Axescheck ⚡
axescheck is a defensive programming utility designed to validate the integrity, shape, and type of input data structures (arrays, tensors, or dataframes) relative to expected axes. It prevents cryptic downstream errors by failing early with descriptive messages when inputs do not match the required geometry.
For now, as a general review of the concept of checking axes in data visualization or engineering:
Let me know the exact context!
In MATLAB, axescheck is a helper function typically used when writing custom plotting functions. It identifies if the first argument passed to a function is an axes handle.
Primary Purpose: To allow your custom function to optionally accept an axes handle (e.g., myplot(ax, x, y)) while correctly parsing remaining data arguments. How to Use: Syntax: [cax, args, nargs] = axescheck(varargin:);
cax: Returns the axes handle if found; otherwise, it is empty.
args: Returns the remaining input arguments with the axes handle removed. nargs: The number of remaining arguments.
When to Use: Essential when you want your function to support the "Parent" property or standard axes-first syntax common in built-in MATLAB functions. 2. Accessibility Tool: axesCheck (Web & Desktop)
axesCheck is a prominent cloud-based tool designed to verify that PDF documents meet international accessibility standards like PDF/UA and WCAG. Core Features
Automated Validation: Scans PDFs for structure, tagging, and semantic errors.
Standards Compliance: Checks specifically against the Matterhorn Protocol (for PDF/UA) and WCAG 2.x criteria.
Detailed Reporting: Generates a list of errors, warnings, and passed tests to guide manual remediation. Usage Workflow
Upload: Drag and drop your PDF into the axesCheck interface (or use the web-based version if on a Mac).
Review Results: Analyze the generated report. It will categorize issues into areas like "Document Structure," "Tables," or "Alternative Text".
Manual Verification: Note that automated tools only catch about 20-30% of issues. You must still manually check: axescheck
Reading Order: Ensure the screen reader follows the logical flow.
Alt Text Accuracy: Verify that descriptions for images are meaningful, not just present.
Remediation: Use related software like axesPDF to fix the identified tagging errors, delete empty tags, or add Note IDs. Comparison Table MATLAB axescheck Accessibility axesCheck User Base Programmers / Engineers Content Creators / Compliance Officers Main Action Parses axes handles in code Validates PDF accessibility Output Variable handles & arguments Compliance reports (PDF/UA, WCAG) Platform MATLAB Environment Web Browser / Cloud Service axesPDF: Correct PDF accessibility easily - axes4
axesCheck is a free, web-based tool designed to validate the accessibility of PDF documents in accordance with international standards. Developed by the software company axes4, it serves as an online alternative to the desktop-based PDF Accessibility Checker (PAC). Core Functions and Standards
The tool provides an immediate report on a PDF's compliance with key digital accessibility benchmarks:
PDF/UA (ISO 14289): Focuses on the technical, machine-verifiable requirements for universally accessible PDF files.
WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines): Evaluates how well the document meets global web accessibility standards. Key Features
axesCheck: Check your PDF for accessibility for free - axes4
The keyword "axescheck" primarily refers to two distinct tools: a specialized internal function within MATLAB for managing graphical axes and a web-based PDF accessibility validator. 1. The MATLAB axescheck Function
In the world of MATLAB development, axescheck is a "hidden" utility function used by many built-in plotting routines to parse input arguments. It is designed to determine whether the first argument provided to a function is an axes handle, allowing for flexible syntax in custom plotting functions. Functionality and Syntax
The core purpose of axescheck is to simplify the process of making functions "axes-aware." This allows a user to call a function in multiple ways: myplot(ax, x, y) — Explicitly specifying the target axes. myplot(x, y) — Plotting on the current axes (gca).
The standard syntax for calling it within your code is:[ax, args, nargs] = axescheck(varargin:);
ax: Returns the handle to the axes if found; otherwise, it returns empty.
args: Returns the remaining input arguments, excluding the axes handle. nargs: Returns the updated number of remaining arguments. Why Use It? axescheck is a defensive programming utility designed to
While MathWorks has moved toward more formal argument validation (like arguments blocks), axescheck remains useful because it uses an undocumented, high-speed variant of ishghandle to verify if a handle specifically belongs to an axes object. Developers can find examples of its implementation in community-maintained toolboxes like irfu-matlab on GitHub. 2. axesCheck for PDF Accessibility
Beyond programming, axesCheck is a prominent web application provided by axes4 used to verify if PDF files are accessible to people with disabilities. Key Features
Standards Compliance: It checks documents against the machine-verifiable requirements of PDF/UA (ISO 14289) and WCAG (A & AA).
