Why web pages are often better
We recommend publishing content as a web page instead of a document, such as a PDF.
This is because web pages are easier for people to use and keep up to date.
Web pages:
- work better on phones and tablets
- are easier to read and navigate
- can be updated quickly, so information stays accurate
- allow us to see how people use them, so we can make improvements
- can be adjusted by users (for example, changing text size, colours or spacing)
Over two thirds of people visiting Sefton Council websites use a mobile device. Web pages help make sure they have a good experience.
You can find out how to create accessible webpages.
When documents may be used
There are times when it is better to publish a document instead of a web page.
For example, when:
- the content is very long and would take a lot of time to convert
- the document includes large amounts of data, such as spreadsheets
- only a small number of people need the information
- the format is important and difficult to present on a web page
Making documents accessible
If you publish a document, it must still be accessible.
This includes files such as PDFs, Word documents and Excel spreadsheets.
You can find guidance on how to make these accessible:
PDFs
Word documents
Excel spreadsheets
More information
You can read more about why web content should be published as web pages instead of PDFs on GOV.UK.
You can also learn more about some of the challenges people face when reading PDFs online.
Need help?
NCC staff can find support and guidance to help them publish accessible content.