Which document formats are most accessible?

The best formats in order:
  1. HyperText Markup Language (HTML)
  2. Microsoft Word or PowerPoint
  3. Portable Document Format (PDF)
The reason that PDF is last (and should be avoided, if possible) is that the PDF format basically creates an image out of a document. Images of text aren't accessible, so tagging a PDF is basically creating tiny little alt text labels (tags) all over the image of a document. In addition, remediating a PDF is much more time consuming than creating and accessible web page, Word document, etc.

Go deeper: Accessible PDF Training from the State of Minnesota

Questions?