PREP Tool: A Faster Workflow for PDF Remediation

PREP by Continual Engine is a PDF remediation platform that helps you make PDFs accessible with far less manual work. PREP applies most of the tag structure automatically, then gives you an editor where you can review reading order, fix the remaining issues, and export a remediated file you can verify in Adobe Acrobat.

Video Guide

What PREP does

PREP supports common remediation tasks you handle every day:

Applies an automatic tag structure, often covering most of the document
Helps you set and verify reading order
Lets you set the document language for tags
Generates alternate text for documents that include images
Runs a built-in accessibility checker before you export

Upload a file and open the editor

Start by signing in and uploading a PDF. PREP processes the file and shows it in your dashboard alongside other processed files.

After processing finishes, select the file to open it in the editor.

From the dashboard, you can return later to download the original file or the remediated export.

PREP includes a tour guide that walks you through common tasks.

Review tags, reading order, and language

Use the editor to fine-tune the document’s structure and settings so it reads correctly with assistive technology.

Work directly with the tag structure, including H1, H2, and paragraph tags.
Control reading order to keep content in a logical sequence for assistive technology.
Add alt text to any images

Set the document language.

Preview the accessible output

Select Preview to see how the document reads in a simplified, structured (HTML) view that mirrors assistive output. Use this view to confirm:

Headings appear at the right levels
Lists show up as proper list items
The structure reads in the expected order

Save, check accessibility, and export

When the structure looks right, save the file and run PREP’s built-in accessibility checker. You can check a single page or run the check across the entire document.

After PREP finishes the check, export the file and open it in Adobe Acrobat to verify the results. In Acrobat, review the Tags panel to confirm the structure, including headings, paragraphs, lists, and tables, then run Acrobat’s accessibility check to confirm you don’t have errors.

I’m happy to report our text document returned no errors!

Overall, PREP feels like a practical, time-saving tool that handles the heavy lifting up front while still giving you the control you need to deliver clean, reliable accessible PDFs.

Let me be your champion for inclusion. I offer tailored solutions (and self-paced courses!) to ensure your documents meet and exceed compliance expectations. For more detailed insights, tutorials, and in-depth discussions on accessibility and related topics, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel: The Accessibility Guy on YouTube. Subscribe for regular updates!