Accessibility in presentations matters because it ensures everyone can follow along and understand your content. Whether someone uses a screen reader, has trouble with small text, or gets overwhelmed by cluttered slides, good design keeps everyone included. Smart choices make your presentations accessible, your message reaches everyone, and no one gets left out.
Use the right format
Presentations aren’t a good replacement for documents. Documents have better accessibility features.
Add headings and slide titles
Give each slide a unique title. Titles help people understand what the slide is about. Screen readers use slide titles for navigation.
Keep slides simple
Don’t cram too much onto one slide. If you have a lot to say, spread the content across more slides.
Use clear fonts and big text
Choose easy-to-read fonts like Arial or Calibri. Make the text large enough so everyone can see it easily.
Pick high-contrast colors
Use colors that stand out, like black text on a white background.
Don’t rely on color alone
Color can be helpful, but don’t use it as the only way to share information.
Think about how it will be viewed
For screens, dark backgrounds work fine. For projectors, light backgrounds are easier to see.
Add alt text to images
Write a short description for each image so people who can’t see it still understand what it shows.
Limit animations
Animations can be distracting or confusing. Use them sparingly or avoid them altogether.
Avoid images of text
Screen readers can’t read text in pictures. Always use actual text instead of putting words in images.
Use clear links
Write descriptive link text that tells people where the link goes. Avoid pasting long URLs.
Check the accessibility
Use the Check Accessibility tool in the Review menu to find and fix any issues.
Fix the reading order
Make sure screen readers read slide content in the correct order. Adjust the reading order so everything makes sense.