Tag: word

There are a few things that document creators can do within Word to help ensure accessibility. Keep in mind that the content covered in the previous tabs in this Guide should be considered when designing a Word document. This page outlines a few basic Word tools that will allow users to identify images, format text, and format tables.

Image Identification

Microsoft Word allows you to add alt text to tables, diagrams, images, and other visual objects. The following illustrates how to accomplish this task.

To add Alt Text to an image:

1. Add the image to the document.
2. Select the image.
3. From the Word menu, select Format > Picture.
4. From the resulting prompt, click on Alt Text..
5. Enter the Alt Text into the Description field.
   Note: Do not enter the Alt Text into the Title field.
6. Click [OK].

Formatting Text

Microsoft Word contains a number of tools that can help users make text accessible. The following instructions outline how to create headers and lists.

Text Headings

To properly format text headings:

1. Select the text that should be a header.
2. From the Styles pane on the Home tab, select the appropriate Heading format.

Lists

To properly format numbered or bulleted lists:

1. Select the text that should be made into a list.
2. From the Paragraph pane on the Home tab, select either the Numbered or Bulleted list icon.
3. To indent list items, select the Indent icon.

Formatting Tables

Microsoft Word allows you to add alt text to describe the table and to indicate whether the first row is a header. The following instructions illustrate how to accomplish these tasks.

Table Headers

To identify the first row of a table as a header row:

1. Select the table.
2. From the Table menu item, select Heading Rows Repeat.

Table Alt Text

To add Alt Text to a table:

1. Select the table.
2. Click on Table in the top menu.
3. From the Table menu, select Table Properties.
4. If not already selected, click the Alt Text tab.
5. Enter the alternative text for the table into the Description field.
   Note: Do not add the alt text to the Title field.
6. Click [OK].

Resources

• Microsoft Word – Creating Accessible Documents This webpage outlines the tools available within Microsoft Word to ensure the document is accessible.