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SPECIFICTION
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PAVE 2.0

pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch

Free plan Web
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Spec score 7.2 #16 of 26 in PDF Accessibility Software

What it is

PAVE 2.0 is a free, web-based, AI-powered tool for remediating PDF documents. Developed by the ICT Accessibility Lab at the ZHAW Institute of Computer Science, it guides users through an eight-step workflow. Users can group and adjust regions such as paragraphs, headings, figures, tables, formulas, and captions. They can set the reading order of page regions for screen readers, organize heading levels, and define table and list structures. The tool supports adding or editing alternative text for figures and mathematical formulas. A final check lets users review results and add metadata; the page states that an accessible PDF needs at least a title, author, and language. PAVE 2.0 lists PDF tagging, reading-order, alternative-text tools, and PDF/UA support. It is not suitable for confidential information, particularly sensitive personal data involving health, political, religious, or ethnic origin. The tool warns that editing may change PDF content or presentation, leaving users responsible for reviewing generated files. ZHAW states that it assumes no liability for generated PDFs.

Spec sheet

Purpose
PAVE 2.0 is an AI-powered tool for remediating PDFs.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch
Headquarters
Winterthur, SwitzerlandRead 28 Sep 2026 · pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch
Alternative text
Users can insert or edit alternative text for figures and mathematical formulas.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch
Developer
The ICT Accessibility Lab at the ZHAW Institute of Computer Science developed PAVE 2.0.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch
Headings, tables, and lists
The workflow lets users organize heading levels and define table and list structures.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch
Liability
The page states that ZHAW assumes no liability for generated PDFs.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch
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.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch
PDF metadata
Users can check final results and add metadata; the page says an accessible PDF requires at least a title, author, and language.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch
Reading order
Users can adjust the reading order of regions on each page for screen readers.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch
Regions
Users can define and adjust groups of PDF elements such as paragraphs, headings, figures, tables, formulas, and captions.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch
Security limitation
The tool is not suitable for confidential information, particularly sensitive personal data, including health, political, religious, or ethnic-origin information.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch
Workflow
The tool guides users through an eight-step PDF remediation workflow.Read 7 Oct 2026 · pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch

Plans and prices

Free Free Sign-up is free Read 7 Oct 2026 · pave2.cloudlab.zhaw.ch

Every PAVE 2.0 plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Guides users through eight remediation steps
  • Adjusts reading order for screen readers
  • Supports headings, tables, lists, and tags
  • Adds alternative text to figures and formulas
  • Free web access with PDF/UA support

Limits

  • Not suitable for confidential information
  • Editing may change content or presentation
  • Users must review generated PDFs
  • ZHAW assumes no liability for generated PDFs

Who it suits

It suits people preparing PDFs for accessibility who can review the generated files themselves. It is intended for non-confidential documents because sensitive personal information should not be entered.

Verdict

PAVE 2.0 offers a structured workflow for PDF tagging, reading order, document structure, and alternative text. Its free access is useful for suitable documents, but privacy restrictions and required output review are central limitations.

Where Specifiction places it

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