Module 3 | PowerPoint | Reading Order
Slide Reading Order
To make sure everyone can read the contents on a PowerPoint slide in the order you intend, it is important to check the reading order. Using built-in slide layout designs will assist with inclusive and accessible reading order. Setting and reviewing the reading order of each slide will allow screen reading software to read the information in a logical order and ensure that links and form fields can be tabbed through sequentially.
Consider this:
- When a sighted user views a slide, they usually read things (such as text or a picture) in the order the elements appear on the slide
- In contrast, a screen reader reads the elements of a slide in the order they were added to the slide, which might be very different from the order in which things visually appear
How To Check Reading Order
First, from the Home Ribbon, select the Arrange drop-down menu.
Next, choose the Selection Pane option which will list each element on the slide and the order in which it will be read.
Finally, Click on an element in the Selection Pane to see the corresponding element highlighted in the slide. Drag and drop it to the correct reading order location.
Important! The reading order starts at the bottom and moves upward. On the following example, the Title will be read last, and not first, and therefore needs to be moved to the bottom to be in the correct reading order.
Select each item, going from bottom to top, and adjust the order as necessary. This process needs to be completed on every slide.
Video Tutorial: Reading Order (2:37)
The following video demonstrates how to check and correct the reading order on PowerPoint slides. Please also find a written guide under the Resources section of this page.
Resources
- PowerPoint Slide Reading Order Links to an external site.
- WebAIM - Slide Reading Order Links to an external site.