Canva to PowerPoint Accessibility Review

In today’s post, we’re examining what happens when you convert a Canva presentation to PowerPoint. You’ll learn what to look for to ensure PowerPoint accessibility in your own conversions.

Video Guide

Utilizing Canva’s AI feature, we create a presentation on the importance of digital accessibility. Despite the convenience of Canva’s design tools, we encounter challenges upon exporting the presentation to PowerPoint.

PowerPoint Accessibility Check

Running an accessibility check reveals significant issues. Objects are exported individually, lacking alternative text, and crucially, none of the slides have titles. The disorganized reading order further complicates accessibility, posing difficulties for screen readers like Jaws and NVDA.

Exploring PDF Conversion

In an attempt to improve accessibility, we explore converting the presentation to a PDF format. However, initial attempts yield unsatisfactory results, with the PDF resembling an image-only format, devoid of tags crucial for accessibility.

Refining PDF Accessibility

Upon refining the PDF conversion process by opting for a non-flattened PDF, some improvements are observed. However, challenges persist, including untagged content and issues with text cohesion, hindering screen reader functionality.

Limitations of Canva Export

Our evaluation underscores the inadequacy of Canva’s export functionality in ensuring accessibility. Presentations exported to PowerPoint or PDF lack essential accessibility features, impeding usability for individuals relying on assistive technologies.

Powerpoint Accessibility Workflow

To address these shortcomings, a comprehensive PowerPoint accessibility workflow is essential. This involves adding tags, setting metadata, and conducting thorough testing with screen readers. These steps are crucial for enhancing the accessibility of final deliverables.

In navigating the intersection of design and accessibility, it’s evident that Canva’s export capabilities fall short of ensuring inclusive digital content. By prioritizing accessibility workflows and embracing best practices, we can foster a more inclusive online environment for all users.

Let me be your champion for inclusion. I offer tailored solutions (and self-paced courses!) to ensure your documents meet and exceed compliance expectations. For more detailed insights, tutorials, and in-depth discussions on accessibility and related topics, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel: The Accessibility Guy on YouTube. Subscribe for regular updates!