What this test checks
The test checks whether the PDF document is a scanned document - i.e the document consists only of scanned images without any extractable text.
Why this maybe a barrier
When a paper document is scanned into a PDF document, the document consists of just images of the pages of the original PDF document.
Unless such documents are enhanced or tagged with text content - for example by applying OCR - the content cannot be used by assistive technologies such as screen readers, as there is no text content or document structure to process or navigate.
Screen readers and other assistive technologies cannot access image-only content because there is no readable text to process. This prevents visually impaired users from consuming the document and blocks text reflow, search, and semantic navigation.
WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion
1.4.5 Images of Text (Level AA) — "If the technologies being used can achieve the visual presentation, text is used to convey information rather than images of text except for the following:
- Customizable: The image of text can be visually customized to the user's requirements;
- Essential: A particular presentation of text is essential to the information being conveyed."
For more information, visit WCAG 2.2 Success Criterion 1.4.5 under the guideline Distinguishable.
PDF/UA Principle
N.A (WCAG-only check)