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PAVE 2.0
Winterthur, Switzerland
What it is
PAVE 2.0 is a web-based, AI-powered tool for remediating PDF files. Developed by the ICT Accessibility Lab at the ZHAW Institute of Computer Science, it guides users through an eight-step workflow. Users can define groups of PDF elements such as paragraphs, headings, figures, tables, formulas, and captions, then adjust the reading order of page regions for screen readers. The workflow supports heading levels and table and list structures. It also lets users add or edit alternative text for figures and mathematical formulas. Before finishing, users can review results and add metadata; the page says an accessible PDF needs at least a title, author, and language. PAVE 2.0 is free to use with free sign-up and lists PDF tagging, reading-order, alternative-text tools, and PDF/UA support. It is not suitable for confidential information, especially sensitive personal data. Editing may change PDF content or presentation, so users must review generated files, and ZHAW assumes no liability for them.
For and against
For
- Guides users through eight remediation steps
- Supports screen-reader reading order
- Edits alternative text for figures and formulas
- Includes PDF metadata checks
- Free sign-up and use
Against
- Not suitable for confidential information
- Editing may change PDF presentation
- Users must review generated PDFs
- ZHAW assumes no liability
The verdict
PAVE 2.0 provides a structured, free workflow for improving PDF accessibility. Its privacy and output-review warnings are important for anyone handling sensitive documents or relying on unchanged presentation.
Who it suits
It suits people preparing PDFs for accessibility who need structured tagging, reading-order controls, and alternative-text editing. It should not be used with confidential or sensitive personal information.
Plans and prices
Free
Sign-up is free
Read 7 Oct 2026 · pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch
On the record
- Alternative text
- Users can insert or edit alternative text for figures and mathematical formulas.pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch · read 7 Oct 2026
- Developer
- The ICT Accessibility Lab at the ZHAW Institute of Computer Science developed PAVE 2.0.pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch · read 7 Oct 2026
- Headings, tables, and lists
- The workflow lets users organize heading levels and define table and list structures.pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch · read 7 Oct 2026
- Liability
- The page states that ZHAW assumes no liability for generated PDFs.pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch · read 7 Oct 2026
- Output review
- The page says PAVE 2.0 cannot guarantee that editing leaves PDF content or presentation unchanged and assigns users responsibility for reviewing generated PDFs.pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch · read 7 Oct 2026
- PDF metadata
- Users can check final results and add metadata; the page says an accessible PDF requires at least a title, author, and language.pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch · read 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- PAVE 2.0 is an AI-powered tool for remediating PDFs.pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch · read 7 Oct 2026
- Reading order
- Users can adjust the reading order of regions on each page for screen readers.pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch · read 7 Oct 2026
- Regions
- Users can define and adjust groups of PDF elements such as paragraphs, headings, figures, tables, formulas, and captions.pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch · read 7 Oct 2026
- Security limitation
- The tool is not suitable for confidential information, particularly sensitive personal data, including health, political, religious, or ethnic-origin information.pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch · read 7 Oct 2026
- Workflow
- The tool guides users through an eight-step PDF remediation workflow.pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch · read 7 Oct 2026
