At a glance
A publishing record should name the original, alternative formats, approved output revision, checks performed and responsible update owner. This template leaves the release decision pending until evidence exists. Generating or downloading a file is not the same event as approving it for publication.
Pending review and unconfirmed behavior remain visible in the example.
| Document | Output revision | Open findings | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example policy | Not approved yet | Review pending | Awaiting review |
| Example application | Not approved yet | Submission unconfirmed | Held for review |
Scroll sideways to see all columns. Use arrow keys when the table is focused.
Bind links to an approved revision
Record the source revision and the exact reviewed output. Verify that public PDF and HTML links actually serve those versions. A stable URL can deliver changed bytes, so link existence alone is not sufficient release evidence.
State the role of each format: original download, reviewed HTML alternative or separate rebuilt PDF. Use descriptive link labels and retain source context so readers understand the choice.
- Replace examples with the source and routes intended for publication.
- Record the exact approved output revision and actual test coverage.
- Make format links descriptive and verify them anonymously.
- Provide a reader correction route in the published experience.
- A source or output change requires affected review before release.
Keep review scope with the decision
Record what was reviewed: text, tables, figures, forms, keyboard behavior or assistive-technology tasks. Include page sampling and unresolved findings. A blank open-findings cell should not be treated as a completed assessment when the checks remain pending.
The responsible team can approve, hold or request correction based on the agreed requirements. Keep that actual decision with evidence rather than inserting an automatic pass formula based on a checker score.
Plan what happens after release
Name an update owner and provide a reader correction route in the public experience. Source changes require affected comparison and review before remapping the public output. Preserve the earlier record so feedback can be traced to the revision a reader encountered.
Worksheet fields
The records sheet has 10 columns. Keep a stable ID and source evidence when sorting or extending it.
| Column | How to use it |
|---|---|
| Release ID | Stable publication record. |
| Document | Meaningful document title. |
| Source revision | Approved current source or digest. |
| HTML / alternative | Intended public alternative route. |
| Original PDF | Intended public original download route. |
| Approved output revision | Exact revision tied to review evidence. |
| Checks and coverage | What was actually reviewed; include sampling boundaries. |
| Open findings | Remaining barriers or uncertainty requiring a decision. |
| Update owner | Team responsible for source changes and re-review. |
| Release decision | Awaiting review, approved or held, with actual decision evidence. |
Scroll sideways to see all columns. Use arrow keys when the table is focused.
The original worksheet schemas and fictional rows are offered under CC0. You can adapt them without a required backlink. This reuse statement covers the template assets, not the third-party references.
Sources and scope
Methods, worksheets and illustrative examples are DocAccessible editorial contributions. These references support the technical or product details described above. W3C techniques are informative guidance; they are not a certification scheme.
- DocAccessible remediation options
The different output paths and their review requirements.
- W3C: evaluating web accessibility
Automated tools and knowledgeable human evaluation serve different roles.
- W3C PDF18: document title
Setting a meaningful PDF document title.
- W3C PDF16: document language
Setting the document's default language.
Written by the DocAccessible team under our editorial policy. Suggest a correction if a source or product detail needs updating.