Quick Overview
- 1#1: Adobe Acrobat Pro - Industry-leading PDF editor with comprehensive accessibility checker, auto-tagging, and remediation tools for WCAG and PDF/UA compliance.
- 2#2: CommonLook PDF - Specialized PDF/UA validation and remediation software designed specifically for creating fully accessible PDFs.
- 3#3: PAC - Advanced PDF accessibility validator providing detailed compliance reports and scripting for PDF/UA standards.
- 4#4: axe DevTools - AI-enhanced accessibility platform that scans and provides remediation guidance for PDFs alongside web content.
- 5#5: AccVerify - Enterprise-grade desktop tool for validating and reporting on PDF accessibility issues with WCAG alignment.
- 6#6: Foxit PDF Editor - Affordable PDF suite featuring an accessibility wizard, tag editor, and compliance checking tools.
- 7#7: PDF-XChange Editor - Feature-rich, low-cost PDF editor with robust tagging, structure tree editing, and accessibility validation.
- 8#8: Nitro Pro - Productivity-focused PDF tool with tag management, reading order fixes, and basic accessibility remediation.
- 9#9: ABBYY FineReader PDF - OCR-powered PDF solution that converts scanned documents into accessible, tagged PDFs for screen readers.
- 10#10: Kofax Power PDF - Professional PDF editor offering accessibility tools like tag editing and compliance checks for business use.
We prioritized tools based on accessibility feature depth (e.g., auto-tagging, remediation, validation), compliance accuracy, user-friendliness, and overall value, ensuring a balanced ranking of both advanced and cost-effective options.
Comparison Table
PDF accessibility is essential for inclusive digital content, and navigating available tools like Adobe Acrobat Pro, CommonLook PDF, PAC, axe DevTools, and AccVerify can be complex. This comparison table outlines key features, workflows, and capabilities, helping readers identify the best fit for their accessibility needs. By evaluating these options, users can make informed decisions to enhance content inclusivity effectively.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adobe Acrobat Pro Industry-leading PDF editor with comprehensive accessibility checker, auto-tagging, and remediation tools for WCAG and PDF/UA compliance. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 2 | CommonLook PDF Specialized PDF/UA validation and remediation software designed specifically for creating fully accessible PDFs. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 3 | PAC Advanced PDF accessibility validator providing detailed compliance reports and scripting for PDF/UA standards. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 4 | axe DevTools AI-enhanced accessibility platform that scans and provides remediation guidance for PDFs alongside web content. | enterprise | 8.3/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 5 | AccVerify Enterprise-grade desktop tool for validating and reporting on PDF accessibility issues with WCAG alignment. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
| 6 | Foxit PDF Editor Affordable PDF suite featuring an accessibility wizard, tag editor, and compliance checking tools. | other | 7.9/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 7 | PDF-XChange Editor Feature-rich, low-cost PDF editor with robust tagging, structure tree editing, and accessibility validation. | other | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 8 | Nitro Pro Productivity-focused PDF tool with tag management, reading order fixes, and basic accessibility remediation. | other | 7.7/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 9 | ABBYY FineReader PDF OCR-powered PDF solution that converts scanned documents into accessible, tagged PDFs for screen readers. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 10 | Kofax Power PDF Professional PDF editor offering accessibility tools like tag editing and compliance checks for business use. | enterprise | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
Industry-leading PDF editor with comprehensive accessibility checker, auto-tagging, and remediation tools for WCAG and PDF/UA compliance.
Specialized PDF/UA validation and remediation software designed specifically for creating fully accessible PDFs.
Advanced PDF accessibility validator providing detailed compliance reports and scripting for PDF/UA standards.
AI-enhanced accessibility platform that scans and provides remediation guidance for PDFs alongside web content.
Enterprise-grade desktop tool for validating and reporting on PDF accessibility issues with WCAG alignment.
Affordable PDF suite featuring an accessibility wizard, tag editor, and compliance checking tools.
Feature-rich, low-cost PDF editor with robust tagging, structure tree editing, and accessibility validation.
Productivity-focused PDF tool with tag management, reading order fixes, and basic accessibility remediation.
