inclusive, and accessible for everyone. GrackleDocs is proud to be leading the charge, providing the technology and expertise to help organizations of all sizes achieve their accessibility goals.
