Google Slides
Google Slides
Accessible slides are easier for everyone to read, navigate, and understand. The steps below will help you design slide decks that communicate clearly and work well for people using assistive technologies.
An automated accessibility checker helps identify and fix accessibility issues as you design.
Recommended Tool: Grackle Accessibility Checker. Grackle scans Google Slides, Docs, and Sheets for accessibility errors and walks you through the remediation process.
Tip: Automated tools won’t catch every issue, but they’re great reminders to design with accessibility in mind throughout your workflow.
Metadata helps users and assistive technologies identify your file.
Give your presentation a clear title and file name.
Set the document language to help screen readers pronounce text correctly.
How to Add Metadata
Rename your presentation at the top of the file, then go to File → Language to select the correct language.
Each slide should have a unique, descriptive title that summarizes its content. Slide titles create an outline for navigation and are used by screen readers to move between slides.
If multiple slides cover similar content, label them clearly (for example: Goals 1 of 3, Goals 2 of 3, Goals 3 of 3).
Tip: Avoid leaving slide titles blank, even if you visually hide them later.
Readable text helps all users engage with your content more effectively.
Use sans-serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, Verdana).
Keep text size at 18pt or larger for slides.
Use 1.5 line spacing for clarity.
Left-align text; avoid full justification.
Limit the amount of text per slide—aim for clarity over density.
Lists make content easier to scan and understand.
Break long paragraphs into bulleted or numbered lists.
Lists provide clear visual and structural cues for readers and assistive tools.
How to Add a List
Highlight your text → choose Format → Bullets & numbering → select a list style.
Use meaningful link text that tells users where the link leads.
Avoid “click here” or “read more.”
Instead, write links like View the Accessibility Guidelines or Explore UDL Resources.
If the presentation will be printed, include both the descriptive text and full URL.
How to Edit Link Text
Highlight the text → right-click → Insert link or Edit link.
Alternative text ensures that visuals are accessible to users who can’t see them.
Add alt text for all non-decorative images.
Keep it concise and descriptive—similar to a short sentence.
Don’t include phrases like “image of” or “photo of.”
How to Add Alt Text
Right-click on the image → select Alt text → enter a short, meaningful description.
Tip: If an image contains important text (e.g., in a chart, diagram, or poster), repeat that text in the slide notes or body text.
Tables can be challenging for screen readers.
Only use tables to display data, not to arrange layout or text boxes.
Keep the table simple—avoid merged or blank cells.
Include a header row and use clear column labels.
Add a caption or title describing the table’s purpose.
How to Improve Table Accessibility in Slides
Google Slides doesn’t currently support full table accessibility (like defining header cells), so:
Keep tables small and simple.
Repeat important data or summaries in nearby text.
Consider creating tables in Google Sheets (which supports accessibility features better) and linking or embedding them in your slides.
Tip: If a table’s layout is complex, consider using a chart or bulleted list instead.
Make sure text and visuals stand out clearly against the background.
Maintain a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text.
Avoid light text on light backgrounds or dark text on dark backgrounds.
Test color contrast using tools like TPGi’s Color Contrast Analyser or through an accessibility checker.
Don’t rely solely on color to show differences or meaning (e.g., “red items are required”).
Use a secondary cue, such as shape, pattern, or text label, to ensure meaning is communicated to everyone.
Screen readers read slide content in the order elements were added, which might not match the intended visual flow.
Use the Tab key to preview reading order.
Reorder slide elements as needed.
How to Fix Reading Order in Google Slides
Right-click on an element → choose Order → move objects Forward or Backward until the order matches the logical reading sequence.
Tip: The slide title should be at the back of the order list (so it’s read first).