Introduction to Acrobat Pro
Adobe Acrobat Pro is a software application used to read, edit and sign PDF (Portable Document Format) files. As part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, Acrobat Pro is free for Clemson faculty, staff and students.
Installation Guides
Start with the Source
PDFs often start as a file in Microsoft Office, Adobe InDesign or another authoring tool. This file is known as the "source file." Creating an accessible PDF starts by making an accessible source file. When digital accessibility concepts are applied in the source file, accessibility will carry over to the exported PDF – if the authoring tool supports creating accessible documents. View guides for various authoring tools, including how to properly export documents to PDF.
Alternatives to PDF
Remediating inaccessible PDFs can be challenging. In many cases, alternative formats may provide a better experience for your audience.
Do you need a PDF? Consider these alternatives:
- Provide an accessible source file directly (Word, PowerPoint, HTML, etc.)
- Promote an event using the University calendar.
- Provide information in a Canvas page.
- Collect information using Qualtrics, a Google form or a Clive form embedded on your website.
- Publish content on a Clemson web page. Reach out to your web manager or request a web content update.
- Post regular updates and share newsletters using ClemsonBlogs. Request a new blog.
- Publish books or journals using Clemson University Press.
- Sell items and collect registration or membership dues on Marketplace.
PDF Accessibility
The following guides provide an overview of accessibility for PDFs distributed electronically. An understanding of digital accessibility standards and concepts is a prerequisite for these guides. On-demand remediation services are available for expedited or bulk remediation.
PDF Fundamentals
Adobe Acrobat's interface and accessibility features
Checking PDF Accessibility
How to test if a PDF is accessible
PDF Remediation
How to fix accessibility issues in a PDF
On Demand Remediation Services
Send PDFs to be remediated