Accessible PowerPoint Presentations
Since Microsoft PowerPoint presentations often incorporate many visual or audio elements, it is important that each presentation be fully accessible. Below are a few important steps to start making your PowerPoint presentations accessible.
Tips for Making PowerPoint Presentations Accessible
Add Unique Titles to Each Slide
Slide titles are used for navigation and selection by people who are not able to view the slide.
Captions and Audio Descriptions
If you use audio or video components, ensure that all audio is captioned, and any visuals are audio-described.
Use Content Placeholders
Use placeholders in place of Text boxes so readers have access to the text in your slides. To check this, open View / Outline View. All text (except tables and alt text) should display in this pane.
Notes Might Not be Read
Some users of assistive technology cannot easily access your notes from your presentation. Consider adding them into a slide or sharing them in another format.
Find these tips and more when you download the Accessibility Quick Card for PowerPoint Presentations or download the complete set for more important tips.
PowerPoint Resources
- PowerPoint 101 - the basics of making accessible PowerPoint decks
- Minnesota Resource Guide for Accessible O365 Documents (PDF)
What to Learn Next
Excel
Learn how to make your spreadsheets and charts accessible in Microsoft Excel.
Word
Learn how to use the features in Microsoft Word to create accessible documents.
Learn how to make your PDF documents accessible using Acrobat’s built-in features.
InDesign
Learn how to design your documents with accessibility in mind using Adobe InDesign.