How to Fix JAWS Reading Ligature Characters Incorrectly in Word PDFs
Question details
The user needs a permanent solution to prevent the JAWS screen reader from incorrectly reading ligature characters in PDFs exported from Microsoft Word.
- Product
- Microsoft Word, PDF
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating accessible PDF documents from Microsoft Word to be read seamlessly by the JAWS screen reader.
- Observed behavior
- Microsoft Word exports ligature characters to PDF in a way that causes JAWS to read them as separate or incorrect characters. Manually disabling ligatures resets for new documents, creating an ongoing accessibility concern.
Ensure you have access to modify the Normal.dotm template file in Microsoft Word and administrative rights to change advanced layout options for document compatibility.
Use a Word 2010-Compatible Template to Disable OpenType Formatting
This approach creates a reusable template that permanently disables OpenType font formatting features, preventing ligature issues in new documents.
By modifying the default document template (Normal.dotm) and enforcing older compatibility settings, you can ensure that OpenType ligatures are globally disabled for all new accessible PDFs you generate.
Create or open a Word template (.dotm) and set it to Word 2010 compatibility mode.
Navigate to File > Options > Advanced in the Word ribbon.
Scroll down to the very bottom of the Advanced tab to find the 'Layout Options' section.
Check the box for 'Disable OpenType Font Formatting Features'.
Save this document as your Normal.dotm template and use it as the base whenever generating accessible PDFs.
Use Fonts Without Ligatures
A simpler workaround is to exclusively use specific fonts that do not contain ligature features at all.
Report the Accessibility Issue to Microsoft
Since this is a known compatibility bug between Word's PDF export and JAWS, submitting feedback helps prioritize a permanent patch.
Try WPS Office for Better Document Accessibility and PDF Exporting
If you continue facing font rendering and accessibility issues in Microsoft Word, WPS Office provides a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative. Its robust PDF export engine ensures clean text rendering without the complicated formatting glitches.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for free from the official website.
- 2. Open Your Document: Open your existing Word document (.docx) in WPS Writer.
- 3. Export to PDF: Click Menu > Export to PDF, save the file, and test it with your JAWS screen reader.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are ligature characters in Word?
Ligatures are special typographical replacements where two or more characters (like 'fi' or 'fl') are combined into a single glyph for better visual appeal. However, they can cause screen readers like JAWS to misinterpret the text.
Why does JAWS read PDF ligatures incorrectly?
When Word exports documents to PDF, OpenType ligature glyphs are sometimes encoded in a way that screen readers do not recognize as the original separate letters, leading to pronunciation errors or skipped text.
How do I permanently disable ligatures in Microsoft Word?
You cannot globally disable them via a simple toggle for all documents at once. You must modify your Normal.dotm template, go to File > Options > Advanced > Layout Options, and enable 'Disable OpenType Font Formatting Features' so new documents inherit the setting.
Which fonts do not have ligatures?
Many older TrueType fonts and standard monospaced programming fonts (like Consolas or Courier New) typically lack advanced OpenType ligature features, making them safer choices for accessibility.
