Specifying the format of files available for download (such as PDF, DOCX, WAV, or MP4) allows users to determine if they have the necessary software or apps to open them on their reading system.

Objectives

• Allow users to determine if they can open the downloaded files on their reading system or device.
• Reduce server load by preventing unnecessary downloads.
• Improve content accessibility for users with disabilities.

Implementation

• At a minimum, provide a help page indicating the file format if it is consistent across the publication. Ideally, specify the format for every individual download link.

Control

• For each download link, verify that the file format (e.g., EPUB, PDF, MP3) is clearly identified.
• Ensure this information is provided through a help page, in the surrounding text (paragraph, list item, heading, table header), within the link text itself, via a tooltip, or through an icon with alternative text specifying the format.