PDF-to-HTML Conversions

An Easier Way to Make PDFs Accessible 

NCDIT is working with Google and Gemini AI to provide a tool that turns PDFs into easy-to-read HTML pages. 

When is it coming?

The Google tool will launch in mid-March and will be free for all Digital Commons sites.

What You Can Expect on Digital Commons 

  • PDF-to-HTML Conversion: Most PDFs (except forms) can be turned into single-column HTML pages. You can edit these pages anytime.
  • Redirects: Links to old PDFs will automatically send visitors to the new HTML page.
  • Replacement: The HTML page will replace the PDF, not appear alongside it.

Why Convert to HTML? 

HTML pages are more accessible than PDFs. They are easier to edit, work on all devices, and support AI tools and language translation.

What About Forms and Required PDFs?

  • Forms: We recommend turning PDF forms into web forms. If you keep a PDF form online, it must meet accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 Level AA).
  • Required PDFs: Some documents, like legal files or highly formatted layouts, must stay in PDF format. These need accessibility fixes, either by your agency or through a vendor hired under a state contract (currently out for bid).

Cost-Effective Options Available

PDF-HTML ConversionPDF Remediation
  • Free for agencies on the Digital Commons platform
  • For agencies not on Digital Commons, cost estimates are about $0.03 cents per page
  • NCDIT is negotiating a State Term Contract
  • Multiple vendor options for agencies to choose from

Websites Outside Digital Commons

For agency websites not hosted on Digital Commons, the PDF-to-HTML solution will cost as little as $0.03 per page. Agencies will need to upload the HTML pages to their sites and remove the old PDFs. Delivery details for these sites are still being finalized.

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