OCR-powered PDF solution that converts scanned documents into accessible, tagged PDFs for screen readers.
Professional PDF editor offering accessibility tools like tag editing and compliance checks for business use.
Adobe Acrobat Pro
enterpriseIndustry-leading PDF editor with comprehensive accessibility checker, auto-tagging, and remediation tools for WCAG and PDF/UA compliance.
Full Read Out Loud compatibility with precise reading order control and automatic artifact tagging
Adobe Acrobat Pro is the industry-leading PDF editor renowned for its robust accessibility features, enabling users to create, edit, and remediate PDFs to comply with WCAG and Section 508 standards. It offers tools like the Accessibility Checker, Reading Order panel, and automatic tagging to ensure proper structure, alt text for images, and logical navigation for screen readers. As the gold standard for PDF accessibility, it supports full remediation workflows from scanning legacy documents to authoring new compliant files.
Pros
- Comprehensive accessibility tools including full tagging, alt text editor, and table recognition
- Built-in Accessibility Checker with automated fixes and detailed reports
- Seamless integration with Adobe ecosystem for enterprise workflows
Cons
- High subscription cost may deter individuals or small teams
- Steep learning curve for advanced remediation features
- Requires powerful hardware for handling large or complex PDFs
Best For
Enterprise teams, government agencies, and accessibility specialists requiring WCAG-compliant PDF remediation at scale.
Pricing
Starts at $19.99/month or $239.88/year per user; volume licensing available for teams.
CommonLook PDF
specializedSpecialized PDF/UA validation and remediation software designed specifically for creating fully accessible PDFs.
Certify module for official, tamper-proof accessibility certification with PAC logo
CommonLook PDF is a robust accessibility solution designed to validate, remediate, and certify PDFs for compliance with WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 standards. It integrates seamlessly with Adobe Acrobat Pro, offering automated checking, issue remediation, and detailed reporting to ensure documents are screen reader-friendly and navigable. The software supports complex layouts, languages, and document types, making it ideal for professional PDF accessibility workflows.
Pros
- Thorough validation against major accessibility standards
- Powerful automated remediation tools
- Comprehensive reporting and certification options
Cons
- Requires Adobe Acrobat Pro as a prerequisite
- Steeper learning curve for advanced features
- Enterprise pricing may deter small teams
Best For
Mid-to-large organizations and agencies producing high-volume PDFs that must meet strict accessibility compliance.
Pricing
Subscription starts at ~$1,495/user/year; enterprise volume licensing available upon request.
PAC
specializedAdvanced PDF accessibility validator providing detailed compliance reports and scripting for PDF/UA standards.
Full PDF/UA-1 validation engine that detects over 100 specific accessibility criteria with failure categorization
PAC (PDF Accessibility Checker) from zugferrari.com is a free, open-source desktop tool designed specifically for validating PDF files against PDF/UA and WCAG 2.0 accessibility standards. It performs comprehensive scans to identify issues such as missing structure tags, incorrect reading order, absent alternative text for images, and language specifications. Users receive detailed, exportable reports highlighting failures and quick wins for remediation, making it a staple for accessibility auditing workflows.
Pros
- Completely free and open-source with no usage limits
- In-depth PDF/UA and WCAG compliance checking with actionable reports
- Offline operation and support for batch processing
Cons
- Lacks built-in remediation or editing tools—checks only
- Primarily Windows-focused with a dated interface
- Steep learning curve for interpreting advanced reports
Best For
Accessibility auditors, QA teams, and PDF developers seeking a no-cost, thorough validation tool without needing cloud dependencies.
Pricing
Free (open-source, no paid tiers or subscriptions)
axe DevTools
enterpriseAI-enhanced accessibility platform that scans and provides remediation guidance for PDFs alongside web content.
AI-powered remediation workflows that provide contextual, step-by-step fix instructions specifically for PDF tagging and structure issues
axe DevTools by Deque is a powerful accessibility testing platform with integrated PDF scanning capabilities, automating the detection of WCAG violations in PDF documents. It analyzes PDF structure, tags, reading order, and alternative text, providing actionable reports and remediation guidance. While primarily known for web accessibility, its PDF features support compliance workflows for digital documents.
