Canvas: DocAccess

DocAccess provides an accessible way to view PDF documents in Canvas. It creates an accessible transcript view that works well with screen readers and other assistive technologies while still allowing users to access the original PDF layout when needed. 

Important: DocAccess is a temporary accessibility solution.

DocAccess will be available in Canvas for a limited time. While DocAccess provides an accessible way to view PDF content, instructors should make every effort to ensure that PDFs are accessible before adding them to Canvas.

When possible, create and provide accessible PDFs rather than relying on DocAccess to make an inaccessible document accessible. For guidance on creating accessible PDFs, see Making Accessible PDFs in Adobe Acrobat.

DocAccess can be used as an additional accessibility option while it is available, but it should not replace efforts to create accessible course materials.

DocAccess Overview

Requesting Accessible Files

Within the Files Feature

When adding files into a Canvas course, you can determine if it has been run through DocAccess by the icon color and its description:

The green icon indicates that an accessible version has been created and is ready to view. The gray icon indicates that an accessible version will need to be created. Clicking on the gray icon will start the creation process.

Within a File linked in a Module

You can also view the status within the file's specific page. 

Students can access the Accessible View here by clicking on the green icon. They can also click the icon to start the creation process if an accessible version does not already exist. 

Choose a view

When a PDF is available through DocAccess in Canvas, you can choose between two viewing options: a printer-friendly view and an accessible transcript view. Each view is designed for a different purpose.

• Printer-Friendly View: Use this option when you need to preserve the original PDF layout, view visuals, print the document, or complete forms.
• Accessible Transcript View: Use this option for screen reader access, mobile reading, structured navigation, and improved readability.

Printer-Friendly View

The printer-friendly view preserves the original PDF layout, including images, graphics, formatting, and page structure. Use this view when the visual layout is important or when you need to print or download the original PDF.

Accessible Transcript View

The accessible transcript view presents PDF content as a structured web page. This view is designed to support easier navigation, improved readability, and better compatibility with assistive technologies such as screen readers.

Key Features

• Structured headings for quick navigation.
• Logical reading order for improved comprehension.
• Improved compatibility with screen readers and other assistive technologies.

Recommended Use

Use the accessible transcript view when reading with assistive technology or when you need a simplified, structured version of the PDF content. Use the printer-friendly view when the original layout, images, or form fields are necessary.