PDF/UA Compliance Archives - The Accessibility Guy

Identifying the OCCD Key Error in PAC 2021

While conducting PDF/UA compliance tests using the PAC 2021 tool, you may come across an issue named “OCCD Optional Content Configuration Dictionary contains as key”. This peculiar problem is unique to PDF / UA compliance.

The OCCD Key error may seem complex but fear not, we have a foolproof method to address this using the Preflight menu.

Utilizing the Preflight Menu to Fix the OCCD Key Error

Follow these steps to navigate the error:

In Adobe Acrobat, navigate to ‘More Tools’.

Add ‘Print Production’ to your tools panel.

Select ‘Print Production’, then click on ‘Preflight’. This will present a range of potential fixes for your file.

Look for the little wrench icon which denotes a ‘Single Fix’. Click on it.

In the search bar, type ‘flatten’.

The option we are looking for is “Discard hidden layer content and flatten visible layers”. All objects on currently invisible layers will be discarded, and all layers, including the visible ones, are flattened.

Select this option and click ‘Fix’.

Save your file when prompted.

Verifying the Solution

To check if the error is resolved, test your newly saved file with the PAC 2021 tool. Drag and drop the file into the tool and if all goes well, the troublesome OCCD Key Error should have disappeared.

Resolving the OCCD Key Error in PAC 2021 is just one step towards achieving complete PDF/UA compliance. It’s a process, but with patience and the right know-how, you can conquer it.

If you found this guide helpful, don’t hesitate to share it with others who may be facing the same challenges. We’d also love to hear from you about any other issues you’re encountering with your PDFs. Remember, accessibility is our collective responsibility and together, we can make content more accessible for everyone.

Video Overview

This video will provide an overview of this post but in video format.

Understanding the ‘Table Header Cell Has No Associated Sub Cells’ Error

When you test a sample file with the PAC 2021 tool, and delve into the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) under ‘Perceivable’ and ‘Adaptable’ and then into ‘Info and Relationships’, you may encounter an error called ‘Table Header Cell Assignments’. Essentially, this error occurs when your table header cells lack associated sub cells.

A Step-By-Step Guide to Resolving the Error

Resolving this issue is not as daunting as it may seem. By using Adobe Acrobat’s ‘Table Editor’, you can easily tackle this error. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Open your sample file in Adobe Acrobat.
Access the ‘Table Editor’ by selecting the ‘Accessibility’ button, then the ‘Reading Order’ button. This allows you to right-click inside your table and select ‘Table Editor’.
Notice that a header row is applied to your table. Right-click on the table and select ‘Auto Generate Header Cell IDs’. This action will assign a unique name to each individual cell.
To add more specificity, you can manually input names as the header cell ID such as ‘Course Name’, ‘Faculty’, ‘Summary’, and ‘Code’ by right-clicking and selecting ‘Table Cell Properties’.
Now, assign the scope to all these headers by selecting them while holding the ‘Shift’ key. Open ‘Table Cell Properties’ again, change the scope from ‘None’ to ‘Column’, and select ‘OK’.
Finally, you’ll need to assign individual cells to their respective header cells. This can be done by selecting the cells under each header name, right-clicking, and choosing ‘Table Cell Properties’. Under ‘Associated Header Cell IDs’, select the ‘+’ button, choose the appropriate header ID, and select ‘OK’.
Once you’ve assigned all your cells, save your file.

Verifying the Solution

Test your newly saved file with the PAC 2021 tool one more time. You should now see a green checkmark next to ‘Table Header Cell Assignments’ under WCAG, indicating that the ‘Table Header Cell Has No Associated Sub Cells’ error is resolved.

The Importance of This Fix

While this specific error is not a required criterion for passing Adobe Acrobat or Section 508 checks, ensuring full compliance with PDF/UA and WCAG checks can greatly enhance user experience, especially for those using assistive technology. So, always put in the extra effort when possible, as it creates a more inclusive digital environment.

If you found this guide helpful, be sure to share it with others and stay tuned for more insights on creating accessible digital content.

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Going the Extra Mile for Accessibility

Remember that accessibility isn’t just about meeting the minimum requirements – it’s about striving for full inclusion. Providing tables with properly associated header cells and sub cells can make a significant difference for users who rely on assistive technology. Not only does it allow these users to better understand the structure and content of your tables, but it also provides a smoother, more intuitive experience when navigating your PDFs.

So, while the steps we’ve discussed are technically only necessary for full PDF/UA and WCAG compliance, they’re best practice for any PDF you’re creating. Let’s all make the extra effort to ensure our digital content is as accessible as possible.

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Navigating the world of digital accessibility can be complex, but guides like this can help. Consider subscribing and checking out our other content for more insights into PDF/UA compliance, the PAC 2021 checker, and more.

Encountering other problems when working with your PDFs? Be sure to drop a comment or get in touch – we’re here to help you resolve any issues and improve your knowledge of accessibility. Check out our channel to find out how we can support you in different ways.

We appreciate you joining us in this journey towards a more accessible digital world. Thank you for being part of the solution, and we look forward to seeing you in our next guide.

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