Creating Universal PowerPoint Content

Slide Layout and Structure

Create clearly written, easy to read content
Ensure sufficient contrast between the text and background
Use real text rather than text within graphics; embedded elements are unreadable by a screen reader
Select basic, simple, easily to read fonts; avoid fancy fonts
Use a limited number of fonts (3 maximum)
Avoid small font sizes; use more than one slide if/when necessary for readability
Limit the use of font variations such as bold, italics, and all capital letters
Avoid large blocks of italic, capitalized, underlined text
Do not rely only on the appearance of the font (color, shape, font variation, placement, etc.) to organize text or convey meaning
Avoid moving, blinking, auto-refreshing text
Add structure by using the styles/themes provided within the software application in the correct order, i.e. H1 for initial heading, H2 for secondary heading
Make links understandable out of context (e.g. if read alone)
Do not use the words “click here” or “more” for a link
Use meaningful hyperlink text that provides a clear description of the link destination rather than the URL
Add display text and ScreenTips to hyperlinks
Avoid using a large number of links within a page (less than 10)
Format links using the style chosen

(text boxes, pictures, clip art, shapes, SmartArt, groups, embedded objects, video, audio)

Avoid using Text Boxes as they appear as graphic elements and may not be accessible
Only use images if they are critical to communicate or support meaning
Include meaningful alternative (alt) text and meaningful textual descriptions for graphical images (including diagrams and charts)
- Create simplified, easy to understand titles to describe an image
- Draft textual descriptions that explain the layout and other details of the image such as makeup, structure, and significance; include any words that may be part of the image

Adding a caption below the image will help all users understand the purpose of the image
Avoid animated images
Do not add graphics that distract from the content

Tables, charts, and graphs should be added using the appropriate slide layout or by selecting the item from the Insert menu
Limit use of tables to the presentation of data; do not use for slide layout
Do not include large tables or provide a detailed description for understanding the table content
Ensure data in tables reads from left to right
Create clear column headings that provide context and assist with navigation
Use simple table structure where data is predictable and easy to navigate; do not use nested tables, or merged or split cells inside of data tables
Avoid using blank cells for formatting; delete unnecessary blank cells or, if your table is used specifically to layout content, clear all table styles

Include alt text to identify media
Include an area at the bottom of each slide for text captions; captions must be synchronized with audio
Include closed captions and transcripts for video

See also:

Additional Resources

How to Guides

Other