How to Create Accessible Google Slides Presentations

A comprehensive guide on using built-in tools and best practices to ensure Google Slides presentations are accessible to all users.

Use the steps below to make your Google Slides presentations easier to read, navigate, and review.

If you are unsure what settings or information are required, review the Creating Accessible Digital Content article for detailed explanations and best practices.

Note: This article uses screenshots to demonstrate instructions. There may be occasional differences in the menu options between software versions and/or Windows and Mac versions.

Google Slides Quick Checklist

• Every slide has a unique title
• Presentation uses built-in slide layouts
• Slides use simple, readable text
• Lists use bullet or numbering tools
• Images and graphics have alt text
• Slide content appears in a logical reading order
• Links use descriptive text
• Tables are simple, headers and columns are labelled
• Fonts and colors are high contrast
• Live captions are used when appropriate
• The presentation passes the Grackle Slides review

Create Accessible PowerPoint Presentations

Give every slide a title

Make sure each slide has a unique title.

1. Select the slide.
2. Click the title placeholder.
3. Type a clear slide title.
4. Repeat for each slide.
   
   

Use built-in slide layouts

Use slide layouts instead of manually placing every item.

1. Select the slide.
2. Go to Slide.
3. Select Apply layout.
4. Choose the layout you want.
5. Add content into the built-in placeholders. 
   
   

Use simple text formatting

Keep slide text clear and easy to read.

• Use short slide titles.
• Use bullet lists for grouped points.
• Keep font sizes readable.
• Use clear, simple fonts.
• Avoid putting too much text on one slide.

Use bulleted and numbered lists

Use built-in list formatting for grouped content. Do not create lists by typing symbols manually.

1. Select the text.
2. Select Bulleted list or Numbered list from the toolbar.
3. Add each item on a new line.
   
   

• Use bulleted lists when the order isn’t sequential, such as key concepts.
• Use numbered lists when the order sequence is important, such as instructions.

Add Alt Text to images and graphics

Add alt text to images, drawings, charts, and other visual elements.

1. Select the image or object.
2. Right-click the item.
3. Select Alt text.
4. Enter a clear description.
5. Select OK.
   
   
   
   

Keep reading order logical

Arrange slide content in a clear order to ensure screen readers navigate the slide correctly.

• Place the title at the top of the slide.
• Keep related content grouped together.
• Avoid scattering text boxes across the slide.
• Use built-in layouts to keep content organized.
• Review each slide to make sure the content reads in a logical order.

Use descriptive link text

Make links clear and specific. Avoid vague text such as "Click here" or "More," and avoid long raw URLs unless needed.

1. Select the text you want to link.
2. Right-click to open the options menu and select Link.
3. Enter the link in the URL field. 
   
   

Use accessible tables carefully

• Use tables only when needed for data; do not use them for layout.
• Keep the structure simple.
• Use clear labels in the first row.
• Avoid blank rows and blank columns for spacing.
• Use Grackle Slides to add additional accessibility features, including setting columns and rows as headers. 
  
  
  
  

Check font and color use

• Use a clear, readable font.
• Make sure text stands out from the background (high contrast).
• Do not rely on color alone to show meaning.
• Avoid low-contrast color combinations. 
  
  

Use live captions when presenting

Turn on captions during a live presentation to help your audience follow along.

1. Start the presentation.
2. Click the three dots menu next to the slide number.
3. Open the captions preferences.
4. Turn on Toggle Captions.
5. Optional: Set the position and size.
   
   
   
   

Review with Grackle Slides

If your organization uses Grackle, run it as a final accessibility review.

1. Open the Google Slides presentation.
2. Open the Extension menu, select Grackle Slides, then Launch.
   
   
    
3. Run the accessibility check.
4. Review the issues shown in the checker panel.
   
   
    
5. Select each issue to see what needs to be fixed.
6. Return to the presentation and make the updates.
7. Run the checker until the review is complete and all 16 checks have passed.