PAVE 2.0

What PAVE 2.0 is

PAVE 2.0 is a free web tool for remediating PDFs, developed by the ICT Accessibility Lab at the ZHAW Institute of Computer Science. Its eight-step workflow lets users group and adjust document elements such as paragraphs, headings, figures, tables, formulas, and captions. Users can set page-region reading order for screen readers, organize heading levels, and define table and list structures. The tool also supports adding or editing alternative text for figures and mathematical formulas. Users can check the results and add PDF metadata; PAVE 2.0 says an accessible PDF needs at least a title, author, and language. It includes PDF tagging, reading-order, and alternative-text tools, and lists PDF/UA support. The tool is not suitable for confidential material, particularly sensitive personal information involving health, politics, religion, or ethnic origin. Its page warns that edits may change a PDF's content or presentation, leaving users responsible for reviewing generated files. ZHAW states that it assumes no liability for those PDFs.

Who it suits

PAVE 2.0 may suit people preparing PDFs for accessibility who can review the resulting files and avoid uploading confidential or sensitive personal information.

Limits

The tool is not suitable for confidential information, particularly sensitive personal data. Editing can affect PDF content or presentation, and users are responsible for reviewing generated PDFs.

Getting started

1. Open https://pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch/.
2. Sign up for free.
3. Upload a PDF and follow the eight-step remediation workflow.
4. Organize page elements, reading order, headings, tables, and lists.
5. Add or edit alternative text and PDF metadata.
6. Review the generated PDF.

Verdict

PAVE 2.0 provides a structured workflow for PDF accessibility tasks, including reading order, tagging, and alternative text. It is unsuitable for confidential information, and users must review output for changes.