Accessible PowerPoint (implementation guide)

4.3. Highlighting

Emphasis using capital letters, italics, bold, underlining or text effects (colour gradient as colour fill, glow effects, text outline) is used sparingly.

What does that mean?

The highlighting of text passages using capital letters or text effects such as colour gradients, glow effects or text contours should be used sparingly. In addition to capital letters, such highlighting can also include italicised and bold text, underlined text and text effects, as well as shadows, soft edges, relief, reflections or a luminous look. These emphasisations should be limited to individual words at most so as not to disrupt the flow of reading and to ensure a clear structure. It is important to ensure that the font is sans serif and not too thick or too thin (see 4.2).

Why is it important?

Highlighting with capital letters or eye-catching text effects can disrupt the reading flow and impair the readability of the text. If, for example, important information is highlighted with various text effects such as glow effects, colour gradients and other highlights, this can distract readers from the actual content. However, a clear structure and easy readability are particularly important for recipients who have difficulty following the flow of the text or recognising/reading it. Many effects and highlighting can also have an overstimulating effect.

How can I implement/check it?

To check the text for highlighting, proceed as follows:

1. Take a look at the presentation.
2. Search for text passages that have been highlighted in bold, italics or coloured markings.
3. Consider whether the means used actually offer added value for understanding.
4. If in doubt, remove the highlighting.

Remove italics and underlining:

1. Select the text that should not be italicised or underlined.
2. Click on the "I" (for italics) and/or the "U" (for underlining) in "Start" under "Font" to remove these formatting options.