As organisations continue to focus on digital communication and transparency, accessibility has become an important consideration in publishing an annual report. If your PDF is intended for shareholders, investors, employees or the public, it should be easy for all readers to read and navigate, including those who use assistive technologies.
Did you know? Since 28 June 2025, the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882) has applied across EU Member States through national legislation. While it does not require every organisation or every PDF to be accessible, it has increased the focus on accessible digital content where legal obligations apply. Many organisations also follow recognised standards, such as EN 301 549 and WCAG 2.2, when producing accessible documents.
When organisations design with accessibility in mind, they can produce reports that are easier to understand, more inclusive and meet recognised accessibility standards. At Pixelo Design, we believe that great report design is a balance between visual impact and inclusive usability.
Key Takeaways
- Accessibility improves every reader’s experience.
- Plan accessibility from the start.
- Follow recognised accessibility standards.
- Test PDFs before publishing.
- Good design and accessibility go together.
Why should accessibility be part of your reporting strategy?
Accessible PDFs are easier for people who use screen readers, keyboard navigation or screen magnifiers to access information. They also enhance the reading experience across devices.
Benefits include:
- Better readability and navigation.
- Improved user experience.
- More inclusive communication.
- Reduced need for later remediation.
- Stronger stakeholder confidence.
Good design and accessibility are not mutually exclusive.
What does the European Accessibility Act mean for PDF reports?
The European Accessibility Act does not provide a universal checklist for every PDF. Its requirements depend on the organisation, the services provided and national implementation of the legislation.
Following standards helps produce PDFs that work effectively with assistive technologies. Many organisations therefore follow recognised accessibility standards, such as:
| Standard | Purpose |
| EN 301 549 | European accessibility requirements for ICT products and services. |
| WCAG 2.2 | International accessibility guidelines for digital content. |
| PDF/UA (ISO 14289) | Standard for creating accessible PDF documents. |
How can you create accessible annual reports from the start?
Accessibility should be designed in from the beginning, and it’s easier and cheaper to do that.” Features improve navigation while maintaining a professional appearance.
Some best practices include:
- Logical heading structure.
- Clear page layouts.
- Readable typography.
- Sufficient colour contrast.
- Alternative text for images.
- Descriptive hyperlinks.
- Properly structured tables.
Which accessibility mistakes should you avoid?
Before you publish your PDF, review it to prevent problems and reduce the need for corrections later on. Common accessibility issues are:
- Scanned PDFs instead of searchable text.
- Missing document tags.
- Incorrect reading order.
- Images without alternative text.
- Poor colour contrast.
- Tables without header rows.
- Unclear hyperlink text.
Can accessible reports still look premium?
Yes. Professional design and accessibility are closely linked.
Well structured layouts, clear typography, meaningful image captions and structured headings improve both appearance and usability. Accessibility doesn’t kill creativity; it facilitates better communication and a better reading experience for all audiences.
How do you know your PDF is ready?
Before publishing your PDF, carry out an accessibility review to ensure it meets recognised accessibility standards and provides a smooth experience for all users. Using an accessibility checker, along with testing the document using a screen reader where possible, provides greater confidence that your PDF is ready for publication.
| Check | Why it matters |
| Document tags | Helps screen readers understand the structure. |
| Heading hierarchy | Improves navigation. |
| Reading order | Ensures content flows correctly. |
| Alternative text | Explains images and charts. |
| Colour contrast | Supports readability. |
| Tables | Makes data easier to interpret. |
| Tagged PDF export | Preserves accessibility features. |
Why is accessibility a long-term investment?
Accessibility is not a one-time task. Incorporating it into your reporting process improves consistency, reduces the need for future revisions, and supports inclusive communication as expectations around accessibility continue to evolve.
Create Reports That Are Designed for Every Reader
An accessible PDF requires careful planning, a clear structure and professional design. Adhering to standards such as EN 301 549, WCAG 2.2 and PDF/UA enables organisations to create reports that are more accessible and visually appealing. Pixelo Design helps organisations create professionally designed reports that communicate clearly and follow the latest accessibility best practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does every annual report PDF have to comply with the European Accessibility Act?
Not always. The legal requirement depends on your organisation, the services you provide and the legislation that applies.
2. What standards should I follow for accessible PDF reports?
Many organisations use EN 301 549, WCAG 2.2 and PDF/UA to create accessible, user-friendly PDF documents.
3. Can accessible financial reports still include charts and graphics?
Yes. Charts and graphics remain effective when supported by alternative text and a logical document structure.
4. Is an accessible PDF only beneficial for screen reader users?
No. Accessible PDFs also improve readability, navigation and usability across devices for all readers.
5. When should accessibility be considered during report design?
Accessibility should be planned from the beginning. This approach is more efficient than updating a completed report later.