Mastering OBJR for PDFs: Ensuring Accessibility and Compliance

Did you know that improperly tagged links in PDFs can make them inaccessible to millions of users with disabilities? Ensuring that links in your PDFs are accessible is not just a compliance issue but a moral imperative.

This topic emerged from our collaboration with a client who faced challenges in making their PDF documents accessible. Understanding and implementing Object Property Justification Requirements (OBJR) is essential for making PDF links accessible to everyone, including those using assistive technologies.

This article explores how to implement OBJR in PDFs, best practices to follow, the user groups affected, and how to test for accessibility.

Understanding OBJR for PDFs

The Importance of OBJR: Links in a PDF document consist of two parts: the visible text of the link and the Link-OBJR tag, which points to the destination target. Properly tagging links with the Link-OBJR tag ensures that they are accessible via different input devices, such as keyboards, and are recognized by assistive technologies like screen readers. Whether it's a web link or an internal link within the document, the structure remains the same.

How to Implement OBJR

Step-by-Step Implementation:

1. Tag the Link Text: Use the <Link> tag to mark the text of the link.
2. Add Destination Target: Use the Link-OBJR tag to specify the link's destination.
3. Ensure Valid Targets: Make sure the link points to a valid target, especially for internal links within the PDF.
4. Set Internal Link Targets: Use the "Create link" option to set the destination target for internal links. Scroll to the correct page for links targeting specific sections or pages.

Best Practices and Common Pitfalls

Practices to Apply:

• Always use the <Link> tag for link text.
• Use the Link-OBJR tag to ensure links are accessible to assistive technology users.
• Tag internal links appropriately with both <Link> and Link-OBJR tags.

Practices to Avoid:

• Do not tag links without the Link-OBJR tag.
• Avoid defining web links without tagging them with a <Link> tag.
• Ensure internal links are not defined without proper tagging.

Who Benefits from OBJR

• Blind Users: Can navigate links using screen readers.
• Low-Vision Users: Can access links with assistive technologies.
• Users with Learning Disabilities: Benefit from structured and accessible links.
• Users with Mobility Disabilities: Can activate links using keyboards.

Testing for Accessibility

Testing Steps:

1. Open the PDF file in Acrobat Professional.
2. Select the <Link> tag in the Tags Panel.
3. Click on “Option” in the Tags Panel.
4. Select “Find” and choose “Unmarked links” from the drop-down.
5. Click “Find”.

If unmarked links are found, it indicates an accessibility violation per WCAG 2.1 success criteria 1.3.1 and 2.1.1 at Level A. Also, compliance with PDF/UA (PDF/Universal Accessibility) standards is essential for ensuring that PDF documents are universally accessible.

Checklist for Implementing OBJR in PDFs

Identify all links:

• Internal links
• External links

Tagging:

• Use <Link> tags for link text.
• Use Link-OBJR tags for destination targets.

Set Valid Targets:

• Ensure all links point to valid destinations.

Create Internal Link Targets:

• Use the "Create link" option for internal links.
• Scroll to and select the correct page for links targeting specific sections or pages.

Validation:

• Use Acrobat Professional's Tags Panel to check for unmarked links.
• Ensure compliance with WCAG and PDF/UA standards.

Testing:

• Use assistive technology to test navigation.
• Check for keyboard accessibility.

Conclusion

Implementing OBJR in PDFs is crucial for ensuring accessibility and compliance with WCAG and PDF/UA standards. By following best practices and avoiding common pitfalls, you can make your PDFs more accessible to all users.

Start incorporating OBJR in your PDF documents today to enhance accessibility. Contact us for expert guidance and services.