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The University is legally required to publish content that meets standards. Content also needs to comply with the .

While a PDF file can be made accessible, there a number of checks that must be made before it can be published on the University website.

PDF checklist

Only consider publishing a PDF file if the following checks are passed:

• Is the PDF intended for print, for example, a brochure? If so, it should be physically distributed as a print document and not uploaded it to the website.
• Is the content specific to the University of ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, or is it generic advice that could be found elsewhere on the internet? Only publish content that is specific to the University.
• Does the content have a clear intended audience and function? Do you have evidence that this content is actually needed? Only publish content that meets a definitive user need.
• Does the content already exist on the University website? We should only have one source of truth.
• Does the content need to record what was said at a particular time, for example, a policy, meeting minutes? If so, it can be uploaded as an accessible Word document or PDF but, ideally, should also be available in HTML.
• Has the PDF passed WCAG 2.1 AA standards?

Word and PDF files can only be uploaded to the University website by the Digital Communications (web) team. Please raise a support call by emailing itservicedesk@st-andrews.ac.uk to request an upload. Please check your document for accessibility before approaching the web team with your request.

For further information see our PDF standards.