Fix All Your Canvas PDF Accessibility Problems with One Tool

Today’s post shows how to fix your Canvas PDF accessibility problems using a single tool.

DocAccess now integrates directly into Canvas, which means you can convert any uploaded PDF into accessible HTML inside your course.

Video Guide

DocAccess Is Built Into Canvas

DocAccess can now be seamlessly integrated into Canvas LMS. When you upload a PDF into your Canvas course, you can instantly generate an accessible HTML version.

This accessible version works with screen readers and provides structured navigation. You do not need any other outside software or manual remediation.

Convert a PDF from the Files Section

Start in the Files area of your Canvas course.

Click Upload.
Select your PDF.
Wait for the file to appear in the list.

Once the file uploads, locate the DocAccess button next to it. Select Create Accessible Version. Canvas begins processing the document.

After processing completes, click the file and open it in the DocAccess view. Select the accessible transcript view. Canvas displays a fully accessible HTML version of your PDF inside the platform.

You can now use that version with a screen reader and other assistive tech.

Embed a PDF in a Canvas Page

You can also insert a PDF directly into a Canvas page.

Go to Pages.
Open your page.
Click Edit.
Choose Insert Document.
Select Upload Document.
Upload your file and click Submit.

Canvas places the document directly into the page. After you save the page, request the accessible version from within the page itself. Canvas processes the file and enables the accessible transcript view.

Once the system creates the accessible version, you do not need to repeat the process elsewhere in the course.

Convert Multiple Files at Once

If your course contains many PDFs, use the Files menu to convert multiple documents at the same time.

Select the files and choose Create Accessible Version. Canvas processes each file and links the accessible output to every location where that file appears.

If you use the same PDF in several modules or pages, you only convert it once. Canvas maps the accessible version across all instances automatically.

Use DocAccess When the PDF Is the Page

Sometimes the PDF itself serves as the Canvas page rather than appearing inside a page. In that case, DocAccess embeds directly into the page interface.

When processing finishes, the accessible transcript appears inlaid within the page. You can:

Switch to the accessible transcript view
Return to the original PDF view
Expand to full screen for easier navigation

This setup gives users more space and clearer structure when reading.

Explore DocAccess Accessibility Features

The accessible HTML version includes more than converted text. It provides interactive and navigational tools that improve usability.

Inside the DocAccess view, you can:

Navigate using a document outline
Ask questions about the document
Translate the content into 150+ languages
Print the accessible transcript
Use screen readers effectively

These features transform a static PDF into structured, flexible content that supports a wide range of learners.

Test DocAccess in Canvas

You can test DocAccess directly inside your Canvas environment. Upload a PDF, create the accessible version, and open the transcript view to see how it works.

You can also use DocAccess on a broader scale to convert large collections of PDFs into accessible HTML for your website or institution.

This tool gives you a direct, efficient way to improve accessibility across your course content.

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!