Integrate accessibility from the layout to deliver compliant PDFs without costly rework.
Designing a beautiful layout in InDesign is one thing. Ensuring that it will provide an accessible PDF that complies with WCAG 2.2 and PDF/UA standards is another. For many graphic designers, the accessibility of PDF documents remains a blind spot, integrated too late, or not at all. The result is costly downstream patches and documents that exclude some users.
This course covers the entire process: from layout best practices to export settings, adding semantic tags, and validating compliance. Accessibility thus becomes a design reflex, not a last-minute constraint.
Is it for you ?
Graphic designers who design layouts in InDesign to be exported to PDF.
Prerequisites
Regular use of InDesign is necessary to take full advantage of this training.
What You'll Walk Away With
- ✓ Apply accessibility best practices from the layout in InDesign
- ✓ Properly design and tag each element of a document
- ✓ Set up PDF export to ensure final file compliance
- ✓ Validate and correct the accessibility of a PDF document using the right tools]
Training content
1 Principles and structure of an accessible document
- Understand the fundamentals of accessibility as applied to digital publications
- Master the techniques of formatting an accessible static publication
- Insert accessibility critical metadata
- Properly manage document languages and language changes
- Understand the issues related to visual perception, contrast, and the use of color in accordance with WCAG 2.2 requirements
- Differentiate decorative and informative images and apply appropriate treatments
- Properly structure the document using styles and tags
- Structure tables in an accessible way
- Prepare a document that will support accessible PDF export that complies with WCAG 2.2 and PDF/UA
2 Structure and navigation
- Implement consistent and accessible navigation
- Create an accessible table of contents
- Design accessible and understandable links
- Understand how cross-references work and how to use them
- Organize information to make it easier to read and understand
- Understand the importance of reading order in the accessibility of publications and how it contributes to compliance with WCAG 2.2 and PDF/UA requirements
3 Accessibility validation and correction
- Learn about the validation tools and methods available in InDesign
- Understand the different types of validation and their objectives
- Identify accessibility issues (WCAG 2.2 and PDF/UA) before export
- Analyze validation results and apply appropriate corrections
- Develop a quality control methodology adapted to accessible documents
4 Exporting and transitioning to PDF
- Understand accessibility export options
- Identify which items are being transferred correctly to the PDF and which ones need further adjustments
- Understand InDesign's limitations for WCAG 2.2 and PDF/UA compliance
- Recognize situations that require action in Acrobat
📌 Practical information
Our training sessions are offered in Montreal or Quebec City, in person or in a virtual classroom. Dates and locations are specified when you select your session below. If you have any questions, check out our FAQ.
