PowerPoint Accessibility Quick Tips

Use Clear, Unique Slide Titles

• Give every slide a unique, descriptive title.

• Keep titles concise (5–10 words, one line).
• For repeated topics, add identifiers (e.g., “Budget – Q1”).
• Maintain Logical Structure & Reading Order
• Keep a clear reading order (title first, then content).
• Check using Home → Arrange → Selection Pane.

Add Alt Text to Visuals

• Include alt text for images, charts, shapes, and SmartArt.
• Describe purpose and key information (not appearance).
• Avoid phrases like “image of” or repeating nearby text.
• Mark decorative images with empty alt text ("").

Use Built-In Lists and Layouts

• Use PowerPoint bullets or numbered lists.
• Avoid manually typed symbols or fake lists.

Ensure Strong Visual Accessibility

• Maintain high color contrast (minimum 4.5:1).
• Use readable fonts (sans serif, 18pt+).
• Avoid using color alone to convey meaning.
• Don’t place important text inside images.

Check Accessibility

• Run Review → Check Accessibility.
• Fix flagged issues and use recommendations.
• Watch for status bar alerts.

Use Accessible Media

• Add captions to videos.
• Include audio descriptions if visuals convey key information.

Prepare Files for Sharing

• Share as an accessible .pptx (not just PDF).
• Use descriptive link text (not raw URLs).
• Verify reading order before sharing.
• Provide accessible notes or alternative formats when needed.

Download our accessibility ready PPT templates for creating internal presentations.

Learn How to Author and Test Microsoft PowerPoint Presentations for Accessibility

through a series of videos from the Accessible Electronic Document Community of Practice (AED CoP).