How to Get My PDF Approved and Linked

Before you can link a PDF

Note: We do not recommend having PDF documents uploaded. PDFs are not mobile-friendly or searchable PDF. A webpage with the same content is a better user experience for all.

To comply with WCAG accessibility requirements and SDSU web governance standards, PDFs need to be fully accessible before adding to the website.

1. Email an accessible PDF to websupport.
   1. We also offer services to make your PDF accessible, should it be approved. This service has a base hourly cost.
2. Answer these questions to the best of your knowledge in the email.
   1. What is the purpose of the PDF?
   2. Are the PDF’s accessible in their current form?
   3. Information or requirements by a governing body or outside organization that states the information has to be posted as a PDF?
   4. If there is no requirement, why is it better to post this information as a PDF rather than as a web page?
   5. Other important information relevant to the request.
3. After approval, you will receive a link to your uploaded accessible PDF.
4. This link to the file works like any page, you can share it via email, or link in a page.

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Steps to Link a PDF

Note: Word documents can't be uploaded. If a form needs to be created from a PDF, please contact SDSU Forms. Here's a good example of using an IT form from the College of Nursing.

1. Login to sdstate.edu.
2. Navigate to the page where you want to link your accessible PDF.
3. Type out the text for the link in the body of the page, or the breakout box (displays in the sidebar) or a paragraph formatted text field.
4. Highlight the text for the link.
5. In the toolbar, click the link icon. You can hover your mouse over the icon, and it will say "Link (Ctrl + K)". It looks like a paper clip on its side. The icon to remove a link is next to it and has an x on the icon. CTRL-K also works as a shortcut to add a link to the selected text.
6. A box will appear with a bunch of fields to fill out for your link.
7. Copy the URL from the email sent with your link.
8. Paste the link in the URL field of the pop-up box.
   1. Make sure the URL matches the URL sent via email. They need to match.
9. Now, if you want a plain link, you can hit save.
   1. If you want a styled button instead, you can check the box in front of the word button.
10. Saving the page: From dropdown next to "Change to:" choose one of the following statuses:
    • Ready to Review: If it is ready to be published.
    • In progress: If you want to hold on publishing or are still editing.