You may have noticed a new, modern look if you are using Acrobat Pro. While it is a nice upgrade, it introduces a few problems. First, everything is on the opposite side of where it was, so that can be a little disconcerting, and then when you try to use CommonLook to validate your PDFs for accessibility, it fails to load correctly. Fortunately, the fix is easy: simply revert to the legacy look and feel.
Changing to the old layout
In order to switch back to the old layout, go to the Menu in the top left, open it, and then go down to “Disable new Acrobat.” When you click the option, Acrobat will alert you that it needs to restart. Choose Restart, and the application will close and reopen in the legacy view. The layout will seem familiar, and CommonLook will work correctly.
What is CommonLook?
CommonLook is a third-party add-on that allows you to test your document for accessibility correctly. While Adobe features a built-in scanner, it doesn’t do a sufficient job to guarantee that your document will be accessible to those using assistive technology.
It is your responsibility
If you are creating documents that will be converted to PDF for others to use, it is your responsibility to ensure that they meet the accessibility requirement outlined in r Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Plain Writing Act of 2010. All documents electronic documents regardless of format, must be accessible regardless of where they are located (internet, intranet, SharePoint, or email). When it comes to PDFs, the only way to truly validate that all the requirements have been met is to use CommonLook.
How to get CommonLook
If you have Acrobat Pro (not Reader) and need CommonLook installed on your computer, submit a ticket in yourIT.
- Select Submit a request
- Enable the Technical Catalog
- Choose 508 Accessibility
- Choose 508 Accessibility Test Tools
- Then, in the description, request to have CommonLook installed.
If you have questions about using CommonLook or general accessibility questions, please contact the VA Section 508 Office at Section508@va.gov or visit their SharePoint website (VA staff only).
