Why most content is better as a web page

Web pages are the easiest and most accessible way to share information online.

Why web pages are easier to use

If you create or manage content for our websites, you should aim to make it accessible to as many people as possible. Start by publishing content as a web page.

Web pages often work better than other formats, like PDFs, because they:

  • adapt to different screen sizes and devices
  • work with assistive tools, such as screen readers and keyboard navigation
  • are easier to read, navigate and understand

In 2025, 67% of users accessed our site on mobile.

PDFs are harder to use than web pages, even when accessible, especially on mobile or with assistive technology.

Do not rely on a PDF alone. Make sure the key information is available on the webpage so people do not need to open the file.

Web pages are also easier to:

  • keep up to date and accurate
  • adjust for colour, text size and spacing
  • track user behaviour using website analytics

Use PDFs or other document formats only as a supplement to web content.

The Nielsen Norman Group explains why PDFs are harder to read on screen.

When to use PDFs or other documents

PDFs and other documents are less flexible online and harder to make accessible. Only use them when there is a clear reason to do so.

Examples of when PDFs are needed

They may be needed in these cases:

  • the layout must stay fixed, such as official reports, publications or Easy Read documents
  • the document is long and intended for offline reading, such as legal or policy documents
  • the content includes structured data, such as spreadsheets where sorting or filtering is useful
  • the content is difficult to publish as a web page, such as infographics, large tables, maps, floor plans or complex technical documents
  • the document is archived and must be preserved in its original format
  • the document is intended for printing and sharing, such as forms, leaflets, booklets or posters
  • only a small number of people need access, and no suitable web alternative exists

Make PDFs accessible or provide an alternative

Most people view PDFs online, so they need to be easy to use.

Find out which documents need to be accessible before you publish.

Start with an accessible source document, such as a Word file.

Learn how to create an accessible PDF from a Word document in How to make Word documents accessible.

Give an accessible alternative

If a PDF cannot be made fully accessible:

  • provide the same key information in another accessible format, such as a web page or accessible Word document
  • give people a clear way to contact you to request a version that meets their access needs

Learn how to publish content in different formats in How to create accessible content

Last reviewed: 15 May 2026