Tips for Accessible Google Documents

1. Structure with Headings

Instead of just bolding text, use the Styles menu (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.). Start with one Heading 1 and then use Heading 2s for following sections.

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Pro Tip: Use them in order—don't jump from Heading 1 to Heading 3.

2. Use Descriptive Link Text

Avoid using "click here" or pasting long, messy URLs. Instead, highlight descriptive words and link those.

Good: [Read the 2024 Report]

Bad: [Click here] or https://docs.google.com/document/d/12345

3. Add Alt Text to Images

Right-click any image, select Alt text, and write a brief description of what’s in the image.

4. Stick to Simple Tables

Only use tables for data, not for page layout.

Header Rows: Mark the top row is as a header by clicking on the pin icon on the left side of the top row.

Keep it Simple: Avoid merging or splitting cells, which can confuse the reading order.

5. Check Your Contrast & Fonts

Contrast: Stick to dark text on a light background.

Fonts: Use "Sans Serif" fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Verdana at a minimum size of 11pt or 12pt for better legibility.

6. Use Built-in Lists

Always use the Bulleted or Numbered list buttons from the toolbar rather than typing dashes or numbers manually.

Use the GrackleDocs Checker

GrackleDocs is a free browser extension and accessibility checker you can use to identify and fix accessibility issues within your Google documents. To get started, follow these steps:

1. Install the Grackle Docs, Grackle Slides, and/or Grackle Sheets browser extensions.

2. To check your document’s accessibility, click “Extensions,” then click “Grackle Docs,” then click “Launch.”

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3. The Grackle Docs accessibility checker will appear on the right side of your document. Any accessibility issues you have will be marked with a red X icon. Click the links under these issues to fix them.

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4. After fixing any issues, click the “Re-Check” button at the top of the accessibility checker. Once you pass all of the checks, you can share your document with others.

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