Accessible presentations make it easier for more people to access, use, and learn from presentations.
If you plan to distribute the PowerPoint as a .pptx or PDF file:
- Use templates to create slides in PowerPoint (using existing slide layouts or by adding slide layouts to the Slide Master).
- Do not use text boxes to add content.
- Avoid using the "Design Ideas" feature. Many of the layouts are not accessible.
- Images should have alternative text or be marked as decorative.
- Check the reading order using the Reading Order tool.
- Text in images should be accessible as plain text
- Embed hyperlinks in text, do not paste an entire URL on a slide (unless it is extremely short).
- Hyperlinks should use meaningful text. Do not use phrases such as "click here" or "read more", etc.
- Slide titles should be unique. Avoid giving multiple slides the same title.
- Whenever possible, create tables within PowerPoint. Do not copy and paste images of tables.
Additional tips for presentations:
- Use dark text on a light background
- Font should be at least 22pt and preferably sans-serif
- Use clear, concise language
- Ensure all graphic elements have good contrast and clarity, not just slide text
- Do not incorporate flashing elements and reduce or eliminate the use of animations
- Moving elements (gifs, animations) should not start automatically when the slide is viewed
- Read all text included on the slide when presenting, do not assume all participants can see what is being presented
- All embedded videos should be captioned
When screen sharing
- Share audio as well as video
- Do not assume users will be able to read very small text on your screen
- Avoid excessive scrolling
- If using the cursor to indicate content, change the size and/or color to make it easier to see