FAQs - Web-based CommonLook PDF

Which editor do I choose? 

It's probably easier to start with the Simplified Editor, unless any of the following conditions exist in your PDF: 

• The document is 150 pages or longer 
• The document contains more than one language
• You need to use Span tags to fix OCR errors
• The document contains very complex tables
• You want to add alt text for links that differs from the display text
• You require specific, manual control over the reading order and how your document will be presented to end-users
• You want to guarantee the document complies with standards like ISO 32000, HHS, and WCAG 2.x, OR, if you want to make sure your PDF complies with PDF/UA and one of those other standards.  

File Size/ Page Count limits?

Question: Are there file size limits for the files that I can work on?

Answer: Yes. If your PDF is 150 pages or longer you'll need to use the Advanced Editor.  However, even the Advanced Editor has a file size limit of 200MB. 

Getting “timed out”

Question: I got timed out. Can I pick up where I left off?

Answer: Yes! On the Remediations screen, the project you were working on will be listed as “Editing.” When you’re ready to continue working, find your “Editing” project and select “Continue.” 

Save and come back later?

Question: Can I save my work and pick up where I left off, later?

Answer: Yes! Choose “Save and Continue Later” and then, when you’re ready to continue working, in your list of Remediations, find your “Editing” project and select “Continue.”

Clarify Page Elements vs. Full Document Review

Question: What is the difference between “Clarify Page Elements” and “Full Document Review?”

Answer:

Clarify Page Elements takes you through specific pages where the system has detected it needs your input. Some examples may include the following:

1. The software wasn’t totally sure about the containers and it wants you to verify they are correct,
2. Content wasn’t placed in a container.

During “Clarify Page Elements,” the Simplified Editor will skip pages that it feels confident about, though. 

“Full Document Review” is your opportunity to check, and make corrections, if needed, on every page in the file.

No pages get skipped during this process.

This is also where you check and make “Connections” for things like lists or tables that span across multiple pages.

Doing the same document again

Question:  Wait, I missed something, can I do the same document again?

Answer:  Yes!  Back in the Remediations screen, click the three dots next to the file (the “hamburger menu”).  You'll then be able to choose to edit again with the Simplified or Advanced Editor. 

You’ll get a dialog box telling you that you’ll need to convert the file again in order to generate a new, accessible file. 

Note: This action cannot be undone.  In other words, if you choose to rework the file, you will not be able to download the file that was previously available on the Remediations screen.  You’ll need to complete the process to download a new, accessible file.  Also, if you choose to use the Advanced Editor, you will not be able to use the Simplified Editor again, for that file.  

Choose “Yes, Edit Again,” or “Cancel” as needed.

If you choose “Yes, Edit Again,” with the Simplified Editor, you’ll be brought back into the software at the “Full Document Review” stage.  Continue working as needed.