Document Accessibility Remediation Services: PDF & EPUB QA

Document Accessibility Remediation Services: PDF & EPUB QA

Publishers often release the same book in PDF and EPUB formats. Both files may contain the same content, but readers use them in different ways.

A PDF usually keeps its page layout. An EPUB can adjust text to fit different screens and reading settings. These differences affect how people use screen readers and other assistive tools.

For publishers, universities, and organizations, document accessibility remediation services help improve access to both formats.

The goal is to make each file clear, easy to navigate, and suitable for its intended readers.

What are document accessibility remediation services?

Document accessibility remediation services help remove barriers from digital files. The work may include correcting headings, reading order, tables, images, links, and navigation.

PDF and EPUB files often need similar improvements. However, each format has its own structure and technical requirements.

A PDF uses document tags to identify content. An EPUB uses structured HTML and navigation features to support digital reading.

Both formats need quality checks before release.

For publishers managing large collections, a clear process helps maintain consistent results across different files.

Why do PDF and EPUB need separate accessibility checks?

A PDF and an EPUB may contain the same book, but they do not always present the content in the same way.

Consider an academic publication with chapters, images, tables, and references.

The PDF may follow the print layout. The EPUB may adjust its text based on the reader's screen size and settings.

A heading may work correctly in the EPUB while its PDF tag is missing. An image may have a useful description in one format but not the other.

These differences mean that publishers should review each output separately.

Making one format accessible does not automatically make the other accessible.

PDF vs EPUB accessibility: Key differences

The table below explains the main areas that need review.

Both formats aim to make information easier to access. The technical methods differ because PDF and EPUB serve different reading needs.

What should publishers check in accessible PDFs?

PDF accessibility begins with a clear document structure.

Headings should follow the correct order. Tables should connect headers with their data. Images should have descriptions when they carry important information.

Reading order is especially important.

For example, an academic paper may use two columns. A sighted reader knows which column to read first. A screen reader needs the file to provide the correct sequence.

If the order is wrong, the reader may hear unrelated sentences together.

Publishers should also review links, document language, and navigation.

The final PDF should work with the assistive tools used by its intended audience.

For a practical project guide, read PDF Remediation Services: What to Prepare Before You Start.

What should publishers check in accessible EPUBs?

EPUB accessibility focuses on how readers move through and use the digital publication.

A reflowable EPUB allows text to adjust to different screens. Readers may also change the font size, spacing, and display settings.

The content should remain clear when these settings change.

Headings, lists, links, and images need the correct structure. The EPUB should also include working navigation so readers can find chapters and sections.

For academic titles, page navigation may help readers locate content that matches the print edition.

Testing should cover both the EPUB file and its behaviour in suitable reading apps.

An EPUB can pass technical validation and still have problems with navigation or screen-reader use.

That is why manual review remains important.

How should complex content be handled?

Academic and educational publications often contain more than ordinary text.

Tables, charts, diagrams, equations, and footnotes may carry important information. Readers need access to that meaning in both formats.

For example, a research table may appear in a PDF and an EPUB.

The PDF needs suitable table tags. The EPUB needs the correct table structure in its content.

The methods differ, but the data should remain the same.

Images also need care. A useful description should explain the purpose of a visual rather than simply identify it.

For STEM titles, equations and symbols need careful review to preserve their meaning.

The aim is to maintain accuracy while improving access.

How do accessibility standards affect PDF and EPUB projects?

Organizations may need to meet specific compliance requirements when publishing digital content.

These may include WCAG, PDF/UA, Section 508, or other standards stated in a contract.

The requirements depend on the organization, the document, and how it will be used.

For example, Section 508 may apply to documents covered by U.S. federal accessibility requirements. Other publishing projects may follow different technical or contractual rules.

Publishers should confirm the required standard before production begins.

A suitable QA process can then check each format against its agreed requirements.

Passing an automated test alone does not guarantee full accessibility or legal compliance.

Why is human accessibility testing important?

Automated tools can find many common errors in digital files.

They may identify missing tags, broken links, or incomplete structure.

However, some problems require human judgment.

A table may contain the correct tags but still be confusing. An image may have alt text that does not explain its meaning. A reading order may be technically present but difficult to follow.

Human testing helps identify these issues.

Screen-reader and keyboard tests can show how readers use the document in practice.

For publishers, combining technical checks with human QA provides a more complete review of accessible documents.

What should publishers receive after remediation?

A completed project should provide files that meet the agreed quality and delivery requirements.

For PDF and EPUB projects, publishers should expect the corrected files and suitable evidence of the checks performed.

This may include validation results, QA records, and notes about any remaining limitations.

File names and version control also matter.

When a project includes hundreds of titles, teams need to know which files are approved and ready for distribution.

Clear delivery records help prevent older or incomplete versions from reaching readers.

How Gentize supports PDF and EPUB accessibility

Gentize Innovations supports publishers, universities, and organizations with PDF and EPUB accessibility remediation.

Its accessibility services include document structure, reading-order correction, alt text, accessible tables, validation, and quality assurance.

Gentize has 50+ accessibility testers with visual impairments who support human-led testing.

The company also has experience with a 35,000+ title academic digitization project, covering scanning, OCR, EPUB, POD, and accessible PDF.

With a stronger production team, Gentize can support complex publishing projects and larger document collections.

Its digitization capacity reaches up to 1,000 books per day. Accessibility work follows a separate schedule based on the content and level of review required.

Publishers can begin with a complimentary sample to assess the quality and project needs before moving forward.

Final thoughts

PDF and EPUB files may share the same content, but their accessibility needs are different.

Each format requires clear structure, working navigation, useful image descriptions, and suitable quality checks.

Publishers should review both files before release rather than assume that one accessible version confirms the quality of the other.

A well-planned remediation project helps protect the content and improve the reading experience.

The goal is simple: deliver accurate, accessible documents that readers can use with confidence.

Need PDF and EPUB accessibility support?

Gentize Innovations helps publishers and organizations improve access to digital content through professional remediation and human-led testing.

Share up to 10 representative PDF or EPUB files for a complimentary accessibility check, with no commitment.

Explore Gentize Accessibility Services