# If possible, start with the underlying document

When creating accessible PDFs, starting with the underlying document—such as a Word document, PowerPoint presentation, or other accessible formats—is best for ensuring your content is accessible to all users. 

Here’s why it’s the best approach:

### **1. Better structure and tagging from the start**

* **Logical Structure**: Documents like Word or PowerPoint allow you to use **built-in styles** for headings, lists, and paragraphs, which automatically create a logical structure. 
* **Predefined Tags**: Word processors, for example, allow you to tag elements (headings, lists, tables, etc.) in the original document, so they are correctly identified and tagged when converted to PDF. 

### **2. Automatic alt text for images and graphics**

* **Alt text creation**: In programs like Microsoft Word, you can add alt text to images, tables, and other visual elements directly in the document. This alt text is preserved during the conversion to PDF.

### **3. Consistent hyperlinks and document metadata**

* **Hyperlink management**: In documents like Word, you can easily add descriptive hyperlink text, ensuring that the links are accessible in the final PDF.
* **Document metadata**: Starting with an accessible document allows you to add metadata (such as document title, author, and keywords) directly in the document properties. This metadata carries over to the PDF.

Starting with an accessible underlying document ensures that the final PDF is properly structured, well-tagged, and fully accessible. 

{% embed url="<https://contrastchecker.com/>" %}


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