How to Create Accessible Icons in Microsoft PowerPoint

Accessibility in design ensures that content is understandable and usable for everyone. Today’s post explains how to create accessible icons in Microsoft PowerPoint by focusing on color contrast, clear outlines, and intuitive design.

Video Guide

Accessible icons are designed to be distinguishable, especially for users with visual impairments. By using high color contrast, bold outlines, and thoughtful placement, these icons effectively convey information while adhering to accessibility standards.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Accessible Icons

1. Insert Icons
   • Open the Insert tab in PowerPoint and select the Icons option.
   • Browse the library and choose an icon that fits the intended message. For example, a “stop” icon with a cross or circle works well for warnings.
2. Customize Colors for Accessibility
   • Select the icon and open the Graphics Format tab.
   • Set the Fill color to red to provide a strong visual signal.
   • Change the Outline color to black to ensure clear contrast against most backgrounds.
3. Enhance Visibility with Thick Borders
   • Adjust the Outline Width to make the icon’s border thicker. This improves visibility and helps meet accessibility contrast standards.
4. Apply Adjustments to Multiple Icons
   • Hold the Control (Ctrl) key to select several icons.
   • Apply the same fill and outline changes to maintain consistency in your design.

Align Icons for Clear Communication

After customizing the icons, position them strategically on the slide to match their purpose. For example, note the consistent placement of the tick marks above to signal status. Correct alignment and placement improve the slide’s usability and clarity.

Accessible Icon Best Practices

Icons designed with accessibility in mind enhance clarity and usability for everyone, comply with accessibility standards, and demonstrate a commitment to inclusive design practices.

• Use high-contrast colors like black and red to make icons distinct.
• Add thick outlines to improve visibility.
• Position icons strategically to enhance communication.
• Apply consistent adjustments across all icons for uniformity.
• Incorporate accessibility principles into every design element.

Creating accessible icons in PowerPoint ensures that designs are functional and inclusive, making information more accessible to 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!