Accessible Excel (implementation guide)

7.5. Font graphics

No illustrations are used to represent text ("font graphics"). Exception: Essential font graphics have a meaningful alternative text. Redundant font graphics are labelled as decorative.

What is meant by this?

It is recommended not to display text using font graphics. Instead, the text should be typed and formatted as actual text. If font graphics are still used, it is necessary to provide an alternative text that describes the content of the graphic. If the font graphics are redundant and contain the same text as the surrounding text, they should be labelled as decorative.

Type graphics are graphics that consist entirely of text characters and symbols and do not contain images, photos or other visual elements. Font graphics are often used for the design of logos, posters, banners and other marketing materials. WordArt is a font graphic that allows users to design text in different styles and shapes.

Why is it important?

The use of font graphics can lead to limitations in the accessibility of digital content, as they cannot be recognised by screen readers or voice output for recipients with visual impairments. If the text is entered and formatted as real text, it can be read more easily by assistive devices. However, if written graphics are used, it is important to provide alternative text to ensure that the content of the graphic can be understood by all recipients.

How can I implement/check it?

To avoid font graphics in Excel, you should enter and format the text as real text instead of inserting it as an illustration. If you still use font graphics, you can specify an alternative text by right-clicking on the illustration and selecting "Alternative text". Enter a description of the text in the illustration in the "Description" field.

If the font graphics are redundant, you can mark them as decorative by right-clicking on the graphic and selecting "Mark as decorative".