Use this quick card to build PowerPoint slides that are structured, legible, and accessible to screen readers, keyboards, and audiences in the back of the room.
This Field Guide is part of the Digital Accessibility Field Guides collection from DASH. Use it as a quick reference while you work, and download the printable Word version to share with your team.
Use an accessibility checker
- Open Review > Check Accessibility to find barriers and suggested fixes.
- Resolve Errors, Warnings, and Tips before sharing the deck.
Give every slide a unique title
- Start from built-in slide layouts that include a title placeholder.
- Write a unique, meaningful title for each slide — titles help screen readers navigate.
- If a title should not be visible, move the placeholder off-slide rather than deleting it.
Add alt text to visuals
- Right-click an image, chart, or shape and choose View Alt Text.
- Describe the visual’s meaning in one or two concise sentences.
- Mark purely decorative visuals with “Mark as decorative.”
Verify reading order
- Open Home > Select > Selection Pane — items are read bottom-up.
- Reorder text boxes, shapes, and images so they follow a logical flow.
- Avoid floating text boxes on Blank layouts; use built-in layouts instead.
Use readable text and color
- Use at least 24 pt body text in a sans-serif font (Arial, Calibri, Aptos).
- Keep body text contrast at 4.5:1; large text needs 3:1.
- Don’t rely on color alone — label chart series and key items directly.
Printable version
Download a one-page printable Word version of this Field Guide to keep at your desk or share with your team:
Related DASH resources
For more detailed guidance on digital accessibility, explore these related DASH pages:
- Digital Accessibility Field Guides – Browse every Field Guide in the collection.
- Digital Accessibility Checkpoints – Detailed checkpoints for every stage of content creation.
- Create Accessible Content – In-depth guidance for every content type.
- DASH Tools and Resources – Testing tools and utilities to help you check accessibility.
Getting help
If you have questions or need assistance applying this Field Guide, contact the Digital Accessibility Services Hub (DASH) Team. The DASH Team is available to support colleges, schools, and administrative units as they build sustainable accessibility practices.
- Contact DASH at [email protected] for consultations, training, or technical assistance.
- Visit the DASH training page for resources and learning opportunities.
Accessibility is a shared responsibility, and every step you take makes UGA’s digital environment more inclusive.