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Set up slides properly
- Use accessible templates and modify content placeholders in View > Slide Master.
- Choose standard or UW-branded accessible templates.
- Add document metadata under File > Info > Properties (title, subject, author).
- Use high-contrast colors for text and visuals.
- Confirm all text appears in View > Outline View.
Create unique slide titles
- Choose unique titles for each slide for clear structure and improved navigation.
- Add identifiers for repeated titles (e.g., “Slide 1 of 3”).
- Use concise titles using 5-10 words that fit on a single line.
Add alternative text (alt text) to visuals
- Describe key details of the image content and purpose in clear, concise terms.
- Apply to pictures, charts, SmartArt, shapes, and embedded objects.
- Avoid repeating surrounding text, file names, or phrases like “image of.”
Use an accessibility checker
- Open Review > Check Accessibility to identify potential barriers and receive improvement suggestions.
- The tool examines your content and identifies barriers with recommended solutions.
- Status bar notifications will alert you when accessibility problems are found.
Prepare for sharing slides post-presentation
- When sharing slides, use a native PowerPoint (.pptx) file and make it accessible (avoid saving as and sharing as a pdf).
- Use meaningful link text instead of long alphanumeric URLs and include full title of destination page when possible.
- Check the reading order for slides using the Selection Pane and Reading Order Pane tools.
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