As you create presentations, use the following common practices to help ensure accessibility and usability for everyone.

Descriptive File Name

• Provide a descriptive document file name and title (Indiana University)
• Microsoft video on creating accessibility file names

Clear and Concise Content

• Write in plain language, avoiding jargon.
• Use a unique title on each slide.

Design & Slide Layout

• Use accessible PowerPoint templates.
• Use slide layouts to ensure consistent structure.
• Make changes to the template design within the slide master.
• Check slide reading order.

Color and Contrast

• Ensure the contrast ratio between text and background colors is at least 4.5:1 for normal text and 3:1 for large text (at least 18 point (typically 24px) or 14 point (typically 18.66px) and bold).
  • Avoid gold on white: Accessible Text & Color.
  • Visit the Check Accessibility webpage for a list of contrast checkers.
• Do not use color as the only method to convey meaning.
  • Include an additional descriptive component such as text, patterns, or shapes.
• Learn more about Contrast and Color Accessibility (WebAIM).

Readability and Text Formatting

• Use sans serif fonts (such as Arial or Helvetica).
• Use a font size of about 24 points or larger.
• Be concise. Your presentation should have more slides with fewer words per slide.
• Use bullets and ordered lists.

Accessible Link Text

• Link text should make the destination of the link clear.
• Avoid phrases like “click here,” “learn more,” and “read more.”
• Visit WebAIM’s article on Link Text and Appearance to learn more.
• Add accessible hyperlink text and ScreenTips

Accessible Images and Visuals

• Explore the DIAGRAM Center guide for how to describe non-text content for charts and graphs.
• Learn how to add alt text to visuals in Microsoft PowerPoint.
• Use the Alternative (Alt) Text Guide by The Ohio State University

Accessible Audio & Video

• Embedded media (video and audio files) need captions or subtitles.
• Add closed captions or subtitles to media in PowerPoint.

Check for Accessibility