Google Docs has many tools to make accessible content creation possible. This page contains a few quick and easy tips and best practices for Google Docs.
Remember, it is easier to incorporate accessibility into your document at the beginning of the process than at the end!
The following elements are critical to success because they provide structure:
You can find these at the top of your document and through keyboard shortcuts.
We know that headings provide a structure to your documents that can help with readability. When used effectively, they can also help make ready-made tables of contents, sidebar navigation, and bookmarks!
It is important to use tables to present tabular data and not for the visual layout of documents. The first row of a table should be a heading. To establish one, click in your table, then choose Format > Table > Table properties and check Pin header row(s) under Row. More information is available through Google’s documentation.
Use WebAIM’s Contrast Checker to check any colors you choose within your documents to make sure there is enough contrast between the text and background.
Write unique link text and avoid “click here” to describe where links will take your reader.
Right-click on the image, then choose Alt Text. Keyboard shortcuts are:
Then use the Description field to describe your images. Learn how to write helpful alt text.
Ensure that your accessibility efforts make their way to your PDF! Use File > Download > PDF to preserve accessible markup. Read more about why this is important.