Accessible PowerPoint (implementation guide)

7.5. Animated graphics

No animated graphics (GIFs) are used.

What is meant by this?

Animated graphics in the form of GIF files should not be used in a presentation. Animated graphics or GIFs (Graphics Interchange Format) are file formats for graphics that can play a sequence of images in a loop to create a short animation. The looping function means that GIFs are played over and over again until the viewer closes them or scrolls further. Still images can also be converted to GIF format, but this significantly reduces the quality.

Why is it important?

The use of animated graphics should not be used in the design of accessible digital content. It is important to note that GIFs generally do not offer the option of pausing or stopping the animation, which makes it difficult for recipients with concentration difficulties, for example, to grasp the content or concentrate on content outside the animation. Fast movements or flickering effects can also trigger seizures in some recipients with photosensitivity.

How can I implement/check it?

To search specifically for GIFs in your presentation, you can check the slides manually. Click on each slide and visually check whether a GIF is present.

Alternatively, you can use the animation area in PowerPoint to search for animations, including GIFs, in your presentation:

1. Switch to the "Animations" tab in the menu bar at the top.
2. Click on "Animation area" in the "Advanced" group.
3. The animation area opens on the right-hand side of the screen. Here you can see an overview of all the animations in your presentation.
4. Check the animations for the presence of GIFs. A GIF is normally displayed as an "image" in the list of animations.