Pros
- Highly accurate automated PDF scanning with WCAG 2.1/2.2 support
- Step-by-step remediation guidance and issue prioritization
- Seamless integration with CI/CD pipelines and development tools
Cons
- PDF functionality feels secondary to core web testing strengths
- Enterprise pricing can be steep for small teams or individuals
- Requires some expertise for manual verification and advanced tagging fixes
Best For
Medium to large development teams seeking an all-in-one platform for web and PDF accessibility testing.
Pricing
Freemium (free browser extension); professional plans from $1,250/user/year, enterprise custom pricing.
AccVerify
enterpriseEnterprise-grade desktop tool for validating and reporting on PDF accessibility issues with WCAG alignment.
AI-powered analysis of PDF logical reading order and tag structure for precise issue identification
AccVerify, from Level Access, is a dedicated PDF accessibility testing tool that automates compliance checks against WCAG 2.1 AA standards. It scans documents for issues like improper tagging, missing alternative text, reading order problems, and color contrast failures, generating detailed reports with remediation guidance. The software supports batch processing and integrates with tools like Adobe Acrobat, making it suitable for high-volume PDF workflows in enterprises.
Pros
- Highly accurate automated detection of PDF-specific accessibility issues including tagging and structure
- Actionable reports with prioritized issues and step-by-step remediation instructions
- Strong enterprise integrations and batch processing capabilities
Cons
- Limited built-in remediation tools; relies on external editors for fixes
- Interface can feel complex for non-expert users
- Pricing geared toward enterprises, less ideal for small teams or individuals
Best For
Enterprises and compliance teams handling large volumes of PDFs who need robust automated auditing and reporting.
Pricing
Enterprise subscription pricing; custom quotes starting around $5,000/year for basic access, scales with usage and features.
Foxit PDF Editor
otherAffordable PDF suite featuring an accessibility wizard, tag editor, and compliance checking tools.
Make Accessible wizard that automates tagging, alt text suggestions, and compliance checks in one workflow
Foxit PDF Editor is a comprehensive PDF editing solution with built-in accessibility tools designed to help users create and remediate PDFs for compliance with WCAG and PDF/UA standards. It features an Accessibility Checker, Make Accessible wizard, tagging panel for structure trees, alt text assignment, and reading order adjustments. While versatile for general PDF tasks, its accessibility capabilities make it suitable for ensuring screen reader compatibility and legal compliance without needing multiple tools.
Pros
- Robust Accessibility Checker scans and repairs issues like missing tags and alt text
- Supports PDF/UA export and full tagging for structured documents
- Cost-effective with perpetual license options
Cons
- Interface can feel cluttered for accessibility-specific workflows
- Limited automation compared to dedicated tools like Adobe Acrobat
- Occasional inaccuracies in auto-tagging complex documents
Best For
Small businesses and professionals seeking an affordable all-in-one PDF editor with solid accessibility remediation features.
Pricing
Personal subscription $79.99/year; Business $127/user/year; perpetual licenses from $209.
PDF-XChange Editor
otherFeature-rich, low-cost PDF editor with robust tagging, structure tree editing, and accessibility validation.
Interactive tag tree editor for visually managing and restructuring PDF structure
PDF-XChange Editor is a powerful PDF editing tool from Tracker Software that supports comprehensive document manipulation, including viewing, annotating, and editing. For PDF accessibility, it offers built-in tools like a full tag editor, reading order tools, alternative text assignment for images and figures, and an accessibility checker compliant with PDF/UA standards. It enables users to remediate existing PDFs efficiently without needing external plugins.
Pros
- Robust accessibility toolkit including tag tree editor and full PDF/UA compliance checking
- High performance with large files and batch processing capabilities
- One-time purchase model with a capable free version
Cons
- Cluttered interface with a steep learning curve for advanced tagging features
- Primarily optimized for Windows, with limited cross-platform functionality
- Free version includes nag screens and some feature restrictions
Best For
PDF professionals and compliance teams needing an affordable, all-in-one editor for accessibility remediation.
