Test Google Slides

Google Slides used or developed at U-M are required to meet digital accessibility standards and provide equitable access for people with disabilities.

Not sure if your Slides presentation is accessible? Use the instructions below to find out.

Learn how to make Google Slides accessible.

Area Requirement Manual Testing
Color Contrast Make sure there is sufficient contrast between text and background colors.
  • Find the hex value for the text and background colors by opening the color menu and selecting Custom, or by using an eyedropper extension like ColorZilla 
  • Enter the hex values into the WebAIM Contrast Checker and ensure the combinations pass WCAG 2.1 AA.

(Note that Regular text size is defined as less than 24 pixels non-bolded or less than 18 pixels bolded. Large text is anything larger.)
Slide Titles Each slide must have a title. Open Presenter View. In the Presenter window, review the slides dropdown menu for a title on each slide.
Slide Content Reading Order Tab order follows the natural reading order. Click in each slide and use just the Tab key (to go forward) and Shift-Tab (to go backward) to traverse the slide. Note where the focus moves and see if it follows the natural reading order.
Lists Lists must be properly formatted.
  • Select the text that has been made into a list
  • From the Format menu, select Bullets and numbering, then choose the intended type of list (bulleted or numbered).
Images Images have alternative text.

Right-click on the image, and select Alt Text.

  • Add meaningful alt text in the Description area under the Alt Text menu
  • If the image is purely decorative, leave Description blank
Video Any videos must have captions. Watch the video and check to see if text appears onscreen narrating the spoken words.
Tables Tables are very simple in nature and the first row has column headings. Visually determine that the first row has text that would logically be headings. Visually determine that table is simple in nature - no column or row spans, no nested tables.
Speaker Notes There are speaker notes with additional information. These will be read by screen readers and will help immensely. Visually check the speaker notes to see if they provide additional context.

To fix any issues found in the above tests, see the guide: Make Google Slide Presentations More Accessible.