Accessible PowerPoint (implementation guide)

2.1. Main language

The main language of the presentation corresponds to the language of the spell check.

What is meant by this?

It is important that the language set for the spell checker in PowerPoint matches the language that is primarily used in the presentation. If multiple languages are used in a presentation, the language for certain sections or words can be changed manually to ensure that the spell checker works correctly.

Why is it important?

It is important that the main language of the presentation matches the language of the spell checker to ensure that the presentation is read out correctly in terms of pronunciation using speech output programmes. Otherwise, a presentation may be difficult to understand for recipients with limited reading ability, learning difficulties or visual impairments who receive presentations with the support of a screen reader or voice output programme. If the actual language does not comply with the spell checker, this can lead to incorrect pronunciation by the speech output programmes, so that the content of the presentation is misunderstood or distorted in its meaning.

How can I implement/check it?

To customise the main language in a document, there are different procedures for Mac and Windows operating systems:

The main language of a PowerPoint presentation can be customised as follows:

For Mac:

The main language in Mac cannot be customised. The main language applies during installation.

For Windows:

1. Open the presentation and click on "File" in the menu bar.
2. Click on "Options" at the end of the menu.
3. Click on "Language" on the left-hand side of the window.
4. Select the desired language from the "Main language for documents" drop-down menu.
5. Click on "OK" to save the settings.

As soon as the main language of the presentation has been changed, PowerPoint's correction aids and spell checkers are automatically set to this language.