Provide File Type and Size with Downloadable Files

Classification:
[x] Standard

Categories:
[x] Accessibility/508
[x] Links
[x] Multimedia & New Media
[x] Required Pages & Elements

Standard:

HHS must provide file format type and size information with all non-HTML file-types such as Adobe Acrobat (PDF), MS Word (DOC), and Adobe Flash (SWF) files.

When linking to a single file format that is not in HTML or another browser-friendly format, place the file format notice at the link level and use this format, Subject/name of file (file format – file size OR number of pages or minutes).

When linking to multiple file formats that are not in HTML or another browser-friendly format, place the file format notices at the link level and use this format, Subject/name of the file (file format#1 – file size OR number of pages or minutes) (file format#2 – file size OR number of pages or minutes). View the “Requirements” section below for format.

In addition, HHS must provide help instructions on how and where to access necessary plug-ins needed to view non-HTML files. These instructions must be available from a prominent location—such as a linked notice placed at the top of a Web page or in the footer location—and must be used on all relevant Web pages. View the “Requirements” section below for format.

Rationale:

OMB guidance for public facing Web sites and HHS usability test findings indicate that users want to know the file type. Users with low bandwidth want to get a sense of the time required to view a resource. In addition, you should provide instructions for downloading viewers and/or players on all Web pages providing non-HTML files.

Exemptions: N/A

Sources:

Badre, 2002; Evans, 1998; Nielsen, 1997e; Nielsen, 1999b; Nielsen, 2000; Nielsen, 2003; Spool, et al., 1997; Wen and Beaton, 1996; Williams, 2000.

Requirements (content & style):

Style for presenting single and multiple file formats:

Single File Format Example

What Is a Heart Attack and What Are the Long-Term Effects? (PDF – 230 KB) (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)

What Is a Heart Attack and What Are the Long-Term Effects? (PDF – 5 pages) (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)

What Are the Long-Term Effects of a Heart Attack? (Flash – 1:30 hr.) (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)

What Is a Heart Attack? (Flash – 30 sec.) (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)

Multiple File Format Example

Heart Attack (PDF– 106 KB) (Flash – 242 KB) (National Library of Medicine)

Heart Attack (PDF– 2 pages) (Flash – 1:25 min.) (National Library of Medicine)

(Note: The first item would link to an HTML page.)

Heart Attack (PDF – 106KB) (Flash – 242 KB) (National Library of Medicine)

Heart Attack (PDF – 2 pages) (Flash – 1:25 min.) (National Library of Medicine)

(Note: The first item would link to a PDF document.)

Content and style for instructing users about how to access non-HTML file formats:

If your page links only to PDFs, use this notice (or something similar):

Note: Documents in PDF format require the Adobe Acrobat Reader®. If you experience problems with PDF documents, please download the latest version of the Reader®.

If your Web page links to multiple non-HTML files, use this notice (or something similar):

Note: If you need help accessing information in different file formats such as PDF, MS Word, MP3, see Instructions for Downloading Viewers and Players.

Related Standards:

Related Guidelines:

Inform Users of Long Download Times (V2, 2:11, p. 17)

Checklist:
Provide file type and size with downloadable files.