Test PowerPoint

PowerPoint presentations 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 PowerPoint is accessible? Use the instructions below to find out.

Run Automated Testing

In the PowerPoint app, follow Microsoft’s instructions to run the accessibility checker.

Review more information from Microsoft about making PPT presentations accessible.

Additional Manual Testing

Not all accessibility issues can be identified with an automated accessibility checker. For further information and to fully test your file, review the manual tests below.

AreaRequirementManual Testing
Slide TitlesEvery slide must have a unique, descriptive title. 
Font UseFonts are easy to read, are set at a sufficient size, and don't use all capital letters or excessive italics. 
ListsAny lists must be properly formatted.
  1. Select the lines of text that you want to make into a list.
  2. In the menu that appears, select the type of list that seems to be applied (bulleted or numbered).
    • If the list formatting disappears from the list items, it was formatted correctly. Select the list icon again to reapply the formatting.
    • If the list formatting remains on the page but there are extra bullets, numbers or tabs, it is likely that the list was artificially created to look like a list.
ImagesMeaningful images have alternative text.
  1. Right-click on the image and select Format Picture....
  2. Ensure that the Description conveys the meaning of the image.
    • If the image is purely decorative, there needn't be a Description.
    • If the Description is more than a sentence, there should also be a brief Title.
Color ContrastEnsure appropriate color contrast so that content can be read by people with visual disabilities.

(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.)

Color for MeaningDo not rely on color alone to convey meaning.Do a visual check for correct use of color
TablesTables have are simple and have a header row. 
VideoAny videos must have captions.Watch the video and check to see if text appears onscreen narrating the spoken words.
HyperlinksLinks are added properly and link text is concise, unique and descriptive. 
Slide Content Reading OrderSlide elements can be tabbed through in a logical order. 

Fix Issues

Address any issues you have found. Review resources to Make PowerPoint Documents Accessible.