Accessible Color in Powerpoint
When you use color effectively, you ensure that all students can understand the information you are sharing in Powerpoint slides, including those with perceptual differences like dyslexia, low vision, blindness, and color-blindness.
This resource provides guidance to help you create Powerpoint presentations that are more accessible in accordance with WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) 2.1.
Don’t rely on color alone
Information should not be conveyed only through color to convey meaning. Add other cues, like text descriptions, so the information is understandable even if colors cannot be distinguished. For example, if you are using a color-coded pie chart on a slide, don’t assume that readers can distinguish between colors to read the chart. Add text labels to identify the segments of the chart.
Use sufficient color contrast
Sufficient contrast between the text and the background makes text easy to read, especially for people with visual impairments or color blindness. Using white and black schemes whenever possible makes it easier for all readers to distinguish text and shapes. If you are using other colors, choose darker rather than brighter colors to increase readability.
Contrast is measured by comparing the brightness of the two colors being presented. Regular text smaller than 18pt regular font needs a contrast ratio (foreground to background) of at least 4.5:1. Large text (at least 18pt regular or 14pt bold) needs a minimum contrast ratio (foreground to background) of 3:1.
Use Powerpoint features
When you are creating a new Powerpoint, the most efficient strategy is to start with an accessible template. You can find accessible templates by opening Powerpoint, going to the File tab selecting New. Then type “accessible templates” in the search bar. Microsoft also allows you to create your own accessible templates using Copilot.
Many built-in themes in Powerpoint will help ensure proper color contrast. To use a built-in theme, open a Powerpoint file, click the Design tab and select Themes.
If you are using visuals in a Powerpoint, the Smart Art feature will help ensure appropriate color contrast. To add visuals using Smart Art when working on a slide, click the Insert tab and select Smart Art. Use this feature instead of adding shapes or text boxes for greater accessibility.
Check for color contrast
If you are using colors besides black and white in a Powerpoint presentation, there are tools to help you ensure that you are using color accessibly.
- Powerpoint's built-in Accessibility Assistant can help identify low-contrast text. It will flag contrast issues and recommend fixes. Click the Review tab and select Check Accessibility to open the assistant.
- You can use color contrast checkers like the WebAIM Color Contrast Checker or the WCAG Color Contrast Checker to ensure that the contrast ratio meets accessibility standards.
Additional Resources
Microsoft. (n.d.). Use more accessible colors and styles in slides.
WebAIM. (2021). Contrast and color accessibility.
World Wide Web Consortium. (2025). Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1.