No-Install Validation: As a web-based version of the PDF Accessibility Checker (PAC), it allows users on any operating system—including macOS and mobile—to test files without installing software.
Matterhorn Protocol: The tool uses the Matterhorn Protocol to ensure that the technical structure of the PDF allows for Universal Access. The Testing Process
To use this version of axesCheck, users simply upload a PDF to the axesCheck portal. The tool provides an immediate report on: Metadata: Checks for titles and language settings. Tagging: Verifies the presence of a logical structure. Visuals: Confirms that images have alternative text.
"Inclusion isn't a checkbox; it’s a design philosophy. When we run a document through
, we aren’t just looking for technical errors—we’re identifying where we’ve accidentally built a wall. Every flagged error is a moment where a person using an assistive device might lose their autonomy. True digital accessibility means moving beyond 'compliance' to ensure that information is a shared human right, not a privilege for the sighted or able-bodied." Option 2: MATLAB Programming If you are referring to the function (often used in orbit determination microwave element design ) to parse axes handles The Deep Post:
"Before we can visualize the data, we have to define the space it lives in.
is the silent gatekeeper of our visualizations—parsing the handles that ground our complex simulations into something we can actually see. It reminds us that in both code and life, if your 'axes' aren't properly aligned, even the most accurate data can lead to a false perspective. Precision at the foundation is the only way to reach clarity at the finish." Which one resonates more with your project? Knowing your intended audience
(e.g., developers, activists, or designers) can help me refine the tone!
primarily refers to two distinct technical contexts: a web-based PDF accessibility tool by the company axes4 and an undocumented MATLAB function used for managing plot handles.
Below is a draft post that addresses both interpretations, depending on which "axescheck" you are interested in. Option 1: PDF Accessibility (axes4 axesCheck)
If you are looking to share a post about document accessibility, this draft focuses on its use for WCAG 2.1 and PDF/UA compliance Let me know the exact context
Post Title: Is Your PDF Truly Accessible? Put it to the Test with axesCheck
Ensuring your digital documents are inclusive is no longer optional—it’s a standard. If you’re regularly producing high volumes of PDFs, manual checking just isn't scalable.
, a free web-based service that allows you to instantly validate your documents against standards. Instant Validation:
Simply upload your PDF to receive a detailed accessibility report. Standards-Based: Built on the same engine as , the industry standard for PDF testing. Scalable Workflow: Combine it with
to automate the creation of compliant documents directly from Microsoft Word. Don't leave accessibility to chance. Use
to ensure every reader has unrestricted access to your information. Option 2: MATLAB Programming (axescheck function)
If you are writing for a technical audience of developers, this draft highlights the utility of the undocumented Post Title: Pro-Tip: Handling MATLAB Graphics Handles with
Ever written a custom plotting function and struggled to handle both user-supplied axes and data arguments seamlessly? You might want to look into the undocumented utility While not officially part of the public API, is frequently used by internal MATLAB functions to:
Accessible documents using the free version of PDF/UA-2 - axes4
axesCheck Pro is an automated, web-based validation engine designed to ensure digital documents comply with international accessibility standards like ISO 14289 (PDF/UA) and WCAG 2.1. It acts as a comprehensive quality gate for document creators, providing instant pass-fail feedback and actionable remediation insights. axesPDF: Correct PDF accessibility easily - axes4
Based on standard programming conventions and the typical naming patterns of utility libraries (like Python's matplotlib or validation libraries), axescheck is not a widely recognized standard function in major mainstream libraries. It is likely a custom utility function or a typo for argcheck / assert logic.
However, based on the name, it clearly implies a validation routine to ensure arguments meet specific criteria (valid axes, shapes, types, or ranges) before a computation proceeds.
Here is a put-together feature specification and implementation for a robust axescheck utility.
The tools and techniques used for an axes check can vary widely: