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Mechanics module WCAG 1.3.1 Level A

PDF Detector

It detects embedded PDFs, checks if they are WCAG-tagged, and reports incorrectly tagged files for further maintenance.

What it does

Function in one sentence — and in three sentences

PDFs are an underestimated barrier: club statutes, annual reports, privacy policies—often uploaded as untagged PDFs that screen readers cannot read or can only read partially. This is just as WCAG-relevant as HTML content.

The module scans all media library PDFs and all directly linked PDFs for simple tagging indicators and provides a list of files that need repair.

This is how the plugin implements it.

Technical measures

  • Media library PDF scanAll uploaded PDFs will be checked.
  • Tagging indicators: checks PDF structure tree (`/StructTreeRoot`), document title tag, language tag.
  • Severity rating: unsuitable / partially suitable / suitable.
  • Recommendation workflow: per file it is recommended — regenerate (from DOCX), have it professionally tagged, or create an HTML version.
  • Bulk-Replace: all links to a replaced PDF will be updated automatically.
In the plugin backend

You can find these settings in the module tab.

  • Scan frequency: daily / weekly / on-demand
  • Strictness: report only "unfit" / also "partially fit" / everything
  • Auto-marking in the frontend: Icon next to PDF links for unsuitable files
  • Mail report to admin: yes / no

Path in Admin: WP-Admin → Accessibility → Modules → PDF Detector

When do you need the module?

Use case

Essential for every government agency, association, and educational website. Recommended for business and law firm websites with terms and conditions, privacy policy, and price lists in PDF format.

Important: The module repaired PDFs are not tagged — tagging is an editorial process (or one for professional service providers). However, the module reliably identifies what needs to be fixed.

Related modules

That fits together thematically.

  • Alt text audit

    WCAG 1.1.1

    Scans media library and pages for missing, empty, or generic alt text and delivers a prioritized issue list.

  • Language attribute

    WCAG 3.1.1

    Sets correct `lang` attributes at the HTML root and element level for foreign language passages.

  • WCAG 2.4.4

    It finds generic link texts ("more", "here", "click") and provides concrete suggestions for retexting them.

Activate the module for your site?

In the initial 15-minute consultation, we will clarify whether the module is relevant for your theme and content type — and what the setup looks like.

15-minute initial consultation
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