RE: Converting html to pdf with java

George,
I'd just like to point out that when you convert a file to PDF you obviously still have the original file, so now you have and can use both.

The new ANPRM for Section 508 includes a requirement that addresses this:

504.2.1 Preservation of Accessibility Information in Format Conversion.  When converting from one format to another or saving content in multiple formats, authoring tools shall preserve the information required for accessibility to the extent that the information is supported by the destination format.

If you have an accessible HTML file the same information should be able to be used by a conversion tool to make the PDF accessible, and the PDF should be accessible even if you are also offering the HTML version.  I would recommend offering both to give users a choice whenever possible.

AWK

From: George Kerscher [mailto:kerscher@montana.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2012 2:24 PM
To: Tanguy.Loheac@sanofi.com; w3c-wai-ig@w3.org
Subject: RE: Converting html to pdf with java

Hello,

I am normally quiet on this list, however, I thought it best to comment on this topic.

I believe it is not a good idea to convert from HTML or XHTML to PDF, even if it might be classified as accessible PDF.  I cannot think of a situation where I would prefer a PDF over HTML; I am blind using a screen reader.

Best
George

From: Tanguy.Loheac@sanofi.com [mailto:Tanguy.Loheac@sanofi.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2012 4:01 AM
To: w3c-wai-ig@w3.org
Subject: TR: Converting html to pdf with java

Hello,
I don't know if this is the good place for such a question. But has anyone had the chance to expirement a java library that would convert accessible (x)html page to an accessible pdf document?
For instance, I've found this article : http://www.javaworld.com/javaworld/jw-04-2006/jw-0410-html.html
Unfortunately the input file taken as example is too poor in tags to have a good feeling of the accessibility of the output.
Thanks in advance for your valuable advice.
Regards
Tanguy