Pricing
Free version available; Editor Plus license is a one-time $72 purchase (volume discounts apply).
Nitro Pro
otherProductivity-focused PDF tool with tag management, reading order fixes, and basic accessibility remediation.
The 'Prepare for Accessibility' wizard that automates tagging, alt text prompts, and structure optimization in one workflow.
Nitro Pro is a full-featured PDF editor from GoNitro that includes dedicated tools for creating and remediating accessible PDFs compliant with WCAG and PDF/UA standards. It offers an accessibility checker, tagging capabilities, alt text addition for images and form fields, reading order adjustments, and document language settings. While not a specialized accessibility tool, it integrates these features seamlessly into its broader PDF workflow for editing, signing, and conversion.
Pros
- User-friendly accessibility wizard for quick remediation
- Affordable one-time purchase option
- Integrated full PDF suite reduces need for multiple tools
Cons
- Less advanced automation than dedicated accessibility software
- Manual tweaks often required for complex documents
- Primarily desktop-focused with limited mobile support
Best For
Small to medium businesses and teams seeking a cost-effective, all-in-one PDF editor with solid accessibility capabilities.
Pricing
One-time purchase at $179.99 or annual subscription from $119.99/year (perpetual license available).
ABBYY FineReader PDF
enterpriseOCR-powered PDF solution that converts scanned documents into accessible, tagged PDFs for screen readers.
AI-powered Document Understanding for automatic detection and tagging of content structure
ABBYY FineReader PDF is a robust OCR and PDF editing tool that excels in converting scanned documents into searchable, editable, and accessible PDFs. It provides features for adding structure tags, alternative text for images, and ensuring compliance with PDF/UA and WCAG standards. Ideal for remediating legacy PDFs, it automates much of the accessibility process through AI-powered recognition.
Pros
- Exceptional OCR accuracy for scanned documents, crucial for accessibility
- Automated tagging and structure recognition for PDF/UA compliance
- Batch processing for large-scale remediation workflows
Cons
- Steep learning curve for advanced accessibility features
- Higher pricing compared to dedicated accessibility tools
- Interface feels cluttered for users focused solely on remediation
Best For
Mid-to-large organizations handling high volumes of scanned or legacy PDFs that need WCAG-compliant accessibility remediation.
Pricing
Perpetual license from $199; annual subscription from $96; volume and corporate plans higher.
Kofax Power PDF
enterpriseProfessional PDF editor offering accessibility tools like tag editing and compliance checks for business use.
Full-featured Accessibility Checker with one-click wizard for scanning and remediating WCAG/PDF/UA issues
Kofax Power PDF is a versatile PDF editor that excels in creation, editing, conversion, and security features, with built-in tools for improving PDF accessibility. It includes an Accessibility Checker, auto-tagging capabilities, alt text addition for images, and reading order adjustments to help meet PDF/UA and WCAG standards. While not as specialized as dedicated accessibility suites, it provides a solid all-in-one solution for general users aiming for compliant documents.
Pros
- Integrated Accessibility Wizard for quick compliance checks and fixes
- Strong general PDF editing tools complement accessibility workflows
- Perpetual licensing option offers long-term value without subscriptions
Cons
- Auto-tagging is less accurate than specialized tools, requiring manual tweaks
- Limited support for complex table structures and advanced remediation
- Fewer automation options for high-volume accessibility processing
Best For
Small to medium businesses or professionals needing affordable PDF editing with reliable basic accessibility features.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start at $129 for Standard and $199 for Advanced; annual subscriptions from $80/user.
Conclusion
Amid a robust lineup of tools, Adobe Acrobat Pro earns the top spot with its comprehensive accessibility features, including WCAG and PDF/UA compliance, auto-tagging, and remediation tools. CommonLook PDF and PAC, ranked second and third, are strong alternatives: the former specializes in PDF/UA validation and creation, while the latter offers detailed compliance reports and scripting for advanced standards alignment, catering to diverse user needs.
Begin with Adobe Acrobat Pro to explore the best in PDF accessibility; if your focus is PDF/UA creation, CommonLook PDF or PAC’s validation capabilities make them excellent choices to meet specific compliance goals.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison